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During their lifetime, the average American will move more than 11 times. This may be due to starting a new job, wanting to move into a larger house, or downsizing after the kids have moved out.

If you’ve been asking yourself “should I sell my house?”, you may be feeling a bit nervous. However, 2019 is a great time to put your home on the market.

Do you want to know why? Then keep reading to discover 3 reasons that make 2019 the perfect year to sell your house.

1. It’s a Seller’s Market

If you want to get the most money for your home, you’ll want to list it while it’s still a seller’s market. There are fewer homes available, so buyers will often pay more or go into a bidding war with other buyers in order to purchase the home they want.

You may think the higher prices would scare most buyers off. However, those who are moving for a new job or to upgrade their home to meet the needs of their growing family will still be in the market for a new house.

Of course, there is a catch. With more homes being listed, it’s expected that a buyer’s market will take over soon. So, if you’re planning on moving in the near future, it’s better to list your home sooner rather than later.

2. Millennials Are Entering the Market

Millennials are known for renting longer and putting off home-buying. However, the generation is finally entering the housing market. In fact, millennials accounted for 45% of all new mortgages at the end of 2018!

While there are older millennials who are looking to trade up into something bigger, it’s the demand for first-time homes that’s really on the rise. So, if your current home is under $300,000, now is the perfect time to list it.

3. A Recession May Be Approaching

Many experts have predicted that a recession will soon hit. When this happens, the country may be dealing with fewer wage increases and a higher unemployment rate.

This means that fewer people will be in the market for a new home, and the ones who are will be trying to snag a lower price. While there’s no way to predict exactly when the recession will hit, many believe it will be in the next couple of years.

If you’ve been thinking about moving, consider doing it now. Once the recession starts, you’ll find fewer potential buyers and may end up selling your home to one of those companies with the slogan “we buy houses”.

Should I Sell My House in 2019?

We hope this article has answered the question, “should I sell my house before the year is up?” With a buyer’s market and a recession looming in the near future and a large influx of millennial buyers currently in the market, now is the perfect time to sell your home. If you wait much longer, you may miss this opportunity and end up selling your home for less than you could fetch today.

Are you looking for ways to upgrade your home before you list it? Then check out the rest of our blog for the best renovation and interior design advice.

The windows in your home do so much more than let light in. They also provide ventilation and keep drafts out when it’s cold.

Over time, you may notice signs that you need to replace them.

When this happens, you have 2 options: you can either go with the original style, or you can switch things up and try something new.

Thinking of doing the latter? Then here are the different window styles you can consider for your home.

Double-Hung or Single-Hung

Double-hung windows are the most popular type you see in homes. It consists of 2 sashes, which are the panes of glass. They sit right on top of one another.

With a double-hung window, you can either slide the bottom pane up or the top pane down. A single-hung window will be similar, but you can only open the window by sliding the bottom pane up.

These 2 types of windows are great choices because not only are they affordable, but you also have a wide variety to pick from when it comes to manufacturers. Also, they’re easy to open and close, so you can get excellent ventilation in your home when you desire.

However, you’ll need to get regular maintenance performed on these windows since things like the sash cords and counterbalance springs can break. Also, if you live in an area that’s prone to crime, it may make it a bit easier for burglars to get into your home.

Casement

Casements are also very popular in homes. They look similar to double-hung and single-hung windows, but instead of having 2 sashes, they only have 1.

Another major difference is the hinges. The first examples are hinged horizontally and open by sliding up and down. Casement windows are hinged vertically and open by swinging outwards through a crank. Basically, it pivots on one side and opens how a door would.

If you live in an area that has colder weather, they’re better at keeping drafts out than double-hung and single-hung windows are. They’re also better at deterring intruders.

The only downside is if you live somewhere particularly windy, you risk your windows breaking off if they’re open. Their crank mechanisms are also not so tough, and they have a high chance of breaking.

Awning

Awning windows are similar to casements; they also open and close through the use of a mechanical crank.

Awning windows are hinged across the top and open by swinging out on the bottom when you turn the crank. These are popularly found in bathrooms for ventilation, but you can use them anywhere in the house you wish.

These are great to have if you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain. That way, you can get some fresh air in without getting anything wet. This type of window is also excellent if you want to deter intruders.

Because they operate similarly to casement windows, awning windows are also prone to breakage, regarding their crank mechanism.

Slider

As the name implies, slider windows open by sliding from one side to another. These usually comprise of 2 panes so you can completely close the window when they’re both on either side. Some slider windows will let you slide both panes, while others will only let you slide one.

