Pocono Jack

Improving the look and functionality of your home goes a long way toward boosting its value.

But what types of renovation are today’s buyers looking for?

If you are thinking of remodeling, a national survey by Consumer Reports reveals the most sought-after amenities:

Getting your home into prime showing shape is essential to helping it sell in the shortest amount of time for the best possible price. But while a professional home stager can work wonders, it just might not be in your budget. Don’t despair - here are some great ways to inexpensively stage your home all on your own:

A recent report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS)—a collaboration between the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Harvard Kennedy School—states that today's homeowners want to take greater action to address healthy-home issues; however, they face obstacles such as lack of trustworthy, clear, and actionable information. In a related blog, report co-author Mariel Wolfson says the housing industry must do better demonstrating and responding to consumer demand.

Home improvements are sometimes necessary to make a house safer, more comfortable or more functional, but they are often very expensive. Many homeowners struggle to save money for upgrades and consider tapping into their retirement savings to fund projects, especially for urgently needed repairs, such as a roof replacement. Dipping into money set aside for your golden years may or may not be a wise move, depending on your circumstances.

We’ve all seen news reports about fly-by-night contractors who took thousands of dollars for home improvement projects and disappeared without completing the work. And you might have friends or neighbors who thought they had hired a competent contractor, but the company ended up doing a shoddy job or going way over budget.

Winter is a tough time for our well-being. Hygge (hoo-guh), a Danish lifestyle concept that emphasizes comfort, minimalism, togetherness, and coziness, is your secret weapon for preparing your home for winter. Shut out the cold with plush throws, pleasant scents, and wooden accents.

Create a cozy atmosphere with textiles 

If you’re looking to lower the interest rate on your existing loan, you may be thinking of refinancing your mortgage. And if you currently have an adjustable-rate mortgage, you may be considering switching gears entirely and taking advantage of a fixed-rate mortgage.