Blog Entries in April
Whatever Happened to Home Audio?
By Chris Petry Everyone has an Uncle Dave. Whether his name is actually “Dave” or not. Being an Uncle Dave is more about possessing a particular attitude or spirit. A near-reckless abandon, complemented by a big heart and an almost Avant-Garde genius. Your Uncle Dave is the kind of guy who has blacklight posters from Spencer’s Gifts in the den and thinks The Wizard of Oz is be
Boost Your Curb Appeal: What Landscaping Really Costs
When people think about upgrading their home’s appearance, landscaping often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Inside projects feel more urgent, more visible, more “worth it.” But step outside for a moment and take a look at your yard the way a buyer would. First impressions start at the curb, and landscaping is one of the fastest ways to transform how a home is perceived.
Graduation Party Decor That Turns Any House Into a Home
Graduation season has a way of turning everyday spaces into something unforgettable. One minute it is your living room, the next it is a stage for celebration, reflection, and a few proud tears. Whether the graduate is heading across the country or staying close to home, the setting matters more than you might think. The best graduation parties do not just look good. They feel personal. They te
Dive In: Your Guide to Swimming Pools, Installation, and Supplies
A swimming pool can completely change how you use your home. It becomes the place where weekends stretch a little longer, where summer feels more like a vacation, and where everyday routines take on a new rhythm. But before diving in, it helps to understand the full picture, from pool types to supplies to installation. Whether you are starting from scratch or upgrading an existing setup, knowin
How to Pay for Home Renovations Without Breaking the Bank
At some point, every homeowner looks around and thinks, “This place could use a little work.” Maybe it is a kitchen that feels stuck in another decade, a bathroom that has seen better days, or a basement full of untapped potential. The vision is easy. Paying for it is where things get real. The good news is that home improvement financing is more flexible than ever. Whether you are
You Don’t Need Perfect Credit to Buy a Home
Buying a home can feel like an uphill climb when your credit score is less than perfect. It is easy to assume the door to homeownership is closed, especially when you hear about strict lending standards and rising costs. The reality is more encouraging. Many buyers successfully purchase homes every year with less-than-ideal credit, and you may have more options than you think. If you are wonder
I Just Moved Into My Home: What Projects or Renovations Should I Handle First?
By Chris Petry In a perfect world, any home we buy would be a candidate for the coveted “dream home.” It would have everything we’ve ever dreamed of. The right number of bedrooms, the right number of bathrooms, a gorgeous wrap around porch oozing with Southern Gothic mystique, a grand two-story entryway leading to a stunning custom-crafted staircase, ala Sunset Boulevard. The
Should You Use Your 401(k) to Buy a House?
Should You Use Your 401(k) to Buy a House? Buying a home is one of the biggest financial steps you’ll take, and for many buyers, especially first-timers, coming up with upfront cash can feel like the hardest part. It’s no surprise that more people are asking whether they can tap into their 401(k) to help make it happen. The short answer is yes, you can. But the better question is
Five Egg-cellent Ways to Spruce Up Your Home This Easter Weekend
I won’t lie. I enjoy a good egg-related pun and Easter only comes once a year so why not take advantage of it? Remember the inimitable Vincent Price’s guest spot on the Batman TV series as the yolk-happy supervillain Egghead? No? Well, let’s just say he was a rather egg-centric character. A real egg-o maniac. Vincent was Egg-xemplary in the part, however. See, it’s just too
It's Arbor Day!
By Chris Petry Arbor Day has a marketing problem. Think about it. Spirit Halloween begins opening their doors in August. Millions phone in dinner reservations and purchase heart-shaped chocolate boxes for their significant others on Valentine’s Day. Americans from the Atlantic to the Pacific and North to the Arctic Circle will let off fireworks on July 4th to celebrate their independence.
