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Kids today have a lot to distract them from doing their homework, like video games, Netflix, YouTube, texting and social media. And lets face it, a lot of adults are just as addicted to their phone as any teenager.

So, as you move into a new home, consider designating a device-free room, a place where kids can study, adults can work and read, and the family can gather to relax, talk or enjoy a hobby.

Heres how you can create a quiet and productive room for your family.

Start With a Desk:
Bring in a simple desk where kids can study and write papers. Although you want to keep this room free of devices, students will most likely need to bring a laptop into the room for research and writing.

 

Bring in the Books:
Set up a bookshelf and fill it up. Start with a dictionary, thesaurus and reference books. Then add some favorite novels and non-fiction titles about a variety of topics such as sports, history and entertainment. If you have young kids, be sure to include picture books to get them in the habit of reading.

 

Figure This Out:
This room is also a great place to set up a table with a puzzle. You can even buy tables that are designed for puzzles. Dont feel any pressure, make it something family members do, as a group and individually, on an ongoing basis.

 

Get a Comfy Chair:
This room needs a place where people can sit, and a nice welcoming chair is perfect for reading and practicing a hobby, such as Add a blanket to the room to make it an ideal spot for a nap.

 

Let There Be Music:
You can make an exception to the gadget rule by streaming music via a phone or tablet. You can even put your old CDs to use in this room or even just listen to a radio. Whatever you choose, the right music can set the mood for all sorts of activities.

Before you know it, your family will be spending a lot more time together”and a lot less time on their phones.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Redoing your kitchen floor on your own is an ambitious undertaking that can be accomplished with the right supplies, tools and know-how. Whether you want to redo your floor by yourself to save money or simply for a sense of accomplishment, there are various ways to get the job done.

Here are several things that youll need in order to complete your DIY kitchen floor project:

Correct Floor Measurements
Your entire project could wind up in chaos if your floor measurements arent correct. The floor measurements will determine the sizes and shapes of the tiles youll need, along with where theyll be placed. If the shape of your floor is square or rectangular, you can calculate its square footage by measuring the floors length and width in feet and multiplying them together. For a floor with a more unusual shape, youll need to divide each section into rectangular units with string or other markers, and then add the square footage of each unit to get the correct total. You should also buy a bit more tile than what would cover your floors square footage, just in case some tiles break or you make mistakes.

The Right Tiles and Caulk
Next, choose the tiles thatll go best in your kitchen. Tiles are available in different shapes, sizes colors and materials, and making the right choice will depend on your specific requirements and personal taste. To set the tiles into place and hold them together, youll need caulk thats formulated to prevent cracks and loose pieces. Be sure to lay tiles down together before you add the caulk so you can ensure they’ll fit in the given space.

Proper Installation Equipment
Some of the tools youll need to complete your project include a notched trowel and a grout float made of rubber along with grout nippers. Masonry saws also work well when sawing tiles that dont fit exactly into a particular space. When using a tile nipper or masonry saw, its always advisable to wear safety glasses and a mask to filter out the particles in the air. Make sure stone or ceramic tiles are wet when cutting them in order to prevent sending dust everywhere that can get into your lungs and eyes. If youre uncomfortable cutting the tiles yourself, many hardware stores offer that service for you.

Cleanup Supplies
Youll likely have a big mess on your hands after youve completed your project, and youll want to have cleanup supplies handy. Sweeping with a broom or using a vacuum to clean up dirt, dust and other debris can eliminate a lot of the clutter. Having trash bags handy for removing spare pieces and supplies that arent needed will also be helpful. Going over your new tiles with a mop and coat of wax will make them look especially attractive. Also, disinfectant spray can be used for a more thorough sanitizing.

Going the DIY route to install a new kitchen floor can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. Getting everything thats needed to complete the project beforehand can save you a lot of time and additional hassle.

Source: Meghan Belnap/RISMedias Housecall

Published with permission from RISMedia.

The interest rate on your mortgage will have a major impact on the total amount youll pay over the life of the loan. If youre buying a home that you plan to live for a long time, reducing your interest rate by purchasing mortgage points could allow you to save tens of thousands of dollars.

How Do Mortgage Points Work?
Mortgage points, or discount points, are fees that you can pay to the lender at closing in exchange for a reduction in your interest rate. One point costs 1 percent of the mortgage amount. The amount that the interest rate is reduced depends on the lender. Each point typically reduces the interest rate by one-eighth to one-quarter of 1 percent.

Should You Buy Mortgage Points?
The longer you own your house and make monthly mortgage payments, the more of an impact points can have. To figure out if it makes sense to purchase points, you need to look at your specific situation and crunch the numbers.

Compare the amount your monthly payments would be if you didnt buy any points and paid the full interest rate to what youd pay if you bought points. Divide the amount youd spend on points by the amount youd save on interest each month to figure out after how many months the savings would equal the cost of points. If youd stay in your home after the break-even point, it would make sense to buy points. If youd likely move before then, youd be better off not buying points.

If you chose an adjustable-rate mortgage, points would generally only lower the interest rate during the fixed-rate period at the beginning. Figure out if youd break even before the interest rate changed and you lost the reduction from points.

Putting down 20 percent of the purchase price could allow you to avoid paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI). You might save more by making a large down payment and avoiding PMI than you would by purchasing mortgage points to lower the interest rate. Run the numbers to figure out what would be better for your specific circumstances.

