Creative Holiday Decor Ideas for a Big Budget

Whether you’re creating a winter wonderland, renovating an overlooked room or decorating your Christmas tree with radiant ornaments, you may be looking for inspiration — and a little cash. With the Make It Yours Sweepstakes, Zillow will be awarding one lucky winner with $15,000 for home updates.

We asked design and do-it-yourself experts how they would decorate their homes for the holidays if money was no object. Here are a few of their tips to increase holiday cheer at home.

Green Accents

DIY ornaments made from wood. Source: Serena Appiah of Thrift Diving

I’d give every member of the family a themed tree for their bedroom. I’d go a little Oprah with this. …”You get a tree! You get a tree! Everybody gets a tree!” That and more twinkle lights than Clark used in Christmas Vacation. - Heather Freeman of The Décor Fix

I’d spring for a huge, 5-foot diameter evergreen wreath for the exterior of my home, and I’d fill the interior with dozens of blooming amaryllis and natural beeswax candles–both of which could last well into the New Year. - Laura Fenton of The Little House in the City

I’d have Christmas trees in just about every room of the house. I love the soft glow a Christmas tree gives off on those cozy nights at home. - Meg Hemmelgarn of Green with Décor

We usually put up an artificial tree that was passed down from my mom, but it’s sparse and not very convincingly real! I’d trim the tree with do-it-yourself ornaments and keepsakes that have also been passed down through my family, as well as brand new shiny ones in turquoise, silver and cream! - Serena Appiah of Thrift Diving

Cozy Up

Cozy accents complement any living space. Source: Jeanette L. of Snazzy Little Things

I would update our family room with wood flooring throughout, and I would place an oversized, fluffy rug in front of our fireplace which would be laced with handmade stockings and ornaments. Our family would enjoy a white slipcovered couch draped with several cable knit throws. And, last but not least, my dog would have the prettiest dog bed fit for a king! - Jeanette L. of Snazzy Little Things

I would love to have the mantle draped in natural garlands, dripping with silver and gold vintage ornaments and candles. Also cashmere throws on the arm of every sofa and chair to nestle in while enjoying the decorations. - Kelly Wilkniss of My Soulful Home

I’d also love to add a cozy new sectional with lots of pillows to our family room so that we’d have enough room for all of our holiday guests to relax, catch up and take that much-needed catnap after our turkey dinner. - Kris Jarrett of Driven by Decor

We’d have flannel Christmas sheets on each bed with fluffy holiday quilts. There would be fresh evergreen wreaths and other greenery to scent the air. We’d have a hot cocoa/cider station to welcome our guests. And, of course, we’d always have a supply of freshly-baked cookies! - Candice of She’s Crafty

Renovate

I’d update the “bones” of my home first. A beautiful, timeless backdrop for all of my family’s Christmas decorations is a necessity. My windows are in need of replacement as they offer a beautiful view of the woods beyond my home. I’ve always wanted to add rustic wood beams to the ceiling of my family room and because I embrace an eclectic combination of vintage and current pieces in my decor style. The beams would bring this room to the next level. - Dana Havens of Chocolate and Sunshine

I’d speed up the plans for the renovation of our 1980s kitchen and baths so we would be ready to best tackle the large amount of people who will come through our doors in December. The blues and grays I use in my Christmas decor would flow beautifully into the light, bright and classic renovation we have planned. - Jen Migonis of Migonis Home

I would hire a professional to makeover my kitchen to be more welcoming since so many of our holiday gatherings happen in that space. I’ve been dreading painting our cabinets white, but I know it will really brighten them up. I would buy down, white slipcovered sofas for our living room, too - they withstand the test of time and messy kids, and they are much easier to clean. - Lauren Shaver of Bless’er House

The Three Cs: Country, Coastal and Color

Make a wave with coastal decor. Source: Chloe Crabtree of Celebrate and Decorate

I would redecorate my home for the holidays by choosing a fun color palette or theme each and every year and decorate entirely around that. Snowflakes, lime green, maybe even hot pink! Something out of the ordinary, something besides your typical “red and green.” I would have so much fun with that! - Stephanie Dulgarian of Somewhat Simple

Because we usually have family home for the holidays, I would give one of our guest bedrooms a rustic, cozy cabin feel with red plaid linens and lots of soft flannel pillows for the bed, while the other guest bed would be decked out in beautiful white linens and pillows with a luxurious faux fur throw at the bottom and fresh green garland draped over the headboard. - Kristi Haight of Chatfield Court

While I love our modern home, I sometimes wish for the country style farmhouse I made so many memories in when growing up.  I would combine our love of nature with my fond childhood memories and create a country chic Christmas. Flairs of warm red tones shown in ornaments, ascent pieces and the occasional glittery reindeer would be enveloped in the soft glow of white lights and lanterns. - James and Alicia of Homey Improvements

