When you first move into a new house, adding familiar furnishings and personal items like family photos goes a long way toward creating a comfortable and welcoming environment that you can call home.  That said, there are also a lot of upgrades you can do to ensure a truly cozy interior year-round.  Here are just a few ways to feather…

Part of the home-buying process is undergoing a home inspection before selling or buying a home. Home inspections inform buyers about various problems that the home they are looking to purchase may have and help buyers make informed purchasing decisions. If there are too many repairs that would end up costing the buyer a large amount over the home’s purchasing…

Making the decision to buy a new home in Sioux Falls is both exciting and intimidating. There are a lot of factors that go into purchasing a new home. Because there are so many factors at play, many first-time home buyers may not know where or how to start the home-buying process. Before seeking out a realtor or visiting homes…

Moving is often touted as one of the most stressful events a person endures; anyone who has moved likely agrees. From searching for a new home to packing up your old one, a lot of emotions surface when it comes time to move. Along with familiarizing yourself with your new living space, new grocery stores, new roadways, and new scenery,…

When considering moving to a new city, one of the first things many people do is research what the city has to offer in terms of entertainment and overall activity. Because many want to live somewhere that complements their lifestyle wants and needs, it is understandable that they put so much emphasis on the lifestyles of those who currently live…

When you’re ready to upgrade to a larger, more luxurious property, the process begins by preparing your current Sioux Falls property for sale. Naturally, you want to get the highest price possible, and one of the best ways to see maximum return on investment is by doing all you can to interest multiple buyers and start a bidding war. The…

When it is time for a move, a lot of research goes into the city where you will be residing. Sometimes, a sour taste is left in the mouth of soon-to-be residents; their hopes and dreams crushed by the harsh reality of city life. In the case for Sioux Falls, however, research does nothing but prove that this South Dakota…

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil, and water from the natural decay of uranium. While levels outdoor air pose a relatively low threat to human health, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings. You can’t see, smell, or taste it, but an elevated radon level in your home…

Get at least three written estimates. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose…

Make your home more appealing for yourself and potential buyers with these quick and easy tips: Trim bushes so they don’t block windows or architectural details. Mow your lawn, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.…

Know about exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These types of coverage must be bought separately. Know about dollar limitations on claims. Even if you are covered for a risk, there may be a limit on how much the insurer will pay. For example, many policies limit…

Review the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report on the property you’re interested in buying. CLUE reports detail the property’s claims history for the most recent five years, which insurers may use to deny coverage. Make the sale contingent on a home inspection to ensure that problems identified in the CLUE report have been repaired. Seek insurance coverage as soon…