Month: July 2015

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Atlanta luxury home builders Designer home builders Luxury custom homebuilders

5 Reasons Why You Should Design the Luxury Home of Your Dreams

Designer home builders

Now more than ever are Americans contacting custom home builders to create luxury custom home designs buyers have been dreaming about for years. These are the top five reasons why Americans are switching to designer home plans.


1. The Economical Choice
Chances are, you belong to the percentage of the population that always wants to save money. Older homes often need repair, and they do not come with the standard energy-saving amenities available to new homes. An effective geothermal system can use 25-50% less energy than conventional systems while reducing the number of harmful emissions. Innovations in insulators, like those of the spray foam variety, can additionally reduce heating costs by 50% when compared to traditional installations. Even windows have energy-saving options in the form of double-paned wood or vinyl-framed windows, which cut down on energy costs in every season when compared to single-pane windows.


4. A Chance to Build Green
Americans are more conscious than ever of reducing their carbon footprint by going green. Homes that have not been weather stripped can have serious air leaks that account for 30-40% of heating and cooling cost according to Energy Star. Many appliances have eco-friendly components such as convection ovens, which cook food quickly while using less energy than conventional ovens.


3. Customize the Size of Your Home
One of the most frustrating aspects of home shopping is finding the right-sized home for your family. In 2013, 569,000 single-family homes were surveyed: 59,000 of which had two or less bedrooms, and 251,000 had four or more bedrooms. Custom home models can provide a personalized option to suit your family. Contractors generally charge only 15-25% of the total price of the home before they can set to work.


2. The Latest and Greatest Tech
Technology moves at such a fast rate that if you aren’t keeping up, you’re not plugged into society. Smart systems can be installed in a custom home, easily connecting devices to home settings like lights, heating, and even security for complete home control.


1. Make the Home of Your Dreams

The chance to build a home is a dream come true for many Americans. Luxury custom home designs can install stone bathtubs or infinity pools: two of the most popular luxury amenities on the market. Want a custom wine cellar, outdoor kitchen, or vineyard? Why not maintain high standards while cutting down on energy costs with solar panels? Most luxury custom home designs run upwards of 1 million dollars, which many customers are happy to pay for the home of their dreams; are you one of them?

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Bluffton houses for sale Bluffton south carolina homes for sale Bluffton south carolina real estate

When You Buy a New House, Think About Your New Life!

Real estate for sale in bluffton sc

Buying a new home shouldn’t be all about the real estate. This is the chance for you to start a brand new chapter of your life, full of all the things you deserve to do! The area you choose for your next home will say a lot about the kind of life you live, so you can really start to cater to your taste in activities. Here’s where you should look for homes for sale, depending on the kind of things you want to be doing.

If you want your life to be:

Exciting – There’s no place for exciting living like the hustle and bustle of the city. Metropolitan areas have lots of options for dining, live music, gallery openings, sports events, and plenty of other things too. You could see a baseball game or see an opera. (Or both on the same night!) There’s always something going on in the city.

Simple – For those who can’t stand the noise of the city, there’s nothing like peaceful country life. Waking up every morning to the fresh air and the green grass can be enough to clear anyone’s head, and unclog the mental congestion. Plant a beautiful garden and let the dogs run free in the yard. With all that space, you could even start a farm of your own!

Relaxing – You really can’t go wrong with lake homes. Nestled away on the water, your lakeside community will join you as you fish, boat, swim, hike, and more. Imagine feeling like you’re on vacation every time you wake up in the morning! Your lakeside community will show you what you really should be focusing on with your new home: relaxing and enjoying your new life.

So don’t get bogged down by real estate woes! Just imagine where you want to be for your new life, and go make it a reality!

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Clothing donations pick up Donation pickup Support for military families

Make a Difference Helping Families in Need Through Donations

Clothes donation

Donating to charity is an activity that can always make you feel happy, proud and content. There are a lot of people and families in the U.S. that are in the need of help, and you can make a difference by making your charitable donations count. Research indicates that 70% of the American population makes some form of donation to charity every year. These donations are then used for helping families in need and providing them with hope of a better future.

If you are looking to donate to charity, donating clothing material is a great option for many reasons. 99% of discarded clothing can be effectively recycled and used, and donating your old clothes to charity ensures that charitable organizations can use them to help out those in need. Also, by making charitable clothing donations your clothes get recycled and do not contribute to landfill mass or cause extra pollution.