I have a house with 12-foot ceilings for the first time ever, and would love to have a gorgeous tree as the centerpiece for my Christmas decorations. I would begin decorating it from top to bottom with beautiful shells, tiny sailboats and glittering ornaments for a coastal Christmas look. My mantel would get decked out with lush garlands with starfish and sand dollars tucked among them. - Chloe Crabtree of Celebrate and Decorate

Winter Wonderland

A festive Christmas village. Source: Meg Hemmelgarn of Green With Decor

My favorite color palette for the holidays is silver and shades of blue, so I’d do a lot of white with touches of those colors. Definitely a large white tree! - Amy Anderson of Mod Podge Rocks

Hanging from our tall ceiling would be hundreds of white seed moss balls at different lengths so it looks like it's snowing in our main living space. The table covered in an elegant red and gold cloth would be topped with candles, snowflakes and frost-tipped pine cones. - James and Alicia of Homey Improvements

I would redecorate my home with as many decorations as possible to make my home a winter wonderland. There would be lovely little garlands and wreaths everywhere, a uniquely decorated Christmas tree in each room, and a mantle decked out with the most adorable trinkets, candles and decorations. I could also imagine hung snowflakes from the ceiling - big and small to really bring out the winter wonderland look. A big horse-drawn sleigh would be the perfect piece to sit, enjoy a cup of cocoa and enjoy the views! - Emily Cann of B. Lovely Events

Related:

• Deck Out Your Guest Room to Give Holiday Visitors a Warm Welcome
• 3 Keys to Non-Traditional Holiday Decor
• Decorating for Winter, Not Just the Holidays

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/big-budget-holiday-decor-ideas-186920/
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#HomemadeHack Thanksgiving Timesaver: Peel Your Potatoes With a Drill

The big game’s on, family and friends have gathered, and there’s so much to do. Save yourself some time with this speedy trick for peeling potatoes lightning fast.

1. Gather your supplies: a pile of taters and your power drill (with a thoroughly washed bit in place). 

2. Get your potato in position and grab your peeler.

3. Ready, set, peel!

4. Get those bad boys into boiling water and cross “Peel potatoes” off your to-do list.

Happy Thanksgiving!

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/homemadehack-peel-potatoes-187161/
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Line Up Fun at the Kids' Table With This Tic Tac Toe #HomemadeHack

Little hands will stay busy at the dinner table with a DIY game that’s so much fun it might even entice the grownups.

Here’s how to create the game, which requires nothing more than washi tape and eight pieces of fruit or other small items.

1. Set the kids’ table to make sure there’s room for the little ones’ place settings.

2. Make room for your tic tac toe board.

You can customize the size depending on how much space you have.

3. Use washi or masking tape to create the grid.

4. Mark off a rectangle and divide it into nine boxes.

5. Gather eight similar objects, with two sets of four being identical.

Pieces of fruit, buttons, colorful wrapped candies, and other small items work great.

6. Let the games begin!

 

Related:

• Time for Treats! #HomemadeHack for DIY Backyard Tabletop S’mores
• Set a Fabulous Table for Fall
• Deck Out Your Guest Room to Give Holiday Visitors a Warm Welcome

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/tic-tac-toe-homemadehack-187118/
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5 Reasons to Be Thankful for a Great Real Estate Agent

Not all real estate agents are created equal. Like all industries, there are plenty of terrific pros, but once in a while a bad apple rubs a buyer or seller the wrong way and spoils it for the rest of us.

If you've had a bad experience in the past, don't let it happen again. If you aren't comfortable with your current agent, stop everything. You can find wonderful agents in every market - don't move forward until you have.

Once you find an exceptional real estate agent, you’ll discover plenty of reasons to be thankful for them.

They’ll be there for you during the difficult moments

In the middle of a transaction that seems to be giving you more heartache than love? Maybe it’s not the "deal" you thought it was, or something just doesn’t seem right?

A good agent will take your call at 10 p.m., hear you out and support your decision not to move ahead. Buying or selling a home is a serious financial transaction - not to mention one with huge emotional and practical considerations.

Your agent should uncover any issues and, if it’s the best decision, suggest backing out of the deal before you even bring it up. They’ll be on your side, and looking to build a long-term relationship - not just make a quick buck.

They’ll help get your house ready for sale in record time

A good listing agent doubles as a project manager, designer, and connector of all things quick and fast for home improvement.

Thinking of selling, but daunted by the idea of prepping your home, making necessary fixes or simply deep cleaning? Good listing agents take on the burden and alleviate unnecessary drama from an already stressful time in your life.

With your approval, your agent can muster up a team of painters, stagers, floor finishers, home organizers - and the list goes on. As the lead on prepping your home for sale, your agent will be your single point of contact and get the job done quickly.

