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Looking for a greener Christmas? Re-think your gift wrap. According to Stanford University:

  • If every U.S. family wrapped three gifts in repurposed materials, the gift wrap saved would cover 45,000 football fields.
  • If every family reused two feet of holiday ribbon per year, the ribbon saved could tie a bow around Earth.

Feeling like a planet-despoiling bastard yet? Don’t beat yourself up too badly. I use some holiday paper myself. But I obtain/use it in very specific ways:

  • Buying during post-holiday clearance sales — they’re practically giving the stuff away
  • Re-using wrap when possible
  • Using non-traditional wrap
  • Getting paper and gift bags in non-traditional ways

You can frame the “to wrap or not to wrap” question in three ways: frugal or eco-friendly, or both.

A lot of people are seriously concerned about the amount of paper we produce and quickly discard. The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day see an extra 25 million tons of garbage in the United States. How much of that waste is Pokemon wrapping paper, holographic gift bags, and curly ribbon that will still be curly (and recognizably ribbon) after 50 years in a landfill?

That bothers me. But like companies that use environmental mitigation to offset the effects of development, I’m as eco-friendly as I can be while still indulging in a certain amount of despoilation. All year long I recycle, cook from scratch, buy clothes from thrift stores, walk or take the bus, and do other things to limit my impact on the Earth.

But I also take a lot of plane trips, which apparently have a major environmental impact. I choose to eat meat. I don’t purchase strictly organic foods or green goods. And every few years I buy holiday gift wrap.

Why only every few years? Because I make it last, that’s why. That’s where the frugal part comes in.

Go paperless
The first and most obvious alternative: Don’t wrap at all. If you’ve got friends/family/a partner who also feel that gift wrap is an eco-disaster, agree to put the presents out completely nekkid.

Yes, it spoils the excitement of wondering what you got for Christmas. The knowledge that you’ve kept a bunch of wrapping paper out of the landfill will have to substitute for that holiday frisson.

Or try temporary camouflage: Burrito-up gift items in bath towels or sheets. House smaller presents in old sour-cream containers and larger ones in pillowcases, or in cardboard boxes you got free from local stores. Rubber-band them shut if you can, to save on strapping tape, or tie them closed with the shoelaces you’ve taken from worn-out shoes.

(You do take them out, don’t you? And cut the buttons off shirts you’ve worn to shreds, before you cut them up to use for cleaning rags? If not, hand me your Frugal Hacker badge right now. You can have it back once you’ve earned it.)

Tip: Liquor stores discard tons of boxes, especially during the holidays, which drive us to entertain or to drink (or both). If you’re required to separate the recyclables, plan to flatten those booze boxes one or two per week for a while. Otherwise your neighbors will discuss an intervention.

You can also repurpose a cigar or shoe box. Erin Huffstetler opens the side seam of cereal boxes, turns them inside-out and re-tapes them to house shirts and other gifts. “Let your kids stamp or paint on designs,” says Huffstetler, who writes the Frugal Living Guide for About.com.

I think that’s clever. But if an empty Rice Krispies box just isn’t festive enough, how about a tin? I end up with these every year because they’re sent to me full of homemade treats. I also find them at rummage sales for practically nothing and, occasionally, in the “free” boxes at yard sales. If you don’t want your gift sliding around you can wedge it in place with crumpled-up newspaper.

Bag it
Decorative gift sacks are increasingly popular. My theory is that a lot of people are as bad as I am at wrapping packages but are too classy to give lumpy presents. (My gifts look positively glandular.) Gift bags would seem to be the perfect solution. But unless they have handles that can be tied shut, you need to add tissue paper to cover up the presents.

Fiendishly clever of the gift-wrap companies, isn’t it, selling an easy-to-use item that requires a corollary purchase?

A close relative of mine uses gift bags made of super-strong paper, versus the flimsier, single-use varieties. Since she gives only to people she’s known a long time, they’ve accepted that it’s one of her idiosyncrasies to ask for the bags back. Pick the right gift sack (and the right recipients) and you won’t have to buy wrapping supplies for years.

If you’ve got a sewing machine, you could make simple cloth bags to cover the goods. (Hand-stitching is possible, obviously, but more time-consuming.) Look for fabric remnants at thrift shops. You might even luck into a holiday-themed pattern; how often do people plan to make gifts but wind up donating that holly-printed flannel? Watch for old sheets or Christmas-y dish towels, too. But not Christmas guest towels, because it’s a known fact that these should never be used.