Making your Donations Count

The donations you make can go on to make a difference for military families. The unemployment rate for military vets is 2% higher than regular American citizens, and a little help can go a long way. Similarly, many charities also help out the blind population, using the funds generated from donations to develop special tools to help them lead a better life. Your clothing donations can also help make life better for the homeless population, and those living below the poverty line.

Getting your Donations Picked Up

To make the donation process easier, many organizations pick up your donations from your doorstep. If you are looking to make donations, look for charities that will pick up donations in your area. This way, you can expedite the donation process and do your bit in helping families in need.

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Amish garage builders Custom gazebos nj Pool house

What Are The Most Popular Amish Shed Designs?

Amish shed builders

Amish built sheds have long been popular in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but they’ve also been gaining in popularity throughout the Northeast in recent years. Typically, Amish buildings and furniture have been prized for three reasons:

  • Because they’re made from 100% wood, rather than cheap particle board or laminate, they’re known for durability
  • Amish built garages and sheds are made by hand, in workshops prized for their high-quality craftsmanship
  • Amish buildings come in a variety of styles and designs, making them a versatile addition to your property

So what are the most popular Amish shed designs this summer?

1. Garden Sheds

For those in need of additional storage space or a potting shed, Amish garden sheds offer a sturdy building homeowners can depend on. Amish shed designs include rustic, barn-style buildings, as well as more modern looking custom sheds to match contemporary home designs.

2. Amish Built Garages

Garages are some of the most popular home additions, and an Amish prefab garage offers homeowners to invest in a garage without breaking the bank on construction costs. Amish built garages can be ordered online and delivered right to your property fully formed, so there’s no waiting around for contractors to finish a costly addition.

3. Amish Pergolas and Gazebos

Although most Americans are familiar with gazebos, many are left wondering, “What is a pergola exactly?” Pergolas are arbor-like structures for patios and gardens. They’re often designed so that vines and other plants can climb over their walls, providing shade and aesthetic appeal to your backyard space.

Others opt for the elegance of an Amish gazebo, which they believe adds a touch of class to their property.

For homeowners looking for Amish shed designs, online retailers have a variety of prefab structures to suit any need or design. If you’re looking to invest in property upgrades without investing in construction, then Amish built structures might be exactly what you’re backyard requires.

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Bluffton south carolina real estate Real estate bluffton sc Real estate in bluffton

The Three Easy Steps to an Easy Move

Real estate in bluffton

When you’re getting ready to move, you’re probably already exhausted. Looking at all the real estate for sale, dealing with realtors and open houses, organizing and packing up all of your stuff… it can get exhausting. But don’t let the realtor drama get in the way of you making your new home the best it can be. Here are some tips to help you pack up your home essentials in the most efficient way possible:

Make a list – This goes two ways. First, you’ll want to make a list of everything you know that you want in your new home. And if something isn’t on the list, when you’re packing, donate it or throw it away! If you didn’t remember it, chances are it’s probably just taking up space. After you do that, you’ll want to make a list of everything that you do decide to keep, so that when you’re unpacking, you can keep track of everything that gets moved. This way, you’ll know that everything is present and accounted for!

Get things labeled – When you get each room packed up, make sure that you get everything organized and labeled, so you know where things go. You’ll save a ton of time you’d normally waste searching for which things go in which room. But beware of over-packing; the last thing you want is for all your dishes to end up in a pile on the floor.

Unpack right away – Even though you’ll probably be tired from all the moving, this is the most important step to making your new home exactly that. By getting all your stuff moved out and moved in, you’ll make sure that you don’t end up living among all your boxes, which will give you less chores to do later. Then you can really focus on settling into your new space.

So when you’re looking at real estate for sale, don’t forget about the things that make your home what it should be: comfortable, organized, and ready to live in!

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Land o lakes new homes New homes tampa bay