Buying mortgage points might also lower your tax liability. Discuss your specific circumstances with an accountant.

Figure out If Points Are Right for You
If you plan to stay in your home long-term, lowering your interest rate could help you save a lot of money. If you dont plan to stay there long enough to break even, youd be better off not buying points. Making a larger down payment to avoid PMI would be the better option in some cases. The only way to decide which is the right move is to consider the cost of the house you want, how much points would lower your interest rate, and how long you expect to live in the house, then do the math.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or legal advice.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Everyone loves the pristine look of a white kitchen. From traditional elegance to contemporary cool, the monochromatic color scheme lends itself to a variety of styles in the cooking space. If youre thinking about designing a white kitchen in your new home, here are a few tips to help guide you in the right direction.

Go Big On Marble
Marble has long been, and will continue to be, one of the most luxurious materials you can bring into your home. In particular, Calacatta marble is a hallmark of the white kitchen thats perfect for creating sophisticated countertops and backsplashes. The deep veining pattern is a good way to provide a sense of depth so that your cooking area doesnt feel too stark.

Warm It Up With Wood
Whether its white oak floors or wood beamed ceilings, a little bit of wood can go a long way in a white kitchen. By adding natural material, you can easily warm up the ambience and make it feel like a more inviting space for the family to gather in. A careful balance between white and wood in the kitchen creates an effortlessly timeless aesthetic.

A Touch of Texture
When youre sticking to one color, a strong sense of texture becomes all the more important in your kitchen. There are plenty of different ways that you can add it, like terrazzo floors, exposed white brick walls or beadboard cabinets. Recently, concrete floors have become a trendy look in white kitchens, but keep in mind that theyll have to be sealed regularly to avoid staining.

Introduce Accents
If were being honest, a white kitchen doesnt have to be entirely white. In fact, introducing an accent color is advised to mix it up a little bit and give the eye something to rest on when one enters the room. This can be anything from barstools and pendant lights to colorful kitchenware that you keep on display with open shelving.

Maximize Natural Light
Natural light has a serious impact on the way a white kitchen feels. Sun exposure helps to create a light and airy atmosphere and without it you run the risk of the space feeling a bit cold. Likewise, focus on warm lighting to set the tone in the evenings after the sun goes down.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Every time a prospective homebuyer walks onto your property, there are a few things that they will absolutely not put up with. These deal breakers can be anywhere in the home, but there is one area that we often forget about: the backyard.

The backyard is very important to family life. After all, this is the place where children will enjoy their childhood and play in a safe and secured environment. Most homebuyers prefer single-family dwellings solely because of the usable outdoor space! Take some time to focus on your backyard. After all, there are ways that you can update your backyard without spending money.

Pool in the Backyard
To many buyers, a pool can be seen as an expensive maintenance fee that they will have to pay for on top of the mortgage. Once they see a pool, they’re going to start doing some calculations in their head thinking, “Now how much is this going to cost me?” Whether it’s above or below ground, a pool can raise a flood of concerns over child safety.

Size of the Plot
The appraisal of your home is typically made in two elements, the plot size and the actual value of the physical home. That said, the size of your yard comes into play so you want to make sure that you spend a generous amount of time prepping your backyard for visitors. Getting rid of clutter and opening up the yard to make your lot feel larger will help you when it comes time to sell.

Pet Products
Hide dishes, play toys, and photos of your pets as this may make the buyer feel like the home is dirty, especially for a homeowner that doesn’t like the idea of having pets inside the house. This will be a deal breaker if the buyer is allergic to cats and/or dogs.

Landscaping
With the price of water rising rapidly and droughts in California, grass isn’t as appealing as it once was. When frugal buyers see grass, they see a sky-high water bill that will eventually lead to a dead yard and a new project to be undertaken. Think about landscaping trends like xeric landscaping, native plants, and artificial turf to make your home more appealing to all home buyers.

Leaving Backyard Photos Out of your Listing
This is a rookie mistake. If you leave out photos of your backyard, homebuyers will think that you have something to hide. If you have a gorgeous yard, why wouldn’t you want to showcase it in your listing? Are you hiding any skeletons in the closet?

Noisy Neighbors
Now this may be seen as something outside of your realm, but it may be worth a knock on the door to let your neighbors know that you will be showing your house at a given time. Rowdy neighbors can be an instant turn off to potential buyers. Make sure your neighbors’ parties are held on a different day than your open house to give buyers a better peace of mind. After all, they will share a fence with these neighbors for an indefinite period of time.

So What Are Homebuyers Looking For?
A survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders found that new homebuyers are looking for exterior lighting, lots of trees, a deck or patio, and a fenced in yard. Beyond the basics, an outdoor amenity that is rapidly gaining in popularity is the outdoor fireplace/fire pit, outdoor kitchens, and the outdoor living room.

Investing in the backyard can net you some of the highest returns. Knowing what real estate appraisers (and homebuyers) are looking for will help you sell your property faster. That said, the exterior of your home is just as important as the interior of your home. Many people assume that the front and backyard aren’t crucial to the buying process so they overlook these pitfalls. Make sure that your backyard does not have any hidden deal breakers that could steer away new bids!

Published with permission from RISMedia.