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Six Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

September 18, 2020

In 2019, a third of homebuyers were purchasing their first home. According to the Bureau of the Census , first-time homebuyers are more likely to purchase small homes, choose to live near urban areas and buy a home built prior to 1960. If you’re thinking about purchasing your first home, there are a few things you should know. Before you start looking It’s best to get your finances in order before you start looking at homes. Pay off any existing debt, check your credit score and put together an emergency fund for unplanned expenses. Your next step should be to save up for your down payment and closing costs. Additionally, get pre-approved for a mortgage as early as possible. It will speed up the buying process once you find the right home, and it gives you an idea of how much home you can afford. Programs for first-time homebuyers The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency offers NC Home Advantage Mortgages with a low fixed rated. As a first time homebuyer, you can qualify for $8,000

Six Fun Cocktail Creations With Hard Seltzers

September 11, 2020

Hard seltzers are refreshing, low in calories and carbs compared to beer, and come in every imaginable fruity flavor. These beverages have become extremely popular, and more than half of alcohol drinkers say they drink hard seltzers on a weekly basis. You can take your hard seltzer game to the next level and turn these carbonated drinks into craft cocktails with these fun recipes. Make your own hard seltzer Homemade hard seltzers are fun and easy to make. You can control the sugar and alcohol content, and make a large pitcher for a party. Here’s what you will need: You can use vodka, white rum or tequila as your alcoholic base. Introduce carbonation with sparkling water for a natural taste, club soda if you want more bite or seltzer water for a taste closer to store-bought hard seltzers. Have fun with the flavoring. You can use freshly-squeezed fruit juice or store-bought juice if you don’t mind the added sugar. Combine different juices to create unique flavors. Aperol spritz revisite

How to Keep your Dishwasher Running Like New

August 27, 2020

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips. Do you limit your dishwasher usage because you experience issues with it? You’re not alone. Among households with a dishwasher, 20% use it less than once a week . Between food residues, incomplete drying and unpleasant smells, dishwashers can be challenging to use. The good news is that these common problems have simple solutions. Common dishwasher problems Here are the most common issues you might run into with your dishwasher: Dishes don’t look clean, are covered with a film or have water spots. The door gasket leaks or doesn’t seal properly. Dishes aren't dry after the cycle ends. You notice a bad smell coming from your dishwasher. Your dishwasher is noisy or doesn’t drain properly. Detergent isn’t released during the wash cycle. Solve common issues with simple maintenance You can prevent a lot of issues simply by using your dishwasher regularly. Hot water and detergent clean the inside of the appliance and prevent bacteria buildup. Running your di

5 Game-Changing Innovations for your Home

August 21, 2020

What's Trending in Smart Home Technology Convenience has always been a major driving force behind tech innovations. Technology is moving into every area of our lives and making things easier at home with connected appliances and virtual assistants. Here are five game-changing innovations we’re excited about! Home security New features like the ability to stream audio and video from your phone have revolutionized home security. One of our favorite home security products is the Ring doorbell. It’s a smart video doorbell that lets you see who’s at the door whether you’re home or not. It’s a strong deterrent for break-ins, and you can use it to keep an eye on package deliveries if you shop online. Smart assistants and connected appliances Did you know that Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant can do a lot more than search for things online? A growing number of appliances and electronics support these assistants. You can use the virtual assistant of your choice to play music on smart sp

Back to School Tips

August 14, 2020

Preparing for the new school year. Going back to school looks a bit different this year. Some school districts will continue to prioritize remote learning, and creating a new routine this fall could be challenging. The best way to adapt to new circumstances is to look for ways to implement positive changes in your life. Right now, families can benefit from creating new routines that restore a sense of normalcy and help your child succeed academically. Rethinking your space and habits can go a long way toward creating a new routine that works for everyone in your family. Family meals More than half of Americans say they've been cooking at home more since the pandemic started. These simple tips will help you keep up with this good habit as your schedule gets busier this fall: Find some simple recipes and stock up on essentials so you can make a family favorite on short notice. Cook a large batch of a dish everyone loves and freeze small portions. Consider a new m