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Modern living room full of high-end features that add value to your home Regarding home improvement, thinking about features that add value to your home is a smart move. Adding certain elements can make a big difference, whether you're sprucing up your place in Massachusetts or anywhere else. That isn't just about giving your house a fresh look; it's about making choices that will pay off in the long run . From energy-saving upgrades to creating multifunctional spaces, there are plenty of ways to enhance your home's appeal and functionality. Here are some top features that can transform your living space into a more comfortable, efficient, and valuable property. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Maintaining an eco-friendly living space is not just a passing trend; it's a necessity. Here is where solar panels and other renewable energy sources are paramount. They are not just good for the environment; they significantly reduce electricity bills over time. In Massachusetts, where the focus on green living is pronounced, incorporating solar panels can also increase the resale price of your home. Caption: Solar panels reduce energy bills and boost your home's eco-friendly credentials. Alt-tag: Large house with solar panels on the roof, which is one of the features that add value to your home Investing in energy-efficient appliances and fixtures alongside solar energy is another smart move. These appliances consume less energy, reducing utility bills and carbon footprint. Introducing LED lighting, low-flow toilets, and energy-saving washing machines and refrigerators are simple yet effective steps towards a more sustainable home. Eco-Friendly Materials and Designs Using sustainable building materials is another key to designing a future-proof home. These materials are kinder to the planet and add lasting value to your property . For example, using reclaimed wood for flooring or furniture gives your home a unique, rustic charm and reduces the demand for new timber. Similarly, opting for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints improves indoor air quality, making your home safer and more comfortable. Bamboo flooring is another great addition among features that add value to your home. Bamboo is stylish and durable and grows back much faster than traditional hardwoods, making it a sustainable choice. Incorporating eco-friendly materials in your home design shows foresight and responsibility , qualities that are highly appreciated in today's real estate market. These choices benefit the environment while enhancing the appeal and worth of your home. It's a win-win! Aesthetic and Architectural Trends Modern architectural designs can highly influence the worth of your home. In places like Massachusetts, where traditional meets contemporary, integrating modern design elements can give your home a unique edge. Current trends lean towards open layouts, clean lines, and minimalistic decor , which create a sense of spaciousness and appeal to a broad audience. Think about incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable materials in your architecture; these have a lower environmental impact and resonate with the growing eco-conscious market. Adaptive and customizable interiors are also gaining traction. These allow homeowners the flexibility to alter spaces according to their evolving needs, ensuring their homes remain functional and stylish over time. Such designs cater to current lifestyle trends and anticipate future changes, making them a smart choice for long-term value. Smart Home Technology The rise of high-impact home construction projects has made smart home technology an essential aspect of modern living. Automation systems that control lighting, heating, and cooling can drastically reduce energy consumption and provide unparalleled convenience. Caption: Installing a smart thermostat is a simple upgrade among features that add value to your home, offering both efficiency and convenience. Alt-tag: Smart thermostat on a white wall Security and surveillance innovations have also become a critical component of smart homes. With technological advancements, homeowners can now monitor their homes remotely using smart locks, cameras, and alarm systems. This level of security is not just about protecting property; it's about peace of mind, knowing that your home is safe whether you're there or away. Space Utilization and Flexibility Maximizing the use of space in your home is all about clever design and smart planning . The trend of creating multipurpose spaces has taken off, and for good reason. Imagine a room in your Massachusetts home that effortlessly switches from a cozy home office during the day to a relaxing yoga studio in the evening. So don't think of this flexibility as a luxury. Instead, take it as a practical way to make the most of every square foot in your home. When it comes to redesigning these spaces, moving around heavy furniture and equipment can be a bit of a challenge. That is where local expertise comes in handy. Partnering with moving companies in Massachusetts w ho are experienced in handling household items can make the transition smoother and less stressful. They can help rearrange your space efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your newly designed multipurpose room without heavy lifting. Plus, you'll avoid risking any potential injuries. Innovative storage solutions also play a big role in making your home more functional and organized. These aren't just about hiding things away; they're