Weekend Projects That Will Change the Feel of Any Dining Room

 Winter is here, and with it comes cozy evenings and comfort food. Your weekend plans are more likely to include movies on the couch than a picnic in the park. This is the time of year when everyone takes a closer look at their home and looks for ways to add warmth to the spaces. 

If your meal plans include mac and cheese or hearty soups, these 5 tips can transform your dining room quickly – adding the ambiance these meals require. 

1. Add a Library – Add intellectual charm by lining a wall with bookshelves. Consider exchanging some chairs for a backed bench and create a multi-use room for dining and relaxing. 

2. Wood Side Table – Adding wood accents to any room is a great way to add warmth to the look. Adding or replacing your side table with a warm wood cabinet incorporates natural beauty to your dining room while adding extra storage space. 

3. Woven Back Chairs – Over the past few years, natural elements have made a comeback. Replacing tired upholstered chairs with wood or woven chairs adds interest and charm. 

4. Chandelier – Adding a large-scale chandelier brings the eye up and into the warm glow of the light. A chandelier centers the space, creating intimacy and ambiance. 

5. Candles – Simple taper candles on a cold evening change the mood of the room. The soft light of the candles invites family and guests to slow down and relax with some great food.

These are simple changes that will dramatically change the look and feel of any dining room. Warm up your dining rooms during these cold dark months with a few simple changes.

Navigating the Real Estate Market: How a Buyer's Agent Can Be a Helpful Guide

The real estate market is ever-evolving, and the past year has been no exception. With so many stories and reports, it's understandable if you find yourself feeling uncertain about buying a home. Questions like "Is now a good time to buy?", "What will happen to housing prices?", and "How will interest rates behave?" are common and quite valid. 

Deciding to buy a home involves numerous considerations, such as: 

● Determining your budget. 

● Deciding on your preferred location. 

● Assessing if a particular home suits you, your family, and your lifestyle. 

● Considering whether to make an offer. 

● Evaluating the home inspection results. 

● Reviewing the final loan terms and payments. 

These are just a few aspects of the home-buying process, and it's a journey you don't have to embark on alone. Engaging a buyer’s agent can be a beneficial step. A buyer’s agent aims to guide you through the buying process, addressing your questions, negotiating on your behalf, and discussing various options and decisions with you. 

While the current market might seem daunting, having a professional buyer’s agent by your side can provide support and insight, potentially making the process more manageable and less overwhelming.

Ask the Right Questions: Tips for Getting Moving Quotes

Buying and selling a home can be stressful. Once you’re ready to move, the relief can leave you vulnerable to scams. Frankly, you’re so happy to be “done” that you can overlook red flags in your excitement. To protect your belongings and avoid extra costs or loss, learn the signs of scams when moving. 

The first step is to do your research. Always make sure the moving company comes to physically inspect your belongings and gives you a firm quote. Some companies may try to give you a quote based on the size of your home or number of bedrooms, then charge you more based on time or weight. Do not hire these companies. A reputable company will spend the time to come to your home. 

Next, it’s critical to check references. Ask for local references and call them. Online references and reviews can also be a good way to learn more about service and their response to problems. Ask about how they handle damage and check reviews for the insurance they offer. Ideally, you want a third-party insurance company and you may even have coverage with your own homeowner’s insurance. 

Finally, get multiple quotes. Read the contracts carefully and make sure you ask about anything that can change during the move, such as delay fees, storage fees, or weight charges. Never make a large upfront payment and most companies only require a small deposit at the time of the move. 

It’s natural to relax after the close of a new home, but you can avoid moving scams by staying vigilant and trust your instincts. Ask about anything that doesn’t make sense and check references. The lowest cost provider is likely low cost for a reason.