Blog
Our blogs contain helpful information & resources for homebuyers, homeowners, & the communities of Passaic County, Bergen County, Morris County, Essex County, Hudson County, & Sussex County.Sleep Well at Home: Optimizing Your Space for Restful Nights
As a homeowner, creating a space that promotes restful sleep is one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being. A home designed for sleep incorporates a combination of environmental factors, design choices, and good sleep habits. Let’s explore how to...
Enhance Your Home’s Efficiency with Energy-Efficient Doors
When it comes to energy efficiency, homeowners often focus on insulation, windows, and HVAC systems. However, your doors are crucial in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment and reducing energy costs. Investing in energy-efficient doors can improve your home's...
6 Home Safety Essentials for Every Homeowner
Your home is a place where you should feel secure and at ease. Ensuring your home is equipped with thorough safety measures provides peace of mind and protects your family and belongings. These home safety essentials will give you everything you need to protect...
Landscaping on a Budget: How to Transform Your Yard
Landscaping your property improves curb appeal and creates an inviting outdoor space for your family and friends. However, many homeowners are deterred by the costs associated with landscaping. The good news is that creating a stunning landscape is possible without...
Grill Safety: Tips for a Safe Summer BBQ
Summer is here, so it's time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious outdoor cooking. While grilling is a fantastic way to prepare meals, it's essential to prioritize safety. Whether you're a novice or a pro, following these grill safety tips will create a fun...
How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home: Effective and Safe Solutions
Discovering a trail of ants marching through your home can be frustrating. Ants are incredibly persistent pests, and once they've found a way into your space, getting rid of them can seem daunting. Fortunately, there are effective and safe methods to eliminate these...
7 DIY Bathroom Upgrades for a Fresh Look
Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or just like to keep things fresh, there are numerous ways to spruce up your bathroom without breaking the bank. DIY bathroom upgrades offer a perfect solution, allowing you to personalize your space and add functionality without...
Privacy for Outdoor Living Spaces: 5 Ways to Boost Enjoyment of Your Deck, Porch, or Patio
As homeowners, we enjoy outdoor spaces for relaxation, entertaining, and connecting with nature. However, achieving privacy in these areas can sometimes be challenging, especially in densely populated neighborhoods or urban settings. Fortunately, there are plenty of...
10 Essential Moving Tips for a Stress-Free Transition
Moving to a new home can be both exciting and stressful. Whether you're relocating across town or to a different city, proper planning and organization make the process smoother and more manageable. Here are ten essential moving tips to help you easily navigate your...
5 Signs Your Fireplace Needs Repairs
Neglecting your fireplace throughout the year can lead to problems when temperatures start to drop. While checking the fireplace for issues in late summer or early fall is a great idea, you may not notice indications of a problem until the fireplace is in use. Here...
5 Ways to Improve Exterior Lighting This Winter
Winter has arrived, and with it comes shorter days and longer, darker nights. As homeowners, we often prioritize the interior of the house when it comes to lighting, but the property's exterior is just as important. Adequate outdoor illumination boosts safety and...
6 Interior Painting Projects to Transform Your Home
As the seasons change, you might want to freshen up your home. For impactful DIY home upgrades, pick up a paintbrush. Interior painting projects update your space and make a dramatic difference. Here are six inspiring ideas to unleash creativity and transform living...
How to Sell Your House in 6 Steps
Listing and marketing your home can be complicated, but with careful planning, you can navigate the process smoothly and maximize your return. Here are six steps to guide you through how to sell your house successfully. Tips to Sell Your House Step 1: Prepare the...
Tips for Proper Installation and Smoke Detector Placement in the Home
Smoke detectors are essential devices in any home because they save lives. Fires can start anywhere, and a small fire can grow into a massive blaze if nobody is there to put it out. Smoke detectors alert you in the early stages of a fire, giving you time to act before...
Prevent Plumbing Problems: 7 Tips for Homeowners
Your property's plumbing system keeps things flowing smoothly. To avoid water damage and costly repairs, take proactive steps to prevent plumbing problems. Here are a few practical tips to help you care for your home and maintain a well-functioning plumbing system....
5 Tips for Preparing Your Fall Garden
Gardening in the fall lets you grow cool-weather crops and enjoy your property as the seasons change. With harvest season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning a lush, vibrant garden to bring life and color to your yard. From colorful...