The bags don’t have to include a drawstring or Velcro unless you want to show off. Just tie it closed with a piece of ribbon, string, or raffia.

Tip: Did you buy rolls of ribbon at that post-holiday clearance sale? Cut a single long piece into 1/8th-inch-wide slivers. Each will hold bags closed just as well as a wide ribbon would. The ends may even become curly, and you can pretend that you did it that way on purpose.

Or how about putting gifts in reusable shopping bags? It’s possible to ask for these bags back, too, unless you want to make them part of your gifts. You’re looking for environmental mitigation, remember? Encouraging others to eschew plastic bags counts.

More than one way to wrap
I haven’t bought clearance holiday wrap for at least two years yet my supply is still pretty ample. In part that’s because whenever possible I save the paper from gifts I receive and use it the following year to wrap items of similar size. If there are marks where tape or ribbon was removed, I cut down the paper to fit smaller items.

I’ve heard of people using a warm iron on the opposite side of gift wrap, to make it nicer for reuse. Since I barely iron my clothing, I’m unlikely to press paper. If you do this, please don’t cause any house fires.

(Speaking of which: Don’t throw commercial gift papers into a fireplace or wood stove. They burn so fast and so hot that they could create a flash fire. Besides, the inks could contain metallic materials and heavy-metal compounds, according to Consumer Reports.)

You don’t necessarily need to buy paper designed specifically for presents. Some other possibilities:

  • Newspaper end rolls. If there’s a newspaper or printing company in your area, ask if you can buy an almost-finished roll. These still contain a ton of paper that can be used as-is or customized any way you want. Rubber-stamp it. Flick a loaded paintbrush at it. Let your kids draw holiday pictures on it. Or do the messy-but-fun activity of dipping their li’l hands into water-based acrylic paint and making hand prints on the paper. (And if your recipient is a “CSI” fan? Have them leave only their fingerprints.)
  • Secondhand finds. Sometimes I find gift wrap at thrift stores or yard sales. But I’ve also seen rolls of butcher paper or brown at thrift shops; these can be decorated as noted above.
  • Grocery bags. Cut open paper ones and use the non-logo sides for wrapping. Let your kids decorate them with bright paint.
  • The Sunday funnies. These make great gift wrap year-round. Don’t subscribe? Harvest them at coffeehouses on Mondays. Tip: Discarded wrapping paper of any type can be crumpled up for use as packing material.
  • Old maps. Doctors Without Borders sends me several huge maps of the world every year. Maps also end up in the free box at yard sales, and may be given free of charge at visitors’ centers.
  • Periodicals. Small gifts can be wrapped in pages from magazines, calendars, catalogs or even comic books. You may luck into these in the “free” bin at yard sales.
  • Foreign-language newspapers. Weeklies written in Chinese, Korean and Spanish can be found in my neighborhood. The interesting typefaces could be a hit with someone who knows or is trying to learn those languages.
  • Dumpster paper. A whole lot of gift-wrap items will be tossed after Dec. 25. I’ve pulled gift bags, colorful tissue, ribbons, and large pieces of wrapping paper out of the recycle bin. Note: You don’t necessarily have to get down and dirty. I’m more of a dumpster wader than a dumpster diver, myself. A few years ago I found a large, still-shrink-wrapped roll of Christmas paper outside the dumpster. Still slowly making my way through it because of its design — not everyone appreciates the delicacy of Batman holiday wrap.

Frugal and/or reusable finishing touches

  • Raffia
  • Strips of tulle
  • Fabric “ribbons” cut with pinking shears
  • Shoelaces (come on, everybody needs an extra pair — and some are really cool-looking)
  • Strings of beads
  • Hemp twine

Which brings me to a fairly obvious point: These solutions might not work for everyone. Your fastidious Great-Aunt Mildred might not care for a repurposed grocery bag tied with wild grapevine you gleaned from the woods behind your house.

In fact, I wouldn’t do offbeat wrapping for anyone I didn’t know well. For example, your new sweetheart’s parents may look at gifts hidden inside old cottage-cheese containers and think not “eco-warrior” but rather “illegitimus frugalis.”

As always, do what works for you. But no matter how you wrap or don’t wrap your presents, the same rule applies: Every time someone opens a present early, Santa Claus kills a puppy.