Why Young People Should Invest in Single Family Homes

Tampa bay new homes for sale

When young professionals start to think about buying their first property, it can be overwhelming to decide what type of home would be the best investment for their lifestyle. Because of how many choices there are, many times young people overlook the benefits of investing in one of the great single family homes in their area. For young people thinking about what to look for in a new home and what single family homes can offer them, keep reading to learn more.
1) Timeless Investment One of the biggest advantages to single family homes is that they truly represent a timeless investment. People will always want to live in single family homes, which is a major plus for a young person who thinks they may want to move within 10 years of purchasing a home. Buying a new home for a young person represents a major shift and sometimes feels like a big risk, but by investing a style of housing that is timeless, they can rest easier knowing they made a good choice.
2) Build Your Dream Home Another benefit to single family homes is that there are so many options to build. Working with a home builder allows someone to build a house exactly how they want it. That could mean building it with heating a cooling costs in mind, since about 86% of home buyers consider these energy costs in their purchasing decisions. It could also mean picking a modern home design that you can’t find otherwise in your area. Building a home gives you a lot of choices to customize your space exactly how you wish.
3) Have Your Independence For many young people, moving in a single family house is a major change from their previous living arrangements. Whether they lived with roommates or by themselves, most young professionals spend a significant number of years renting while they complete their education and build their career. While it may seem tempting to look at multi-family dwellings when purchasing because it is what is familiar, living in a single family house means that young people can enjoy a kind of privacy and independence they have never had. This is so important, especially as one begins to build their own family.
4) Think Neighborhood One thing all young people should keep in mind when purchasing a home is that location really matters. Around 20% of homeowners would sacrifice extra space, like a garage, in order to be in a better school district. Nearly half of home buyers consider the boundaries of a school district as a strong factor when looking to buy a house. This matters to young people both because they may be on the verge of having children of their own, and because buying a home in a good school district will help make sure that they can easily sell when that time comes.

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Apartment living Apartments in philly Downtown philadelphia apartments

Three Points That Will Change Your Perspective on Apartment Living

1 bedroom apartments in philadelphia

Making the choice of where to live can be difficult, especially in regards to the pros and cons of renting and buying. While the economy has since recovered from the housing crisis several years ago, investing in a mortgage is still not without risk. Many people are now looking to the convenience and luxury of options like city loft apartments for something more secure, but what are the exact advantages of choosing apartment living?


1) Apartment rental has proven to be less of a financial risk than buying a house.


Many of us saw the effects of the Great Recession towards the end of the 2000’s with an increased number of foreclosures. Homeowners still run that risk and they’re not the only ones; almost 40% of foreclosures happen to single-family homes, condos or any other form of housing rented out by a primary owner. Those who choose to rent an apartment are obviously immune from something as earth shattering as having one’s home foreclosed on by the bank.


2) Renting an apartment is more cost efficient.

A lot has been said over the years about the financial virtues of investing in a mortgage. However, statistics show these may no longer be representative of our modern situation. On average, renters can expect to save $560 a month in comparison to those who pay a mortgage, as well as avoid investing in an asset that may depreciate in value. As an example, $100 invested in a mortgage in 1985 would be worth only $293 today, whereas that much invested in stocks would’ve multiplied as much as four times to $1,146. Furthermore, home ownership requires separate payments like those for lawn and home maintenance on top of prices that can increase, such as property taxes and insurance. For these reasons, it’s not hard to see why the financial benefits of city loft apartments outweigh those of houses in the suburbs.

3) Apartment life is more luxurious and convenient.


What can be better than having tedious tasks like lawn and home maintenance taken care of for you? Along with providing better financial security, lofts and apartments offer on-site customer care and quality amenities, such as pools and workout rooms. This onsite care provides for quicker maintenance service than having to wait for a landlord’s assistance. Luxury apartments are now more affordable than ever, making these benefits more accessible to any kind of lifestyle.
Whether it’s in a place closer to the suburbs and bedroom towns or city loft apartments in the center of activity, luxurious full-time residential service need not be an elusive dream any longer.

The evidence shows that now is a great time to find an apartment over any other residential options. With the stressful busyness of today’s modern world, a place where a person can find peace of mind in knowing their finances are secure and their responsibilities are lessened can make all the difference.

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Adjustable bed base Adjustable bed mattress Twin adjustable bed

Why Do Some People Have Trouble Getting to Sleep?

Sleep system bed

If you think that the only reason why people have trouble sleeping is because of a medical issue, think again. There are tons of reasons why some people can’t seem to get 40 winks. Here are just a few of the most common.

Taking Sleep For Granted. According to the National Sleep Foundation, one of the most common reasons why people don’t get enough sleep is because they take it for granted, and fail to realize just how important sleep really is. Without sleep, the brain can’t process memories, and the body can’t recharge. Sure, there are things that could be done and goals that can be worked towards in the time that should be spent sleeping, but those things will be there tomorrow.

Not Being Able to Find a Comfortable Sleeping Position. Some people can’t get to sleep, because they can’t get comfortable. For these people, laying down puts pressure on certain parts of the body, which makes it difficult to nod off. Luckily, there are adjustable beds that can make it easier for them to get comfortable. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adjustable bed mattresses allow people to sit up, as though they were on a chair or sofa, which may help take pressure off of certain parts of the body. In other words, adjustable mattresses let people sleep in different positions they can’t on flat mattresses, which may possible make it easier to get comfy.