6 Power Tool Safety Tips for Your Next Project
When using power tools, safety should always come first. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, taking the necessary precautions to complete your project safely and without injury is important. This article will discuss the basics of power tool...
7 Essential Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners
Every pet owner knows the struggle of trying to keep the home clean. Pet hair, dirt, and odor can be an issue if you don't have a good cleaning routine. These cleaning tips for pet owners can make tidying up a breeze. From choosing the right tools to DIY solutions,...
7 Easy Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home
If you suffer from allergies, many things in your home might aggravate them. From dust mites to pet hair, it can seem like no matter how hard you try, there's always something that is causing discomfort. Luckily, you can take plenty of steps to allergy-proof your...
5 Tips on How to Babyproof Your Home
Having a baby in the house can be a joyous but overwhelming experience. As your child gets mobile, it's necessary to childproof your home so they can safely explore. Fortunately, you can take plenty of steps to protect your baby while still having fun. In this...
8 Simple Ways to Reduce Household Waste
Every day, homes across the country generate tons of waste. From cardboard boxes to packaging materials and food scraps, it's easy for our trash to accumulate quickly. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple ways to reduce our part in that. Here are just a few simple...
5 Tips for Electrical Safety in the Home
As a homeowner, don’t overlook electrical safety. Every year there are thousands of reports of house fires caused by electrical malfunctions. To avoid danger, stay informed on best practices for electrical safety. Here are a few home electrical safety tips to protect...
6 Ways to Boost Winter Curb Appeal
The winter season doesn't have to mean downtime for your home on the market. There are many simple, budget-friendly ways to boost your property's curb appeal without breaking the bank. From using different colors and decorations to adding outdoor lights, here are our...
Water Damage in the Home: 4 Places it Can Occur and How to Prevent It
Most homeowners know the potential for water damage from major events such as hurricanes and flash flooding. But your house is also vulnerable to water damage from more common sources. Here are four surprising places that are susceptible to water damage in the home,...
Top 10 New Smart Home Features
If you're considering upgrading your home with some new smart features, you're probably wondering what's available and which ones are worth your investment. In this blog post, we'll go over some of the best new smart home features on the market and help you decide...
5 Tips for Chimney Maintenance
Your chimney is one of the most important parts of your home, and it’s important to keep it in good working condition. Here are a few tips for chimney maintenance that will help keep your home safe and comfortable all winter long. Schedule an annual inspection as part...
4 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Fall
Summer is coming to an end, and as the weather gets colder, adjust your living space accordingly. The fall brings cool, breezy weather, fallen leaves, and often the season's first ice. While spring cleaning is commonly known, tidying up your house for fall is just as...
5 Must-Have Tools for Homeowners
Whether you enjoy DIY home improvements or want to do some quick repairs, it is crucial to have the necessary tools for simple household tasks. However, knowing what tools to buy can be challenging, especially if you’re a new homeowner. To help you stock your toolbox,...
6 Easy DIY Kitchen Upgrades for Your Home
The kitchen is typically the center of a home. It is a busy place where people spend a lot of time preparing meals, eating, and spending time with one another. Renovating the entire kitchen at once is expensive and inconvenient. But, there are several things you can...
6 Attractive Plants for Your Patio
Plants are an excellent option for adding ambiance to your patio. Plant them in pots or soil along the edge. Plants make outdoor living spaces feel welcoming and more personalized. Here are a few attractive plants for your patio that are easy to grow and look...
5 Tips for Moving With Your Family
Moving can be stressful for anyone, but it can be extra challenging if you’re moving with your family; especially when you have young kids. Here are some tips to reduce stress and make moving with children easier. Downsize Your Stuff When Moving With Your Family If...
How to Hire a Real Estate Agent
Selling a home is one of the most financially impactful activities most people experience in their lives. Hire a real estate agent to help you through each step of the process. What Happens When You Hire a Real Estate Agent? Hiring a real estate agent officially...
5 Missed Spots When Spring Cleaning
If you’re getting ready for spring cleaning, you’ll find it helpful to know about several areas homeowners frequently overlook. Here are five spots that are often missed when spring cleaning. When planning a deep clean of your home, do a thorough job by adding these...
5 Easy Ways to Improve Home Security
Keeping Your Home Safe Every year hundreds of thousands of homes throughout the United States experience break-ins. Your home should be a place where you feel protected, but a single incident can shatter your safety and peace. Here are tips to improve home security...