Happy holidays.

Source: getrichslowly.org

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We make a goal out of building our dream home one day and we work hard to make it happen. Ever passed by a gorgeous house and just stared at it for a few minutes? I know I did! Then went about my business thinking I’ll probably never afford it anyway…

But what if you could create an amazing home using dollar store decorating hacks? After all, it’s just about combining cool ideas with good taste. And if you’re not the creative type, don’t worry! We’ll give you a list of ingenious home hacks that will transform your interiors.

Here are 16 of our favorite decor hacks for an affordable fancy home: 

1. Use lighter colors when painting a small room to make it feel bigger

If you’re lacking on space, the first trick you can use to make a room feel larger is painting the walls in softer, lighter colors. White and beige never get out of style, but if these seem a bit dull, you can always choose soft shades like straw, pearl grey, blush, sage, sky blue or eggshell.

home decor tip paint small rooms in light colors

2. Signal your style by painting your front door in a vibrant color

Your front door is your home’s first impression. Tell your neighbors about your personality by painting it in a bold, glossy color.

In fact, you can even use take things a step further and make a statement with the color you choose for your front door and make use of conventions. For instance, in Feng Shui, a red front door simply means “welcome.” While in Scotland, painting your front door red means that you paid off your mortgage.

home decor trick paint front door in vibrant color

3. Hide your router inside a hollowed-out book

Tired of that router ruining the looks of your bookshelf or coffee table? Use a hollowed-out book to hide it. Just make sure to cut out the part that covers the router’s vents. This way you’ll prevent it from overheating.

home decor tip hiding an ugly router in a book

4. To cast a lovely shadow, use a Sharpie to draw shapes on a light bulb

Or color it entirely if you love soft light. However, if you choose to simply draw a smiley face (let’s say) on a light bulb, the pattern will not be reflected on the walls. Not as you’ve drawn it anyway. But you can still do it for the sake of design.

home decor tip painting a lightbulb

5. Paint the sides of your doors a bright, playful color 

This is a small DIY home decor hack that can actually make a big impact. Besides, it requires minimum time and effort. So grab a little tin of paint, pick an awesome color that you think goes well with the accents you’ve already incorporated in your home decor and dedicate an hour of your time for this small home project. You will love the result! 

home decor tip painting the side of the door

6. Use an old ladder to create your own shoe rack

We love DIY hacks that require little to no money. Depending on how your old ladder looks like, you can repaint it or just put it in the desired spot. At least now you won’t stumble over 10 pairs of shoes piling up at your front door.

home decor trick repurposing a lader as shoe rack

7. Reinvent a boring dark lampshade by poking holes in it

Well, it’s more like creating a design or an image by poking the lampshade. You want to make it look more interesting, not ruin it. With a little dedication you can create a dreamy starry effect or your own big city lights.

home decor hack poke holes in a lampshade

8. Restore old furniture by using contact paper

If you’re looking for cheap home DIY decor ideas, breathe life into an old piece of furniture by covering the ‘damage’ with contact paper. The good thing about contact paper is that you can stick it on any dry, clean and flat surface (not to mention it comes in so many beautiful colors and patterns that your design choices are endless).

And just like that, your kitchen countertop has that marble look you love but can’t afford.

home decor hack use contact paper to restore furniturehome decor hack use contact paper to restore furniture

9. Use coins to decorate… whatever you want

Time to break the piggy bank and get creative. Make yourself a penny floor; glue your coin collection on a mirror frame or on a plate. Home decor hacks are a wise way to use your pennies.

home decor trick using old coins

10. Frame your favorite pictures with washi tape

Most of us love hanging memories on the wall, but when we lack space, picture frames can crowd the place even more. A great and cheaper alternative would be to frame your pictures with washi tape after attaching them to the wall.

Home decor hack use washi tape instead of photo frames

11. Brighten your room with colorful throw pillows

Those small cushions are great accessories for your sofa. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and textures. Some crisp new pillow covers will change the overall appearance of your room.

>> Buy them here: Colorful and affordable throw pillows that will add extra flair to your room

home decor trick using colorful throw pillows

12. Go bold with a stylish backslash

You can do it for both your kitchen and your toilet without breaking the bank. Pay special attention to colors and patterns to bring a cheerful feeling with very little work on your part. You can use peel and stick tiles so you don’t break the piggy bank.