about creating a space that works efficiently and looks great, too. With the right storage, every item has its place, making your home feel more spacious and tidy. This approach to space utilization makes your daily life easier and adds significant appeal to your home for any future buyers. Health and Wellness Features Health and wellness features in a home go way beyond aesthetics. More than that, they are about nurturing the well-being of its inhabitants. Air and water purification systems are essential, ensuring clean air and water, which is especially important in areas where pollution is a concern. Ergonomic design in furniture and fixtures contributes to physical comfort and can help prevent strain and injury. Caption: An indoor garden brings a touch of nature inside, enhancing air quality and adding a serene, green aesthetic. Alt-tag: House plants in pots on the floor Natural light and ventilation are not just pleasing to the eye but also crucial in maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Consider adding large windows or skylights to enhance natural lighting and ensure adequate ventilation to reduce indoor pollutants. Incorporating plants can improve air quality and add a tranquil, natural element to your space. These elements work together to create a home environment that supports health and wellness, making it a sanctuary of comfort and care. Futureproof Your Home As we've seen, numerous features add value to your home, each playing a vital role in future-proofing your living space. From energy efficiency to smart technology and sustainable materials to adaptable designs, these elements are essential in creating a comfortable home that is valuable and sought-after. So whether you're in Massachusetts or reading this from a different country, consider these features and seek builders who will make your construction dreams come true, ensuring your home is ready for whatever the future holds. Meta: Discover how features that add value to your home can transform your living space into a future-ready sanctuary, boosting comfort and value. KW: Features that Add Value to Your Home

When you initially launched your home-based business, you never anticipated that it would grow so impressively. Yet today, your home can no longer comfortably accommodate your business needs. If you require more space for your inventory, equipment, and business functions, Dream Builderz can execute your home addition! And if you’re curious about upsizing to a larger home to support continuous business growth, here’s how to obtain LLC status in a different state, master new entrepreneurial skills through online education, and find the perfect property to accommodate your business. Register for LLC Status Before moving to a new home, make sure to register for LLC status in the area where you’re relocating to. By securing limited liability and tax breaks for your business, you’ll gain a sense of financial stability, especially as you deal with moving costs. You don’t need to budget for a lawyer to complete this task, either. If you have time, consider filing on your own, or turn to an online formation service for affordable, convenient support. If you’ll be moving to a new state, make sure to thoroughly research their rules for business formation. Build Your Business Through Education Your business is growing - but to save time, space, and money down the road, you’ll want to start focusing on addressing process inefficiencies, optimizing your inventory management strategy, and digitizing workflows and documents when possible. You can learn to do all of this and more by earning your business degree online. This is a fantastic way to enhance your management skills, as well as your expertise in communications, accounting, and more. Here’s a good option for online coursework, which will allow you to keep up with your entrepreneurial responsibilities, tackle the moving process, and study simultaneously. Determine What You Need Prior to touring any homes, think about exactly how much room you need to properly run your business . To calculate your square footage requirements, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity recommends assessing your current home’s square footage and even measuring the dimensions of specific rooms so that you can figure out the amount of extra space you need. Find Your Ideal Community You may want to stay in your current neighborhood, but if you work from home, you can also expand your property search to other communities. However, not every city or town will be right for you as an entrepreneur. Rumie recommends looking for an area with plenty to do, access to high-speed Internet services, and other residents who share your hobbies and interests. Work With an Agent A great real estate agent can support you throughout the home-buying process and help you make an attractive offer, leaving you with more free time to work on your business! Ask other entrepreneurs you know who have moved recently if they have any recommendations for agents. Make sure to explain the features you need as a business owner so that the agent understands your unique specifications, like a room that could be used as a home office. Stay Productive While Moving For entrepreneurs, moving can be especially chaotic - keeping up with your workload while relocating is tough. Hire movers so that you can minimize your to-do list and get your clients, customers, vendors, and employees up to speed on your moving plans ahead of time so that you can prepare appropriately for potential disruptions. If you’ve reached a point where you need to upsize for business growth, your entrepreneurial future is bright! Upsizing gives you the opportunity to move into a property with all the space you need for your company. With these tips, you can also update your LLC status in a different state and advance your business knowledge through an online degree program. Ready to renovate your new home with all of the features you need? Dream Builderz is here to help! Visit our website today to reach out and get a project quote. Photo via Pexels