If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, slider windows are optimal since they don’t swing inwards or outwards. They’re very cheap and are also very durable.

The only slight disadvantage they have is the tracks may gather dirt and dust over time. But this can be easily remedied with regular cleaning.

Fixed

This is the simplest type of window on our list. This is just a single pane of glass that’s affixed to a frame.

Since it’s solidly attached to the frame, this means it won’t open or close. All it’s good for is keeping the cold out (it’s permanently sealed) and letting light in.

For those of you looking for something cheap, this is definitely it. However, do be aware that if you live somewhere warmer, it can cause your house to heat up, sometimes to uncomfortable temperatures.

It also doesn’t provide you with fresh air, so you’ll need to think about implementing other types of windows.

Skylight

Skylights are a fantastic window choice if you want ventilation and/or light but have limited wall space and can’t install a regular window.

This is essentially a fixed window, but up top. It works great for lighting up a dark room in a natural way.

If you want a skylight that opens up, consider getting a roof window. These are beneficial in spaces like attics where you need fresh air to ward off mold and mildew. It can also help you cool down the house in the summer.

However, these types of windows get weathered quickly. This means you’ll need to replace them more frequently.

Regardless of the styles you choose, we highly recommend using professional window replacement services. Not only do they have a large selection of brands and styles, but they’ll also ensure your windows are installed correctly on the first try.

Consider These Window Styles for Your Home

Hopefully, this article’s helped clarify things about window styles and now, you have a better idea of what’s ideal for you.

The best thing about all these choices is you don’t have to just stick with one. Feel free to pick a few that you like and give your house some interesting windows that’ll let in a good amount of light and air.

For more interesting articles, please check out our other blog sections.

Let’s be honest: selling a house is not an easy or relaxing task. There are so many things that are completely out of your control that it has probably made you feel some anxiety. Plus, if you’re a first-time home seller, you may be surprised to find out about some costs with selling your house that you were not expecting at all. The good news is that as far as the unexpected costs go, all you have to do is a bit of research, and you’ll be in the know. Now, while you can’t take control of absolutely every single aspect of selling, there are some things that you can do to help it sell faster. Let’s find out what those are.

Light It Up

Light has always been a very important aspect for home buyers, since everyone wants plenty of natural light around. Perhaps Dracula’s the only exception to this rule. Regardless of whether your place gets plenty of sunlight or not, there is something that you can do to get not just more light, but better light. Make sure to start off by replacing all light bulbs with LEDs, and after you’re done with that, have a system installed that allows all lights to be controlled with a smart phone or a tablet. This will instantly make your house more environmentally and consumer-friendly.

First Impressions

First impressions are everything, and nothing has a bigger impact on that first impression than the exterior of a house, known as the curb appeal. Hopefully, you’ve already taken care of the obvious bits, such as cleaning up the yard and re-painting the fence, but there’s something more that you can do to make your home even sexier to potential buyers. There are video doorbells, which can be connected to pretty much any device. They don’t only allow you to see who’s at the front door, but thanks to them, you can also speak to that individual.

While we’re talking front doors, consider installing a smart door lock as well. A digital keypad is great because it can be programmed to give access to certain people at certain times (like when you have guests over). They can also be unlocked remotely, like when the owner is on vacation.

Thermostat

Smart thermostats are a true treasure for a house. They ensure added comfort by allowing individuals to control the temperature of the place, but they also make the house more environmentally-friendly, because they come with features that allow homeowners to program a certain temperature for a certain day. This works beautifully for when someone is on vacation and doesn’t want to their home to be cold when they return.

Speak Up

There is a great deal of systems that are voice-activated, and which can be used for security systems, speakers and smart lighting. Consider installing a system like this if you wish to impress potential buyers and maybe even convince them to purchase the house.

Speakers Everywhere

Music has always been an important part of humans’ lives, but lately, it has become even more so. With that in mind, consider getting an entertainment system for the place you’re trying to sell. This will make it a breeze for individuals to listen to anything they want regardless of where they are located in the house, which is why it will look quite good for those considering to purchase the house.

Thanks to these lovely smart systems or devices, your house will become that much more tempting for potential buyers. With that in mind, consider adding at least one of these to your place, if you want to sell it as fast as possible.

Fact: did you know that the average size of American kitchens has only increased by 80 feet within the last 50 years? Although this is a cause for celebration, most of us would agree that we could make do with a little more counter space in the kitchen department.

That being said, it’s pretty pricey to uproot your family to a new home for the sake of a larger kitchen. Need a handy kitchen appliance but crunched for space in your tiny kitchen? Discover the best space saving appliances for small kitchens here!

1. Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker

Can we just say that the Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker in Aluminum EN125S is practically the king of all kitchen countertop appliances? Like most pod coffee makers, the Nespresso Pixie is a little on the more expensive side.

But with all of the money that you’ll save from making coffee at home, we’re sure that this espresso maker will pay for itself in no time. It gets better: the reason why it’s received such high ratings is that it’s one of the tiniest pod coffee machines out there. So, if you’re cramped for space in your kitchen, this appliance won’t take up much room at all.

At 12.8 inches deep, 4.3 inches wide, and 9.3 inches high, the aptly-named Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker can be easily slid next to any other appliances on your kitchen counter. That means that any spare nook or cranny will do the trick. Another thing that sets this espresso maker apart is that it’s very speedy too!

2. Instant Pot Multi-Cooker

Let’s talk about the Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 6 Quart Multi-Cooker. If you’ve already been seeing this all over your health and wellness social media feeds, then you’re not alone. The most surprising part is that it’s not as expensive as you’d think.

In fact, you can typically get this useful multi-cooker for less than $100 online. Don’t have any spare counter space for an Instant Pot? Try storing this gem inside of your kitchen cabinet instead.

For those who aren’t exactly sure how a multi-cooker works, allow us to enlighten you. Basically, the Instant Pot Duo uses a special pressure cooking method to make sure that your food is thoroughly cooked. Plus, you can even use it as a slow cooker too.

This is crazy: you can fill up your Instant Pot with a whopping six quarts of whatever you want too. You can buy the Instant Pot in several different sizes as well, including a 3-quart alternative that is two inches smaller in terms of diameter. What a cute concept!

3. Sharp Microwave

Guess what? No tiny kitchen is truly complete without the Sharp SMC0710BB/BW Microwave. Even though no microwave can avoid taking up space, the Sharp Microwaves does the trick without getting in your way.

That’s because it’s one of the tiniest microwaves you can find. Another perk of the Sharp Microwave is that it’s extremely good at defrosting frozen meals. With a 700-watt output, the Sharp Microwave will take a little longer to heat things up for you.

However, we promise that the wait will be worth it. At 13 inches deep, 17 inches wide, and 10 inches high you might become too obsessed with this microwave to even notice how much time has passed. Try it and see for yourself!

4. Panasonic Toaster Oven

News flash: the Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P is one of the most efficient toaster ovens on the market. Even though it’s larger than a regular toaster, it’s still mini enough to be dwarfed by your microwave.

Not only that, but a toaster over can do way more than a regular microwave anyway. Don’t believe us? The Panasonic Toaster Oven can do almost anything, including:

• Broiling hamburgers
• Baking cookies
• Heating leftover food

Are a huge fan of making pizza for dinnertime? With the Panasonic Toaster Oven, you can become a pizza pro in seconds. Bonus points for baking muffins inside of this thing too!

5. Cuisinart Food Processor

At just under $200, the Cuisinart Prep 11 Plus DLC-2011CHBY Food Processor is really built to last for a lifetime. Why on earth would anyone pay that much for a food processor? The answer is simple.

This particular food processor can do anything from chopping up nuts to grinding nut butter. Also, you can easily dice veggies and puree them into a soup-like texture. Have a dinner party to prepare for?

Then there’s no harm in pulling out your Cuisinart Prep’s 11-cup container to make a gigantic batch of whatever your family craves. As if that’s not enough, you can also grate cheese and chop onions with this handy tool. Is there anything this food processor can’t do?

6. BlueStar Burner Range

To be quite honest, not all of us have over $3,100 laying around to invest in a compact refrigerator. However, if you’re lucky enough to have that kind of money on your credit card, then we highly recommend that you pick up the BlueStar 24-Inch Culinary Series Sealed Burner Range.

Ever wanted to feel like a professional chef in your tiny kitchen? Now you can. Made out of stainless steel, this baby has four burners that can get up to 21,000 British thermal units (for those that don’t know, that’s flaming hot).

In addition, you can choose to burn propane fuel or natural gas with your BlueStar Burner Range. Plus, it comes with special simmer and searing burners to take your culinary skills to the next level. How can you beat that?

7. Bosch Integrated Dishwasher

There’s a big reason why so many magazines suggest the Bosch Fully Integrated Dishwasher for small kitchens everywhere. Think about it: this high-powered dishwasher can clean up to nine place settings at once. Also, it has four distinct different wash cycles.

Do you only have a few dinner dishes to clean up? Try using the sustainable half-load setting on your Bosch Integrated Dishwasher. With a flawless stainless steel or customized panel on the front, you can add this dishwasher to your household for less than $1,000!

