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Here are four of todays most exciting wellness features that are finding their way into high-end homes.

Cryotherapy Chamber
This treatment, which entails exposing yourself to temperatures as low as -250 F for a few minutes can relieve muscle and joint pain, rejuvenate skin and boost energy levels.

Himalayan Salt Room
Breathing salty air is said to help improve the immune system and relieve symptoms of certain respiratory conditions, like asthma and allergies.

Sensory Deprivation Chamber
While floating in total darkness for a few minutes many people experience a state similar to deep meditation that delivers relaxation and clarity.

Infrared Sauna
Using infrared lights, the body is directly heated, but the air is not, which some find to be a more pleasant experience.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Before you sign on the dotted line, take the following factors into consideration when purchasing homeowners insurance in order to make sure youre getting the best rate and proper coverage:

Things to ask:

How far away is the property from a fire department? Is it a professional or a volunteer-based establishment? Home insurance is bound to be less expensive for homes that are close to professional stations.
Are the plumbing and/or electrical systems outdated or unsafe? Insurance companies will charge more if your home is prone to damages.
Is the home located by a coast rather than inland? Consider if theres exposure to hurricane winds that could jack up insurance rates.
What about windstorms?
Would you need flood insurance? Many homes may need flood insurance, yet its not covered by general insurance programs. Instead, you would need to get insured directly by the federal government.

Things to do:

Get the home inspected before buying. A professional can tell you whether or not your new home comes with any serious risk factors.
Ask the seller for a copy of the homes claims history. This document will give you access to the number and type of insurance and claims filed by the owner, including reports on water damage, fire, and crime.
Have an agent find out exactly how much it will cost to insure your home, including earthquake and flood insurance, if necessary.

Things to know:

A well-built, well-maintained home that can fend off natural disasters will always cost less to insure.
Home insurance is meant to cover sudden and accidental disasters only.
The regular maintenance of the home is the owners responsibility. Insurance companies do not cover mold, small leaks or the repercussions of using low-quality tools or materials.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Published with permission from RISMedia.

So you’ve decided to make the big move, and now it’s time to put everything in boxes. First you think big-picture (furniture), and then you think small-picture and realize you own much more than you ever imaged. Packing can be a daunting task, but with some extra legwork at the beginning, your unpacking can become a walk in the park.

Labeling Hacks
The worst thing about packing is that once all the boxes are in the truck, there’s no remembering what went where. There are several techniques you can put in place, like numbering your boxes to make sure none go missing, indicating which room the boxes are supposed to go to, or color-coding them to indicate their contents”anything that helps you identify the contents and the destination of your boxes is a go.

Practicality
Make sure that every box is packed as efficiently as possible. For example, plates are better off stacked vertically, and make sure heavy objects like books are packed in something with handles. As for all your baskets and suitcases? Put them all to good use by turning them into more packing boxes. Label cords, or take pictures of the cord setup to make sure you remember what goes where. Pack highly fragile or valuable items to take with you, and make sure to have a bag prepared with all of the things you will need upon arrival. (Don’t leave your shampoo in one of the countless moving boxes!)

Movers vs. Friends
While it is a great money-saver to have your friends help you pack up everything, if you have many valuables, it might be a better option to go ahead and pay the movers. A lot of moving companies are liable for anything that is broken or damaged, so you’ll be able to get reimbursed if anything gets damaged. And while your friends may commit to helping you, emergencies or other eventualities may result in a moving day no-show. A moving company will always have back-up, even if your originally scheduled movers call in sick.

Get in the Right Mentality
Moving has everything to do with being in the right mindset. To achieve that, you first have to make sure you get a good night’s rest. Once you’re well rested, make the commitment to move everything out in one day. Know that loading the truck will take longer than you anticipated, and that things will not pan out exactly as you planned them. Instead, be ready to think creatively as situations arise. Find comfort in the thought that once this day is over, you will be moved into your new house!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are several home features that every pet owner can benefit from.

Proper Floors and Fabrics

Choose a hardwood thats particularly durable and resistant to scratches, such as ipe or cumaru, paired with performance rugs.

Pet Camera

Installing a pet camera allows you to keep a watchful eye on your pets at all times.

Pet-Washing Station

Easily keep your pets fresh and clean with a well-designed area that includes a handheld shower sprayer, tile floors and proper drainage.

Air Purification

Installing an air purification system that helps to remove smell, as well as dander, can make a huge difference.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Whens the last time you paid attention to your lights, switches and fixtures?

They may seem like little things, but when selling a home, everything counts, so putting some thought into your homes lighting can go a long way toward sprucing up your home without emptying your wallet.

Here are some easy things that you can do:

Install new bulbs. This is an affordable way to set the right mood in rooms throughout your home. New bulbs also mean they wont burn out while potential buyers look over your home.

Choose the right bulbs for each room. Bright lighting in the kitchen and softer lights in the living room, for example. If you have a ceiling fan with more than one bulb, avoid high-wattage bulbs, and install those of equal wattage.

Replace outlet covers. This is another economically-friendly step that can make a difference. Pick the right colors for each room, and make sure plates match. Another advantage to doing this”youll make sure all outlet covers are tightly screwed on and secure. Be sure to take any necessary safety precautions before changing any plates.

Dust and clean. Lighting on the ceiling can collect dust, especially on globes that cover bulbs, exposed bulbs or chandeliers. Built-up dust in these areas is unsightly, so take a few minutes to dust these. Be sure to do it in the afternoon while the lights arent on and hot to the touch. Then, take a look at the covers of your light switches. Hands are all over these, so theres a good chance theyre marked by fingerprints or food stains. Clean these with a window cleaner; use very little cleaner and be careful because you dont want liquid getting into the switch area.

Check your switches. A lot of houses have switches that just dont work or are backward, turning lights off when in the up position and vice-versa. These are little things, but any imperfection can be a distraction to visitors. It may well be worth the time and expense to hire an electrician to repair or replace any broken switches or outlets that dont function properly.

Remember exterior lights. Outdoor lights are also important. If people visit the house at night, you want walkways to be well lit, and if outdoor lights arent working because of burned-out bulbs, it could be a sign that other areas of the house are being ignored.

Taking these steps can help you sell your home faster.

Published with permission from RISMedia.