They know you’re juggling work, kids and all the other parts of your life

A real estate transaction can be so tedious. Someone always wants a random signature or a document notarized. Inspectors and appraisers need to get into the home, and sometimes one of the parties has a last-minute request that you can’t ignore.

A good agent realizes you have a life outside your real estate transaction. She’ll drive to your home late at night or catch you in the lobby of your office building in between your meetings for that important signature. He’ll open doors, get second bids, sometimes pull weeds and even walk your dogs.

Tasked with making your life easier and your transaction as smooth as possible, a good real estate agent is full service 24/7. And they love doing it.

They’ll send you helpful data about your home long after you’ve closed

Some agents do their deals and move on, seeing your purchase or sale as transactional. But good agents know that their services continue long after you close.

Homeowners like to know what's going on in the market and how their investment has fared over time. Agents see homes in person each week, and can take note of comparable homes and keep their past clients informed about the market.

It’s true you have a lot of information at your fingertips already, but having an active agent keeping you in the loop, without even asking, is the best.

They have the inside track because they’re well-connected and well-liked

Often, deals fall into place because of the strength of the relationships a good agent builds over time. Being well-connected with other agents, bankers, inspectors and deal-makers means they can help you find opportunities off the market, get the attention or time you need, or get your offer to the top of the pack in a competitive bidding situation.

A truly great agent constantly has your interests, wants and needs in mind, and uncovers opportunities to find the house or the buyer of your dreams.

If you've found your dream agent, you have a lot for which to be thankful. If you haven’t, find a good agent and get them on your team. They can make all the difference.

Related:

• Understanding the Role of the Real Estate Agent
• Find the Right Buyer’s Agent
• Questions to Ask Your Agent Before Listing Your Home

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/be-thankful-for-real-estate-agent-187080/
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Savvy Shopping for Black Friday Deals

With the holiday shopping season already under way (earlier than ever!), you may be thinking Black Friday is the time to buy that HDTV or budget laptop you've been eyeing. After all, the prices are so attractive. Just $150 for a name brand TV? Prices on bargain model laptops starting at only $99? The deals are pretty hard to resist.

Don't just fixate on electronics, though. Consider purchasing items for your home, too. Sure, these purchases may not be as sexy as a sleek new phone, but there are plenty of great deals on items you’ll use year-round.

Large appliances

This is the time of year when you see retailers bundle sets - like washers and dryers, for example - and sell them at a discount. And the savings can be significant - up to several hundred dollars off, plus free local delivery and haul away. Special financing may also be available.

Don't need a set? Don't worry - individual appliance deals are impressive, too.

Oh, and if you have your heart set on that pricey, but oh-so-worth-it, Dyson vacuum cleaner, now is a good time to buy one.

Kitchen items

Need a new blender? Coffee maker? Microwave? It's an ideal time to purchase these types of items as well, as the deals are better than average, according to dealnews.com.

And there's no time like the present to complete your dream kitchen. Keep an eye out for normally expensive brands which may now be affordable, once you consider the rebate.

Tools and hardware

Whether you're in the market for a storage cabinet, mechanic's tool set, generator, lawn and garden gadgets, or snow blower, you'll find it available at prices that won't break the bank.

Tabletop essentials

You'll see savings on everything from holiday collectibles to ornaments and figurines - just in time for the rapidly approaching holiday season. Whether you're hosting relatives, entertaining guests, or just feeling festive, Black Friday is a good day to shop for tabletop essentials that can help set the mood.

Related:

• Deck Out Your Guest Room to Give Holiday Visitors a Warm Welcome
• A Guide to Giving Holiday Gifts to Your Roommates
• Don’t Let Your Feast Go Up in Flames: Preventing Thanksgiving Fires

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/black-friday-deals-187028/
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Don't Let Your Feast Go Up in Flames: Preventing Thanksgiving Fires

By Shannon Ireland

The countdown to turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie has begun. Thanksgiving’s arrival means many of us are scouring the closet for pants with stretchy waistbands so we can prepare to feast.

The holiday is all about giving thanks and spending a day with loved ones. But cooking the festive Thanksgiving meal can lead to fires. And fires can lead to injuries, deaths, or property loss, so make sure to follow some safety suggestions for this holiday.

Check the stats

Thanksgiving Day is the pinnacle of home-cooking fires, accounting for about three times as many fires as any other day of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Each year between 2011 and 2013, Thanksgiving Day produced an average of 2,100 residential building fires, resulting in $28 million in property damage, 50 injuries, and 10 deaths, according to a report produced by the U.S. Fire Administration.

What causes most Thanksgiving fires? More than 71 percent of fires were attributed to cooking, and the highest percentage of fires (24.6 percent) occurred between noon and 3 p.m., the report said.