The road to a lucrative investment property is paved with good tenants. Spend your time, energy and money on details that help your property stand out from the competition. Check out these tips from Dream Builderz to help your rental make a splash. Be Prepared Before Buying Real estate serves as a steady source of passive income . If you’re looking to invest in a rental property, do your legwork beforehand to understand the responsibilities, risks and rewards that come with being a landlord. Evaluate your financial profile to calculate whether you can reasonably afford all property-related expenses , from the down payment to unexpected repairs. Your projected costs will help you determine how much to charge for rent. Choose a Management Solution That Makes Sense Rental owners have two options for managing property : self-management or professional property management. Your choice will depend largely on your skill set and available time. Managing a property is stressful and time-consuming. If you truly wish for a passive source of income, outsourcing to a property management company may be worth the added expense. Cover Legal Bases Landlords have specific legal responsibilities , including: Adhering to safety codes Maintaining insurance Conducting preventative maintenance Keeping up with repairs Establishing a limited liability corporation for your rental property is advisable to protect you from litigation. With an LLC, you can keep your rental property and personal assets separate. Hire a lawyer to set up an LLC or save money by using a formation service. You can learn more about how to form an LLC in Massachusetts here. Apply a Location, Location, Location Approach to Marketing Just like where you buy matters, so does where you advertise. Facebook advertisements are an effective way to make your property visible to a large audience. Even if you don’t live in the same area where your rental property is located, you should still connect with the community. Becoming involved establishes you as a credible and caring investor whom locals will eagerly recommend to interested renters. Go all in on your investment without going all out on expenses. Make modification, business management and marketing decisions that will have the greatest impact on your ability to attract good tenants and offer you the best return on investment. Prioritize amenities that are most desirable to your target renter base, and take steps to protect your finances. Soon enough, your property will be one of the most sought-after spots on the rental market.

If you've been paying any amount of attention to the real estate market, you may have noticed that mortgage rates have been steadily increasing throughout most of 2022. In fact, the average interest rate for a 30-year mortgage is over 5% as of early June. When the Federal Reserve first lowered national interest rates at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, buyers essentially flooded the market. Now that interest rates are increasing, some sellers are lowering their asking prices to make sure that buyer interest doesn't begin to wane. If you're searching for your dream home, you may be able to find it at a reasonable price. Dropping Prices There are several signs indicating that the market is adjusting to current economic conditions. Because of inflation and rising interest rates, many sellers fear their homes will remain on the market longer than intended, which could drive the price down and make the property unappealing to prospective buyers. Even though the buyer's market is still highly competitive, sellers don’t want to risk a slow sale, so some have started lowering their asking prices. In May 2021, 6.2% of homes reduced their listing prices. During May 2022, this number increased to 10.5% of homes. It may seem like a small adjustment, but it's not the only indicator. Increased Inventory According to the May 2022 Monthly Housing Trends Report , the inventory of active listings in the U.S. increased by 8% over last year, which indicates that the competition is increasing among sellers. If a seller notices that there are many homes being placed on the market in their area, they may not want to be in a situation where their home is skipped in favor of the others. The number of newly listed homes has increased by 6% over last year, which is another sign of possible price drops to come. The national median home price is still up compared to 2021 and 2020, but if more and more sellers start to reduce their asking prices, this points towards the real estate market shifting back to buyers. When market conditions are favorable to buyers, the negotiating power doesn't remain solely with the seller. Even if a seller hasn't dropped their asking price, they may be open to doing so during negotiations. Even though interest rates are increasing, now is a great time to buy if you have good financials and access to enough funds for the down payment. Even a small decrease in asking prices and buyer competition should give you a better opportunity to buy a home at the right price.

