No one likes to think about disasters. Severe weather, fire, theft—or even a seemingly small issue like a broken pipe—can wreak havoc on your home and result in thousands of dollars in damages. Fortunately, a good homeowners insurance policy can offer you peace of mind that you and your family will be financially protected if disaster strikes.

PRIORITIZE SERVICE AND VALUE

When choosing an insurance provider, ask around for recommendations. Check with neighbors, friends, and family members, particularly those who have filed an insurance claim in the past. Find out if they had a positive or negative experience. Read online reviews. Ask your real estate agent for a referral to a reputable insurance broker who can help you compare your options.

Don’t just choose the cheapest policy. Instead, search for one that offers excellent client service and provides the best coverage for the cost.

CONSIDER A HIGHER DEDUCTIBLE

A deductible is the amount of money you are responsible for paying on a loss before your insurance company will pay a claim. Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your premiums.

Note that in some cases, your insurance policy may have a separate or higher deductible for certain kinds of claims, such as those caused by floods, windstorms, hail, or earthquakes. While a higher deductible can save you money on your premiums, opt for one that is still affordable given your current financial situation.

TRY BUNDLING YOUR COVERAGE

Combining your home, automobile, and other policies under one insurer can often result in a significant discount. And some insurers offer additional benefits, such as a single deductible if property insured by multiple policies is damaged. For instance, if a fire destroys your home and your car, you may only have to pay the higher of the two deductibles. Bundling can also make payment and renewal of your policies more convenient.

However, bundling isn't always the best or least expensive option. In some cases, you may find better coverage options, service, and/or pricing if you split your policies between multiple insurers. So be sure to consider all of your options before making a final decision.

Have you recently put your property on the market or are thinking about selling your home in the near future? With buying and selling activity exceeding historical levels, how can you stand out with just a little bit of work? Check out advice from home stagers about undesirable features that could turn away prospective home buyers, and replace them with strategies that will increase the chances of selling your home.

CLUTTER HAS NO PLACE

Crowded rooms not only look less visually appealing, they can also give off the impression that cleanliness and hygiene are not prioritized. Be consistent throughout the home; just because one rooom looks magnificently put together, it will be altogether forgotten when your home buyers stumble upon the disorganization across the hall. Even with spaces that are less commonly accessed or out of sight, buyers may form their own judgments based off of first impressions and assume that what's present in one room extends to the rest.

MOULD IS A RED FLAG

No matter how beuatiful the rest of the home is, or how impeccably it's been staged, the smallest signs of damp stains, stained ceilings, or crumbling plaster work can easily turn a prospective buyer away. Apart from the fact that it's visually unappealing, this also signals potential problems down the line and a more expensive investment than what might have been envisioned.

OVERGROWN GARDENS NEED SOME WORK

Landscaping, yardwork, and garden maintenance can take up a lot of your attention, particularly if you have a sizeable property. Gardens surrounding the home itself form a significant part of first impressions, which can negatively downplay your chances of selling if the buyer is already turned off by knee-high weeds or the leaves stuck to their shirt. A well-kept exterior does an amazing job of signalling to buyers that the interior is just as likely to be equally well cared for.

If you're thinking of selling, the bottom line is to put yourself in a potential buyer's shoes, and think about what would put you most at ease and most willing to commit to a large investment.

If you're getting the recommended 7+ hours of sleep every night, you're spending a significant amount of time in your bedroom. Add in our pandemic-affected reality, and you might be only leaving it for water or food breaks!

Despite the fact that your bedroom is often much more secluded compared to other rooms that guests will frequently occupy, there are certainly trends that aren't meant to stay, and some to keep an eye out for! 

1. DOUBLING AS MULTIFUNCTIONAL WORK SPACES

With many of us adjusting to the new normal of working from home, bedrooms might not just serve as sleeping quarters anymore, which makes space and lighting enormously more important. Some people may have opted for a make-shift work station with the assumption that this is more temporary than not, but many are are starting to realize that built-in work spaces might make the best use of bedroom space that is otherwise unoccupied. if you'e going to be spending hours at a time holed up in these spaces, make sure it's properly lit and functional enough to be both productive and comfortable.

2. DOUBLING AS WELLNESS SPACES

It's hard to sit at your desk for hours on end, especially with high levels of caution prompted by going to the gym or even a walk in the neighborhood. Try getting creative by opening up some space for a mini yoga corner, or some free weights you can easily access. Alternatively, set up a mini spa section where you can take a midday break to pamper yourself. Given that there aren't too many external choices right now, it's important to create a sanctuary for you to take care of yourself.

3. LIVE PLANTS REPLACING ARTIFICIAL ONES

Although they may both end up collecting lots of dust, artificial plants are much easier to manage than their living, breathing counterparts. Counterintuitively, this may actually encourage plant owners to redirect their attention to live plants, especially since we now have fewer opportunities to access nature itself. Spending time at home with live, air-purifying plants can really benefit your mood, and watching them flourish in your care is a great way to pass any extra time you may have on your hands.

4. TURNING TOWARDS BALCONIES

Sometimes, balconies can just end up as a visually appealing addition or extra storage space. More and more people are realizing the benefits of having your own outdoor space to use at your leisure. Sip your morning coffee admiring the early morning glow or spend an afternoon working in the warmth of the sun. Keep your eyes out, this feature might not be reserved for just the master bedroom in the future!

There's just something about waking up to a clean and crisp bedroom design, or seeing the way your guests' eyes light up when they take in the flawlessly modern decor you've outdone yourself with. Whether you're looking to do a complete renovation project or just wanting to test out select changes here and there, here are some ideas for designs that will truly make a statement!

1. DRAW ATTENTION TO A FOCAL POINT

Sometimes smaller rooms can be harder to be creative with, especially with the perception that there's not a lot of space to play around, However, these spaces, such as a bathroom, den, or storage space often lead to the most surprising transformations with the right amount of thought. Test out monochromatic murals that span the width or length of a wall, which will create a lengthening effect while drawing all the attention to a specific point of your choosing. 

2. INCORPORATE NATURAL MATERIALS

Ever thought about how the simplicity of nature is really the essence of its beauty? It's undeniable that there's something ethereal about being surrounded by the cool tones of the great outdoors, or the fresh scent of minimally processed materials. Try highlighting neutral colours and a simplistic but tasteful room with wooden accents here and there. 

3. CHOOSE ATMOSPHERIC LIGHTING

Many of us may immediately turn to bright lights when we think about a modern look, but lighting is actually the best way to create an authentic atmosphere that balances the sharp and clean edges with a sense of comfort. Since you most likely want your home to be an inviting and relaxing space, avoid overpowering white lights, and consider warmer lighting scattered throughout the room for an even and comforting feel.

4. HIGHLIGHT MINIMALISM

Our current take on what's modern is really centered around the idea of minimalism and zero clutter. Achieved very often through built-in storage, this strategy makes the most of the space that's available, and leaves your rooms feeling put-together and streamlined. This is especially helpful with medicine cabinets, shelves, and even some kitchen storage!

Source: https://www.realhomes.com/au/design/modern-bathroom-ideas