4 Ways to Prepare to Sell Your Home in Winter
Spring and summer are often the busiest selling seasons of the year, but it’s still possible to sell your home in winter for a great price. A little bit of preparation can make a big difference in your house’s selling price and how long it sits on the market. How can...
Tips to Prepare Your Plumbing for Winter
Cold temperatures can be harsh on your home. The system that is most vulnerable to the impacts of freezing temperatures is plumbing. Take steps to prepare your plumbing for winter to reduce the chances of burst pipes, leaks, and water damage. Keep your home safe and...
Heat Your Home Efficiently
Heating your home can be quite expensive during the winter months. Statistics show that heating makes up more than half of the average household’s utility bill, and this also comes with an environmental impact. This is why it’s good to better manage your heating and...
7 Simple Ways to Be a Better Homeowner
Be a Better Homeowner When you own a home, there are many ways you can improve your property and your neighborhood. Here are eight simple ways to be a better homeowner. Light Up Your Home's Exteriors Exterior lighting not only improves the look of your home but also...
Why a Buyer’s Home Inspection is Important
Why a Buyer’s Home Inspection is Important: Never Skip This Critical Step If you are about to purchase a home, you need to have a home inspection done. This critical step involves a professional inspector physically inspecting the home for any needed repairs and to...
4 Garage Storage Solutions
Many households have garages that are so cluttered that they can’t park their cars in the space. Garages protect vehicles from theft and the elements. However, if all your stored belongings are disorganized, your garage can’t serve its primary purpose. Here are 4...
4 Signs of Termites in the Home
Being able to recognize signs of termites in the home is important to keep your home and property safe. Termites ingest wood and can cause considerable damage in a short amount of time. These insects are a concern because they lead to structural damage and costly...
4 Signs You Need a New Roof
Your roof is designed to protect your family and your belongings from the elements. With time, your roof will start showing signs of wear and tear. Be aware of these signs you need a new roof. Signs You Need a New Roof: Curled or Damaged Shingles If the shingles on...
5 Steps for Deck Safety
A deck adds value to your home and gives you a place to enjoy the outdoors and entertain guests. A wooden deck typically has a lifespan between 10 to 15 years, but a lack of maintenance or improper building methods can present hazards. Here are some deck safety tips...
Reasons to Order a Pre-Listing Inspection When Selling Your Home
Benefits of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection When you put your home on the market, you hope to sell it as quickly and easily as possible. However, successfully selling a property takes work and preparation. One of the most helpful steps for a seller is to order a...
7 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Air quality is more of a concern than ever after a year of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Poor indoor air quality can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies. Here are 7 ways to improve indoor air quality in your home. Ventilation to Improve Indoor Air...
5 Ways to Save Water at Home
Water is a valuable resource that we need to stay alive. It also makes household chores possible. Your water bill is a significant expense every month, but there are things you can do to make it cost less. Here are 5 ways to save water at home. Only Run Full Loads to...
5 Different Types of Flooring Materials
One of the best upgrades you can do for your home is replacing the floors. Flooring materials don’t last forever, and over time, wear and tear get the best of them. Hardwood floors can be refinished, but most other flooring types need to be replaced. Here are 5 types...
6 Home Safety Essentials Your Family Needs
When it comes to protecting your family and your home, there are simple things you can do to prepare for emergencies. These home safety essentials will help your household be ready for natural disasters and emergency situations. You and your family will feel peace of...
5 Ways to Keep Your Fireplace Safe
The temperature is dropping, and homeowners who have wood-burning fireplaces are eager to start their first fire of the season. Making small mistakes when lighting a fire in the fireplace can lead to major consequences. To keep your fireplace safe, follow these easy...
4 Tips to Make Cleaning Gutters Easier
Cleaning the gutters is a necessary home maintenance task. Gutters direct rainwater away from your home to prevent water damage. Gutters can fill with leaves, sticks, dirt, debris, and occasionally even sprout plants. You might be overwhelmed cleaning gutters...
6 Essential Fall Home Maintenance Tasks
As a homeowner, you're accustomed to cleaning, maintaining, and making improvements around the house. Each season brings new tasks for you to complete to keep your home in great condition. Here are a few important fall home maintenance tasks for you to tackle before...
The Dangers of Radon Exposure
Radon is a dangerous gas that can’t be seen, tasted, or smelled. Prolonged radon exposure can lead to lung cancer, and it’s especially bad for smokers. Luckily, radon can be detected through testing. Radon can be anywhere, so if you haven’t had your home tested, then...