Spring is often thought of as the best time for planting, but planting in the fall can offer some significant advantages for your plants. Below are some reasons why fall is the best time for planting perennials, trees, and shrubs. Perfect Planting Weather The cooler weather of fall is easier for plants and gardeners alike. The ground isn't dry or frozen, and temperatures are mild and enjoyable. Your plants aren't stressed out by extreme conditions, so they acclimate to their new environment quicker. Plus, you can tend to them without excessive sweating or sunburn! Flexibility and Rampant Roots There is no need to rush to prevent plants from drying up in their containers or delay because the ground is too hot. You can plant whenever is convenient for you. As for trees, planting them when they've lost their leaves is actually better because they won't have to exert energy growing leaves and can focus on growing roots. This is the biggest fall advantage - plants can grow better roots, which will allow for gorgeous foliage and blooms come springtime. Lower Maintenance, Lower Bills Cooler weather means less frequent watering. You can relax with more free time, a lower water bill, and the knowledge that your plant babies will not shrivel and roast in the heat of the day. A good tip for planting in the fall is to water the plants in their pots a few hours before you transport them to their new homes. This lets them soak up water and be better prepared for planting. Pre-water the hole they'll be placed in as well. Devise Your Plant Plan Fall allows you to see sparse areas of your garden that need more foliage. It is the best time to plan out next year's garden and get a head start on planting. You'll know exactly how the other plants look at full bloom and how much space they take up, allowing you to add pops of color where you know you need it. Supply Sales Gardening supplies are typically at their peak prices in spring, but prices drop in fall when shops need to clear space and some even close their business for the winter. Fall is a great time to shop for non-perishable supplies, seeds, and even some bulbs. You can often get gardening tools at discounted prices along with some fertilizers, netting, pebbles, and similar things. Watch out for sales on pots and containers too!

Thanks to HGTV, "Demo Day" is often thought of as the fun part of renovation and construction. Owners and celebrity reno stars wield sledgehammers and power tools while kicking down drywall, tearing out cabinets, and throwing building material from second-story windows. The carefree assault on a dated home makes demolition look easy and fun, but there is more skill and expertise involved than you might think. If you're considering a DIY demo to save money before a renovation, make sure you know what you're getting into, and you are prepared for any problems that may arise. Safety First: Ensure you have enough safety equipment — steel-toed work boots, safety glasses, hard hats, masks, and work gloves for everyone in your crew. Full coverage, snug-fitting shirts and pants provide protection from splinters, itchy fiberglass, and rusty-nail scratches. Keep a first aid kit handy, and make sure your phone is fully charged in the event of an emergency. Hidden Hazards: Is there asbestos in your carpet padding or lead in the wall paint? If your home was built before 1978, there’s a good chance some paint in the home will contain lead. Asbestos is trickier – it’s been banned in some common building materials, but is still used in others. When in doubt, test flooring, walls, ceilings, and pipe wrappings before beginning work. The risks from asbestos arise when it is damaged or disturbed and the asbestos fibers become airborne, so wearing a proper respirator and following the correct procedures is crucial. Work Smart: Does everyone involved know how to use power equipment and heavy tools like crowbars and sledgehammers? Each helper should be cognizant of what is happening around them when the swinging and smashing starts. Secure The Site: Is the worksite safe? Shut off power when working on or close to electrical systems. Turn off the water main when plumbing is involved. Sites should be secured to keep kids, pets, thieves, and curious passers-by out. Make sure to display "No Trespassing" signs as well. Plan For Success: Take a close look at the structure and materials to be demolished before you start anything physical. Which way do the joists run? Which walls are structural? Which walls have water lines, electrical wires, or gas lines behind them? Is there anything you want to protect and preserve? If you can't identify structural components, then you certainly shouldn't remove them. Consult a building professional (architect, engineer, contractor) before smashing into your walls, and check with your insurance broker to confirm you are covered for all liabilities before you begin. Remember the big picture: These are just a few of the things you should consider before beginning a DIY demo. Every project is unique and comes with its own unique conditions and challenges. Take the time to talk to contractors, architects, interior designers, and real estate professionals to learn what should be done before you start, that way you don't end up demolishing your dreams and your budget!