>> Buy it here: Add Color And Drama To Your Room With Peel And Stick Wallpapers

home decor hack update your backsplash with stick tiles

13. Use mirrors to make your room look larger

Large mirrors reflect the room back and will trick you into thinking a place is bigger than it actually is. It’s a great visual trick to use to make your room feel larger (and fancier), just make sure not to try going into the ‘other room’.

home decor hack using mirrors to make a room appear larger

14. Get rid of useless things

If you still have things you haven’t been using for years or a certain object makes you groan, get rid of it. Don’t act like a hoarder and give yourself some space to breathe. Less is usually better when decorating your home.

home decor trick decluttering

15. Pick fluffy towels you’ll love to use

Time to throw away those old discolored towels that make your space look dirty and cheap. Use the fluffy ones you keep in your closet. You know… those that make you feel like you’re staying in a fancy hotel. 🙂 You can easily score extra points here by playing around with the way you showcase them. 

home decor tip using fluffy luxury towels

16. Place dishwashing products on a cake stand

This is literally one of the easiest decorating hacks out there. Add style to your boring dishwashing products by placing them on a cake stand. Talk about an easy hack to make your kitchen look more fancy in an instant! 

home decorating trick use a cake stand for soap

What home decor tips have you tried and loved the results? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to feature them!

Bonus: 17. Breathe life into your space by adding indoor plants

Decorating with indoor plants is a cost effective way to add visual interest to any room without breaking the bank. Plants can be displayed in many different ways from bohemian macrame plants hangers to more expensive stand alone planters, depending on your budget. The great thing about decorating with plants is that unlike other home decor they are truly timeless and will grow and adapt to your interior over time providing a unique look. 

More tips for your fancy home

10 of the Most Stylish Minimalist Wall Clocks You Can Buy on Amazon
7 Top Decorating Ideas for Your Bedroom this Fall: Making Your Room More Cozy & Stylish
Here’s Everything You Need to Set Up a Meditation Corner in Your House
These are ‘Queer Eye’ Bobby Berk’s Top 6 Choices for Wall Décor

Source: fancypantshomes.com

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Get some use out of any spare buttons you have around the house. Glue two different colored buttons together using a hot glue gun, then add more buttons around the one in the center. Use the smallest buttons around the edges.

DIY Coaster Hack 1: Button coasters

Get some use out of any spare buttons you have around the house. Glue two different colored buttons together using a hot glue gun, then keep adding more buttons around the one in the center. Use the smallest buttons around the edges.

DIY Coaster Hack 2: Magazine coasters

Cut a magazine page into four strips. Fold the long edges of each strip inward toward the center, then fold the piece in half. Then, wrap the long strip around a skewer to create a coil, making sure to wrap it tightly. When you’re done, hot glue the end to seal the coil. Wrap and glue more strips of magazine paper around the coiled piece until your coaster reaches your desired size.

DIY Coaster Hack 3: Popsicle stick coasters

Trim the edges off giant popsicle sticks and lay a few down flat. Glue another popsicle stick down the center and sides, then another along the top and bottom edges. Flip it over and decorate any way you’d like.

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Listen to the latest episode of our pop culture podcast, We Should Talk:

Learn more

Handmade greeting cards are personal, thoughtful and easy to make at home with a few basic crafting supplies.

From overnight curls to DIY hair accessories, these tips will have your hair looking its best and save you time when getting ready each morning.

Here are 3 DIY food-shaped candle hacks to brighten up your home.

Here are 7 simple eco-friendly hacks to help you cut down on waste!

Source: intheknow.com

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Elevate your outdoor living.

A deck in your apartment offers a multitude of advantages, from enhancing your living experience to providing an outdoor sanctuary where you can relax, entertain and enjoy the beauty of nature. We’ve compiled 11 reasons a deck can elevate your living experience and some ideas to utilize this versatile space.

1. An extra space to decorate for holidays

Creativity through decoration is one of the most fun parts of being a renter. A deck is an extension of your apartment and serves as an extra place to show the holiday spirit. Whether that be Christmas lights on the railing or a Menorah in the window, a deck is a unique opportunity to get creative around celebratory holiday decorations.

decorating with personal touches on your apartment deck make balcony feel festive even with limited outdoor space

2. And a comfy place to entertain all summer

When the weather is nice, hosting an outdoor get-together is ideal. A deck offers a spot to host a wine night, grill-off or catch-up session with a friend. With cozy seating on the deck, an inviting atmosphere sets the stage for making memories and charming guests.