Failing to Wind Down Before Bed. Watching TV or surfing the web before going to bed may be a relaxing activity, but believe it or not, the light from the screens makes it tougher to get to sleep. Even though the room may be dark, the light makes our brains think that it’s still bright out, IE not time for bed yet.

These are just a few of the reasons why some people have trouble getting to sleep. If you know of any others, feel free to share in the comments. Learn more about this topic here. References.

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King size adjustable beds Styles of adjustable beds Twin adjustable bed

Comfort is King with an Adjustable Mattress

Adjustable base bed

We’ve all had a sleepless night here and there, but what about when it becomes a chronic problem? According to the sleep experts at the National Sleep Foundation, chronic pain is a major factor that impacts our ability to get a good night’s rest. Add headaches, anxiety, and sleep apnea to the equation, and we can total up the cost in hours missed from work every year, which is a staggering figure.
Every year, the U.S. loses $63 billion dollars to sleep-related work absences.
A large part of the problem is the manner in which we rest: uncomfortable, aging mattresses are to blame. An adjustable mattress that can raise the head and torso while we rest can prevent breathing problems while asleep as well as create support for ailing upper backs and tired, sore necks. Styles of adjustable beds that allow the user to customize his or her bed height can make a major impact on quality of sleep.
An adjustable mattress will comfort us and allow us to go to sleep more easily. Who has not spent at least 20 minutes trying to “count sheep” to no avail? The experts say that time spent awake in an uncomfortable bed may actually be contributing to our insomnia.
A luxury adjustable mattress can be the best investment to make for physical, emotional, and mental health. Sizes of adjustable beds are standard: twin, full, queen bed, even king size adjustable beds are sold online or in stores. Styles of adjustable beds vary, but a sleep comfort professional can help discover the right make and model for lasting comfort and health benefits.
Craftmatic® Adjustable Beds equipped with optional heat and massage also may provide temporary relief from: • Low Back Pain • Minor Aches and Pains Due to Muscular Fatigue or Overexertion • Edema or Swelling of the Legs • Poor Local Blood Circulation of the Legs • Symptoms of Hiatus Hernia • Nighttime Heartburn • Symptoms of Gastric Reflux • The optional heating accessory provides temporary relief from Mild Arthritis and Joint Pain, as well as Muscle Pain Associated with Stress and Tension • Sleeping in an upright position may Reduce or Ease Light and Occasional Snoring

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Donate used toys St vincent de paul clothing donations St vincent de paul donation

Donate Household Goods Today

Donate toys

If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community today, donate household goods that you don’t use or don’t need. For instance, if your closet is overflowing with clothing that you barely ever wear, consider donating these items to help those in need of clothing and reduce your impact on the environment. Americans discard an estimated 68 pounds of clothing a year, even though over 90% of textile waste is perfectly recyclable. In 2006 alone, 2.5 billion pounds of fabric were kept out of landfills as a result of used-clothing purchases. Recycling, repurchasing, and donating clothing is one of the easiest ways you can give back to those in need and reduce your waste.

There are plenty of ways to give back right in your own city. Philadelphia is full of people in need; approximately 440,000 Philadelphia residents currently fall below the federal poverty line, many of whom have children who need clothing, toys, and shoes. If your children have outgrown their old play clothes or still have a bin of old toys laying around collecting dust, donate these toys or lightly used clothing to help local children and make a difference in a child’s life.

In a recent survey, 42.7% of responders said they tend to donate more during the holidays. If you’re looking for a way to give back to those in need this holiday season, donate household goods or make a cash donation to one of the 1,507,231 tax-exempt, charitable organizations in the United States. If it’s nowhere near the holidays, don’t let that stop you! Though the holidays are a great time to give back, you don’t have to wait until then to make charitable donations. Most organizations take donations year-round, and you can make a big difference in someone’s life by donating much-needed seasonal household goods any time of the year.

If limited time or transportation is an issue for you, you can still donate household goods through a home pickup service. There are many charities that will pick up donations from your house, so all you have to do is collect your unused goods and call to have them collected. If you fall in the 50% of people who prefer door-to-door pickup when making donations, find a charity pick up and start helping families in need today.

It’s always the right time lend a helping hand to those in need in your community. Most of us are fortunate enough to have more than we need, so next time you clean out your closet or garage, donate household goods to your local charity to share these blessings with others.