8. Vitamix 5200 Blender

Let’s be honest. The Vitamix 5200 Blender is anything but your ordinary countertop appliance. Once you receive this high-quality blender, you’ll actually want it to take up more countertop space.

That’s because it’s so handy, you’ll practically never want to put it away. From smoothies to purees, this incredible mixer is the ultimate tool for smoothie-lovers everywhere. Even though Vitamix no longer produces space saving blenders, the 5200 model is the slimmest one that’s still available.

Although some say that it’s a little too tall to fit beneath your kitchen cabinets, it’s definitely worth putting this beauty on display. With the Vitamix 5200 Blender on your counter, your tiny kitchen will go from small to cute!

9.  Liebherr 24-Inch Refrigerator

Although it’s not technically in the countertop appliances category, the Liebherr 24-Inch Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is still a must-have for any kitchen. Once you take a look at its super sleek design, you’ll see why it costs more than $3,200 to put one in your kitchen.

But if you can afford it, the Liebherr Refrigerator will end up paying for itself. That’s because it stands at almost 80 inches tall and has a capacity of 13-cubic-feet. What does this mean?

No more worrying about squeezing all of your groceries into your mini-fridge ever again. Plus, it’s Energy Star-certified, meaning you’re doing your part to take care of the environment. With separate cooling settings for the refrigerator and the freezer, your food should be cooler than a cucumber!

10. Cuisinart Hand Mixer

When it comes to small kitchen appliances, the Cuisinart Power Advantage HM-50 Hand Mixer is probably one of the tiniest ones that you can get. As a mini portable blender, you can’t go wrong with bringing this with you on vacation too.

Want to make a little bit of pesto? Luckily, your culinary dreams can come true with this micro hand mixer. Now, the hardest part will be deciding what to mix!

Are you in the market for portable countertop ice makers? Not only is this a great way to save room in your freezer, but it’s also super convenient!

Space Saving Appliances = Less Hassle

What’s the bottom line? When you have a small kitchen on your hands, buying space saving appliances can result in less hassle and more free time.

Need help choosing the perfect micro refrigerator? What about a compact dishwasher? With our list of mini appliances, your tiny kitchen will seem bigger in no time!

Craving more home decor tips? Check out our blog!

Did you know that 28.1% of Americans have stated that the living room is their most valued room in a home?

If you’re a part of this statistic and love to relax in your living room, we’re sure you want it to look as stylish and cozy as possible.

And that might mean that it’s time for you to plan a living room makeover!

If so, we have seven ideas that will certainly give you plenty of inspiration. Keep reading!

1. Decorate With Local Art

You don’t always have to shop at big art and decor stores in order to find awe-inspiring pieces for your living room.

Check if there are any small stores or even special markets where you can buy local furniture and art. They’ll certainly be unique!

2. Make the Curtains the Star of the Room

Your curtains are one of the most visible pieces in your whole living room. So why not choose the most stylish ones you can find?

Even if the rest of the decoration is very neutral, you can certainly make a statement with the right curtain patterns, colors, and materials.

3. Mix Fabrics

When you think about the different fabrics you’ll have around your living room, your first instinct is probably to find matching ones.

But you don’t have to do that!

A mixture of fabrics that have the same vibe can end up matching just as good, or even better, as traditional fabric combinations.

4. Let the Natural Light In

If your budget and location of your home allow it, turning a living room wall into floor-to-ceiling glass doors can completely change the entire ambiance of the room.

Plus, natural light is way better for you than the artificial kind!

5. Think Further Than Sofas

Sitting is most likely what you and your family do the most in your living room and right now you probably do it on a sofa.

However, there are many more sitting options that are just as comfy as your sofa. Ottomans and floor cushions are two awesome examples.

6. Create Space

Do you always feel like your living room isn’t quite as spacious as you wish it was?

Well, perhaps your color and decoration choices aren’t helping.

Going for light wall colors, multi-functional living room furniture and well-placed lamps and mirrors can make a huge difference.

7. Turn It Into Your Own Museum

If you love art, this idea will make for the living room of your dreams.

It’s quite simple: all you need to do is go art shopping and then hang all the paintings in one single wall. And there you have it, a mini-museum inside your own home!

Start Planning Your Living Room Makeover Today!

Giving your living room an upgrade doesn’t have to break the bank: changing some small details can make the world of a difference in how unique and comfortable this room is.

So decide what you’d like to change and how much money you can spend, and start planning your living room makeover.

We’re sure you’ll end up with the living room of your dreams!

If you enjoyed this article, make sure to further explore our blog and read more on all things home decor!