3. A people-watching spot

We’re all guilty of doing it, and for some, it’s a guilty pleasure. Seated in your own privacy on your deck, you’re able to soak up not only the sounds of the area below but the sights. Decks allow you to indulge in people-watching and observing the vibrant energy of the neighborhood you’re living in.

dog on a small balcony enjoys outdoor time in style

4. A place to spend time with your pets outdoors

Our furry friends mean so much to us and enhance our lives in countless ways. Balconies help enhance their lives too, providing a dedicated space where they can soak up vitamin D and play to their heart’s content. Additionally, the deck becomes a cozy spot where you can cuddle up with your pet, enjoying precious moments together in the fresh air.

a perfect lounge starts with chairs, plants and lighting to create a stylish outdoor sanctuary

5. Date night in your outdoor oasis

Spending time with your significant other is valuable time. Date nights are pricey and discovering new spots is tricky. A deck date night is a creative and cozy way to drink, dine and enjoy the presence of your person without ever leaving your apartment.

6. Gardening opportunities

If you have a green thumb or aspire to grow your own veggies and herbs, a deck addition is perfect for you. Between growing flowers to brighten your day or herbs to bring life to a meal, the growing opportunities are vast with a deck. Plus, you’ll enjoy the fragrant herb smells while you hang out outside.

a balcony space is perfect for grilling

7. Grilling and dining al fresco

Communal apartment grills are super popular, especially during warmer months. Skip the wait and utilize your apartment balcony to grill out and dine al fresco. An apartment with a deck easily transforms to your own private outdoor culinary haven with a grill and dining area.

8. Soak up the sun privately

Don’t have enough time to head down to the pool? Just want to enough a quick cup of coffee before you head to work? A deck solves these problems for renters, providing a convenient space for a quick sunbathing or a peaceful moment of relaxation.

9. Exercise and fitness space

Fitness classes are great outdoors. With most at-home workout classes and routines only requiring a small bit of space, an apartment deck serves as a perfect spot for a stretch. Also, the privacy provided by your apartment deck allows you to freely move and follow along with your workout without feeling restricted by crowded gyms or shared spaces.

entertaining and reading in your personal retreat all starts with a small outdoor space

10. Staycation escape

Utilizing your deck to escape and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature can really boost mental health, elevate your mood and enhance your overall living experience. Whether you want to stargaze, lose yourself in a book series or just take a breath of fresh air, recharging and reconnecting on your deck is easy.

11. Connecting with nature

There is an endless list of ways to connect with nature on your apartment deck. Installing birdfeeders, watching the sunrise and sunset, outdoor meditation and installing wind chimes are some of the ways renters can connect with the sights and sounds of the outdoors.

an apartment with deck can convert to a vertical garden or outdoor dining room -- or just a nice, relaxing place to sit

An amenity in the comfort of your own home

A deck enhances apartment living by providing a private outdoor space for relaxation, entertainment and connection with nature. It expands your living space and offers endless possibilities for personalization and enjoyment.

With a deck, you can fully embrace the joys of outdoor living while enjoying the convenience and comfort of apartment life. Ready to search for apartments with this perk? Start your apartment-hunting journey today!

Source: rent.com

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Transforming your living space into a haven of comfort and style can seem daunting, but fear not! We have three best options to elevate your home decor game: wall murals, canvas, and wallpaper. Each option offers a unique, stylish, and customizable way to create a sanctuary you’ll love coming home to. So, let’s explore the best wall murals, canvas, and wallpaper and explore the endless possibilities they offer to transform your space.

Wall Murals: Best Way to Decorate Your Home

Wall murals are one of the best ways to give your home design personality and depth. These expansive art pieces may turn a plain wall into a gorgeous focal point, making a strong visual impression that will wow your visitors. Anything can be depicted on a wall mural, from tranquil landscapes and urban scenes to pop art and abstract patterns. The secret is to pick a design that expresses your personality and harmonizes with the room’s general motif.

Canvas: A Vibrant Interpretation of Colors

Canvas art is a perfect addition to your home decor, infusing it with a sense of elegance and sophistication. With a variety of sizes and styles available, canvas prints offer a wide range of options from photographs and paintings to digital art and typography. These versatile pieces can be grouped to create a gallery wall or displayed individually, providing a flexible and easily changeable solution for your home. The texture of the canvas also adds a sense of depth and warmth to your space, making it an excellent choice for creating a cozy atmosphere.