If you're brand new to the wonderful world of home loans, you might be a bit overwhelmed by how many different types of financing options are really out there. Both primary loan types (fixed-rate and adjustable-rate) have many variations, so how do you know which one is best for you? Let’s start with Fixed-Rate Mortgages . The most popular loan in today's marketplace is the 30-year fixed. This is a loan paid over the course of 30 years , with a fixed interest rate, meaning you’ll pay the same interest rate in year one as you will in year 30 of your mortgage. Your payment may change due to insurance or taxes, but generally a 30-year loan is seen as a practical option due to its stability, simplicity, and month-to-month affordability. So, what's the attraction of the 15-year-fixed ? A 15-year loan will have slightly lower interest rates compared to a similarly priced 30-year loan, but since the term is so much shorter, you’ll pay much less in interest over the life of the loan. The tradeoff is that the monthly payments will be much higher because the term isn’t stretched out over 30 years. If a buyer’s goal is to save as much as possible over the long term, and they can afford the steeper monthly payment, a 15-year is a good choice. If you’re interested in a 15-year term but the high monthly payments make you wary, consider a 20-year or a 25-year term . These two choices provide a "middle of the road" option when it comes to balancing monthly payment and long-term savings. The other primary loan type is the Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) . With an ARM, your interest rate will change annually (or sometimes semi-annually) based on the market rates and your loan agreement. Today, most ARM loans for property buyers are really Hybrid ARMs . These types of ARM loans feature a fixed initial period where the interest rate is locked, with rates adjusting on a regular basis after that. For example, a 5/1 ARM has an initial fixed rate period of 5 years, with the rate adjusting annually (the “1” in 5/1) after that. 3/1, 7/1, and 10/1 are other common hybrid ARMs. With an ARM, the interest rate during the initial period will be much lower than that of fixed rate loans. The downside is that after the initial period, the rate will adjust based on the index the loan is tied to and most often this means an increased payment over time. ARMs can be a really good choice for a handful of prospective borrowers: Borrowers who are confident in future earnings: If you’ve recently graduated from medical school (congrats!) or you’re the beneficiary of a trust that’s not paying out yet (also, congrats), a hybrid loan will allow you to qualify for a larger loan despite your current financial status, as you’ll be able to afford the rising rates later on. “Here for a good-time not for a long-time” homeowners: If you’re confident you’ll be in the home for a very short period of time (say, less than 5 or 10 years), you can enjoy a super-affordable interest rate and sell the home before the end of the initial fixed rate period. You plan to pay off the loan fast: Let’s say you’re downsizing to a smaller home but haven’t received funds from the sale of your previous home. An ARM will allow you to enjoy a low payment until your cash is disbursed, at which time you can pay off your ARM before the end of the initial fixed-rate period.

As Ben Franklin once said: “In this world, nothing is certain but death and cleaning your gutters before winter to prevent ice dams”. With that, here are five fall home maintenance activities to start thinking about in the coming weeks. Check your chimney Make sure everything is in order before the first fire of the season. "Creosote buildup causes chimney fires," says Family Handyman. "You should have your chimney professionally inspected or cleaned after every 70 fires. Don't remember the last time you had it cleaned by a pro? A quick way to tell if your chimney needs cleaning is to run the point of your fireplace poker along the inside of your chimney liner. If you find a 1/8” layer (or more) of buildup, call a chimney sweep." Check your roof Storms, wind, and other weather conditions over the past year could have done damage that you're not aware of. Don’t wait until the first heavy snow to find out you have a leak. If you're not comfortable on a ladder or just want a professional eye, a pro roofer will typically charge you less than $100 to check it out. Seal it up There are three important reasons to make sure your home is air tight: 1) Keeping moisture out; 2) Keeping critters out; 3) Keeping warm air in. Fall is when pests begin to look for places to ride out the winter, so make sure your exterior is free of gaps and holes that will allow for unwanted houseguests. Sealing up holes and cracks can also make your home more efficient—saving you money and keeping you warm and cozy. In most cases all you need is weather stripping and caulk. Disconnect garden hoses from faucets As soon as the weather dips, it's time to disconnect and drain hoses. This simple task can potentially save you a lot of heartache later. “Leaving hoses attached can cause water to back up in the faucets and in the pipes just inside your exterior walls,” says HouseLogic. “If freezing temps hit, that water can freeze, expand, and crack the faucet or pipes.” Also, make sure to drain your hoses before storing them to prevent cracking during the cold winter months. And, of course, clean your gutters Depending on your climate and the surrounding foliage, you may need to clean your gutters more than once throughout the fall. Your gutters are your best ally when it comes to moving moisture away from your home, so it’s critical to keep them free of obstruction.