While VA loans come with numerous benefits, they share many of the same requirements as conventional loans. For veterans seeking a VA loan to purchase a home, it's often required to purchase a homeowners insurance policy. Here is the basic info about homeowners insurance requirements: Is homeowners insurance required for a VA loan? Just like most conventional mortgages,...

Not every potluck is a lunch or evening event. Breakfast potlucks are common in workplaces, schools, churches and many other places where people gather. While it might seem difficult to come up with shareable breakfast foods, there are many simple things you can bring to a breakfast potluck. Here are some ideas: Easy Egg Muffins Egg muffins are...

Live plants make excellent gifts for occasions like housewarming, birthdays and more. Luckily there are many plants that are extremely forgiving, easy to care for and make exceptional gifts regardless of the skill level. Here are some suggestions if you want to gift a live plant. Christmas Cactus The Christmas cactus gets its name from its blooming season...

For many, the fireplace is the focal point of the home. Whether you use it for heat or just for ambiance, a wood burning fireplace is an important feature that requires regular maintenance to function and keep everybody safe. Here are some tips for general maintenance of your wood-burning fireplace: Clean the Interior One of the simplest ways...

Much the same as architectural styles and interior design themes, color trends have a tendency to rise and fall with each passing season. However, there are a few that seem to persist throughout the years. If you're planning to paint your home this year, here are a few colors that have withstood the test of time and keep...

A storage shed offers a great place to keep your lawn mower and other lawn care and gardening equipment. You can also store bikes and other outdoor recreation equipment in these sheds, or keep your trash cans hidden away in them. Having one of these sheds can free up space in your garage while also making it easier...

Design trends are endless. Some stick around while others fade to the wayside — at least away from the public eye. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy your favorite, personal and timeless trend throughout the years in your home. You may even want to switch it up a bit and incorporate other trends from different eras. Either...

For homeowners with grass lawns, moss can be a problematic weed. Lawn moss appears in shady, damp areas and spreads quickly because it doesn’t need seeds to reproduce. Luckily, there are options for cleaning up a mess of moss. Here is a basic guide to removing existing moss and preventing future moss growth in your lawn: Raking &...

Jersey Shore convenience to area beaches, bay, and shopping along with privacy and tranquility befit this contemporary 2-bedroom 2.5 bath 2 story townhome with rear deck and power awning overlooking a wooded area where you can relax and enjoy nature while listening to birds in the early morning. First floor includes living room/dining room combination, kitchen with stainless steel sink and breakfast area, master bedroom with master bath, laundry room, half bath, and windows with plantation shutters. Second floor includes bedroom, full bath, loft, and new carpeting. Also included, ceiling fans, garage with automatic door opener, washer,...

No matter the time or place, storage will always be in style. Finding attractive and efficient ways to use your space is an essential part of interior design and can even serve as its own decorative element. Wall shelving is a time-tested way to clear up floor space and add aesthetic appeal and as small spaces become more...

Smart lighting is available in many shades, colors, shapes and fixture sizes, which makes it easier to blend them into your day-to-day. With this technology, you can control multiple lights in a single room with bluetooth-enabled bulbs and experiment with various combinations. What Is Ambient Lighting? Ambient lighting refers to the first layer of light in the room,...

A comfortable pet is a happy pet. But sometimes, pet furniture is not comfortable for your budget. Instead of overspending on a dog bed, consider the DIY approach. If you're interested in some clever ways to upcycle items into budget-friendly dog beds, here are some ideas to inspire you. Wine Barrel Bed Wine barrels are a favorite among...