Wallpaper: A Timeless Classic

You can decorate your home & office with amazing peel-and-stick wallpaper. For a good reason, Peel and Stick wallpaper has made a strong comeback recently. Wallpapers have unlimited colors, patterns, and textures. Wallpaper can make a dramatic statement in any room. We have various wallpaper categories such as Art, Boho, Nature, Landscape, Geometric, etc.

All these wallpapers are peels and sticks, so you can remove them anytime. So they’re easy to apply and remove, making them a perfect choice for those who frequently change their home decor.

Tips for Choosing the Right Option

Consider your space: Analyze your room’s size and layout before choosing between wallpaper, canvas, and wall murals. While canvas and self-adhesive wallpaper can also be used for smaller spaces, wall murals work best in rooms with much wall space.

Assess your style: Evaluate your style as well as the overall look of your house. This helps you to choose the choice that will go best with your current decor.

Set a budget: The cost of wall murals, canvas, and wallpaper can vary greatly, so it’s essential to set a budget before shopping. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match: When it comes to home decor, there are no hard and fast rules. Feel free to combine wall murals, canvas, and wallpaper in different rooms or within the same space for an eclectic and personalized touch.

Conclusion:

Incorporating wall murals, canvas, and wallpaper into your home decor is an excellent way to bring life and character to your space. These versatile options allow you to create a unique and inviting atmosphere that reflects your personality and style. So, feel free to think outside the box and experiment with these stunning home decor solutions. Happy decorating!

Frequently Asked Questions: Home Decor

Q: What are the essential elements of home decor?

A: The essential elements of home decor include color, texture, pattern, furniture, lighting, and accessories. Combining these elements allows you to create a harmonious and visually appealing living space that reflects your personal style and preferences.

Q: How do I choose a color scheme for my home?

A: When selecting a color scheme, consider the mood you want to create, the size of your space, and the existing colors in your furniture and accessories. You can opt for monochromatic, complementary, or analogous color schemes based on your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different colors until you find the perfect balance.

Q: How can I incorporate texture into my home decor?

A: You can introduce texture to your home decor through various elements, including textiles (rugs, curtains, cushions), furniture materials (wood, metal, leather), and decorative items (woven baskets, pottery). Mixing and layering textures add depth and visual interest to your space.

Q: How often should I update my home decor?

A: The frequency of updating your home decor depends on your personal preferences and budget. Some people enjoy making seasonal changes, while others may update their decor every few years. As a general rule, focus on keeping your space fresh and functional, and be bold and make minor adjustments regularly to keep your home feeling current and personalized.

Q: Can I mix different interior design styles in my home?

A: Mixing different interior design styles can create a unique and eclectic space that reflects your personality. The key is to find a common element, such as color or texture, to tie the different styles together and create a harmonious look. Just be mindful of doing it sparingly, as too many competing styles can make your space feel chaotic and disjointed.

Source: fordhamram.com

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As rent prices continue to soar all over the country, you may be finding yourself entering your first real estate search.

You’re not alone. According to the National Association of Realtors, millennials are ending their leases and buying homes in large numbers. Those in their late 20’s to early 30’s now make up the fastest-growing segment of buyers today. But how to even shop for a home these days?

First-time buyers might remember being dragged to Sunday open houses with their looky-loo parents, but those days are gone. Everything is online, and many real estate apps have sprung up to help buyers find their dream homes.

The 7 Best Home Buying Apps

  • Zillow: Best for overall use
  • Trulia: Best for community insight
  • Homesnap: Best for convenience
  • Redfin: Best for multilevel support
  • Rocket Homes: Best for one-stop shop
  • Realtor.com: Best for reliability
  • Homes.com: Best for quicking listing updates

Best Home Buying Apps at a Glance

App Best For Details Key Feature
Zillow Overall usability Virtual tours Push notifications SEE DETAILS
Realtor.com Reliability 3D tours Detailed descriptions SEE DETAILS
Trulia Community insight 34 map overlays 30M neighborhood reviews SEE DETAILS
Rocket Homes One-stop shop Agents/lenders links Area trend reports SEE DETAILS
Homesnap Convenience High-definition photos Optimized for mobile SEE DETAILS
Redfin Multilevel support User-friendly interface Calculates mortgage/fees SEE DETAILS
Homes.com Quick listing updates Home showings via Zoom Mortgage calculator SEE DETAILS

Zillow


Pro

  • Between for-sale-by-owner and official properties, it provides users access to over 135 million property listings.