Eyes on the prize

Er, turkey. Leaving food unattended while it was cooking was the leading cause of Thanksgiving cooking fires, according to the NFPA. You’ll want to visit with your guests during this holiday, but it's far more important to pay attention to what's in the oven or on the stovetop so that you don't become a statistic.

Also, assign guests items to bring for the meal. Having a potluck-style Thanksgiving dinner will prevent you from doing all the cooking, so you won’t be trying to cook multiple dishes at once. Giving your undivided attention to one dish at a time will help to keep food from burning and starting fires.

And when you want to chat with your guests while you're cooking, call them into the kitchen with you. Leaving the room while food is in the oven or on the burners is a risky move that makes your home insurance provider sweat.

Don't wear loose clothing while cooking

Let's set the scene: You're wearing a baggy sweater while sauteing vegetables in oil, and you divert your attention to talk to a family member. A fire ignites, and, in a panic, you attempt to move the pan to the sink to run water over it. When you move the pan, your loose sleeve connects with the flames and, in a flash, your entire arm is on fire.

There are several things wrong with this scenario. The first is that you should avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes while cooking, as it puts you at an increased risk to catch fire and get injured.

Secondly, never move a pot that’s on fire, or try to put out a grease or oil fire with water. It's best to put a lid on top of the pot to smother the fire, leave the pot where it is, and turn the heat off when the fire has been tamed.

And we won’t even mention getting distracted while cooking.

Keep fire hazards away from the stove

Just like ill-fitting clothing is a hazard that can easily ignite, so are things like potholders, wooden utensils, towels, and flowers. Keep these items away from burners and the oven to reduce the chances of having a kitchen fire.

It's also important to keep pets out of the kitchen. Say you just turned off the burner, but Fido comes sniffing around, puts his paws up on the counter, and accidentally slides a towel on top of the still-hot burner without you noticing, causing it to be engulfed in flames. Avoid this type of scenario by keeping the dog in a gated room and by keeping other hazards at bay.

Know the biggest risks

Frying puts you at the greatest risk for home fires. So if you're deep-frying the turkey this year, take extra precautions.

• Keep the fryer away from the house and on even ground. The fryer should be set up more than 10 feet away from the home, and on level ground to keep the oil even.
• Completely thaw and dry the turkey first. Only fry a turkey after it has been fully thawed and dried off to reduce the possibility of splattering grease, which can ignite fires.
• Keep children and pets away, and have a fire extinguisher nearby. The last thing you want on Thanksgiving Day is for a child or pet to knock over the fryer and get injured.

If you experience a Thanksgiving Day fire

The majority of non-fatal Thanksgiving Day fire injuries occurred when people tried to fight the fires themselves. If your home catches fire when you're preparing Thanksgiving dinner, and you don't have a fire extinguisher on hand, just get everyone out of the house.

Keep yourself, your family, and your guests safe. You can call 911 when everyone has evacuated.

The good news is that property damage and liability coverage for incidents involving fires are typically eligible for coverage under standard home insurance policies. That’s something to be thankful for.

Related:

• Set a Fabulous Table for Fall
• 10 Ways to Get Your Kitchen Ready for Thanksgiving
• Insuring Your Home Against Fire Damage

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/preventing-thanksgiving-fires-186988/
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Rent Increases Slow as New Apartment Buildings Open

New apartment buildings are finally opening, which is helping slow rent appreciation across the U.S. According to the Zillow October Real Estate Market Reports, national rents grew 4.5 percent annually, down from 5.3 percent in September.

Due in part to a lack of inventory, finding an affordable place to rent is a struggle for many residents across the country. Rents are still rising quickly, but thanks to new apartment buildings opening, they are growing at a slower pace, even in some of the hottest rental markets.

The San Francisco metro is the fastest-growing rental market, and while rents are still appreciating quickly, they've seen some slow down over the past year. Rents in San Francisco are up 15.2 percent from last year, but they were growing as fast as 19 percent in June and July.

Even though rental appreciation is slowing, renting is still unaffordable for many residents across the U.S. "It will take a lot more supply, and a lot more renters-turned-homeowners, to fully reverse this trend,"  said Zillow Chief Economist Svenja Gudell.

Here are the U.S. metros with the biggest and smallest median rent change over the past year.

Biggest Year-Over-Year Median Rent Change

• San Francisco – 15.2%
• Portland – 11.2%
• Denver – 11.1%
• San Jose – 11.0%
• Seattle – 7.4%

Smallest Year-Over-Year Median Rent Change

• Cleveland – 0.3%
• Chicago – 1.4%
• Washington, DC – 1.7%
• Indianapolis, Baltimore, and Philadelphia – 2.1%
• Minneapolis-St. Paul – 2.2%

For more information, read the report on Zillow Research.

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/rents-slow-as-new-buildings-open-187034/
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