Con

  • The “Zestimate” algorithm uses tax records to produce home value estimates, which sometimes are inaccurate.

The Zillow house-hunting app app is the most downloaded real estate app on the Apple store and Google Play — and for good reason. Its database constantly updates and has 36 million users monthly. You can set up push notifications for new real estate listings that meet your search criteria so you’ll never miss out on your potential dream home.

The app allows you to filter real estate listings by price, ZIP code, square footage, must-have features and more. You can even coordinate your search with a partner or roommate by tagging home features and sharing your favorites.

Zillow provides 3-D tours and a scheduling feature to set up an in-person tour. One of its best features is self tours of Zillow-owned homes, a feature available in some markets that allows house hunters to stop by the property at their convenience and simply unlock the house with the app.

Newly added to the Zillow app is a “natural-language search” tool, which responds to user questions in direct fashion, rather than requiring users to type multiple search questions to get to where they want to go.

Realtor.com


Pro

  • It’s the official search portal for the National Association of Realtors, meaning its updates are the most accurate.


Con

  • ​​Clicking on “contact agent” will not go to the listing agent, but instead to a local real estate agent who has paid for this lead service.

Realtor.com is one of the best home buying apps out there for on-market listings. Being the official search portal for the National Association of Realtors means you can trust the home listings that pop up in your search. The data is directly mined from the MLS (multiple listing service) and refreshes every 15 minutes.

The search features include a wide variety of filters and provides the most detailed real estate listing descriptions, which include things like crime rates, school ratings, property tax and history of home value estimates — even things like the neighborhood noise levels or whether a home is in a FEMA flood zone.

Because the app updates so often, setting up push notifications means you’ll quickly know when a new property hits the local market. You’ll also have the power of the “Sign Snap” tool in your pocket the next time you drive by a “for sale” sign. All you have to do is take a photo and Realtor.com pulls all of the home’s details instantly.

Trulia


Pro

  • Shows names and contact information for listing agents, so users know who they would be working with for each listing.


Con

  • You’re prompted to call or email the listing agent on any property you view, which can get in the way of casual browsing.

Acquired by Zillow in 2015, Trulia has access to most of Zillow’s database of over 135 million active listings and has become one of the best real estate apps. What sets it apart is the focus on community insight provided by those who are located in the area you are searching. You’ll not only get details on the property, but information on what it’s like to live in that specific neighborhood.

You’ll be alerted about price reductions and upcoming open houses, and the app will recommend new listings. Insights sourced straight from locals and 34 neighborhood map overlays offer details on commute times, nearby businesses, crime rates, nearby schools, and more.

Two other features added in 2018 distinguishes the Trulia app from others. “What locals say” and “local legal protections,” combine local feedback and public data to provide information about what a neighborhood is like, from level of dog-friendliness, day-in-the-life details, and even how folks decorate for the holidays.

You’ll also be able to see whether there is legislation in the area to protect against discrimination for gender identity or sexual orientation in employment, housing or public accommodations.

Rocket Homes


Pro

  • Lets you access your TransUnion credit report, which is updated every week.


Con

  • ​​Does not provide a home value estimate.

Similar to Trulia, Rocket Homes puts an emphasis on getting to know your soon-to-be neighborhood, but from a market statistics perspective.

This real estate knowledge will come in handy when searching for a home. You can compare properties in the area, seeing how long they’ve been on the market and what they sold for. If you’re not planning on living in your first home forever, this will help give you an idea of what kind of return on investment you can expect from your purchase in the future.

Rocket Homes is a product of Quicken Loans, giving you the opportunity to shop for homes from new and updated listings and have access to lending services all in one place.

This real estate app also helps you stay on track when it comes to some of the more boring parts of purchasing a home, like tracking your credit score. Rocket Homes gives you access to a free TransUnion credit report that is updated frequently, so you know exactly where you stand before starting the mortgage application process.

Homesnap


Pro

  • Get extensive details on a home just by snapping a photo of it.


Con

  • Lack of coverage in some areas; Homesnap must partner with individual multiple listing services.

The Homesnap real estate app is perfect for the on-the-go house hunter. You can simply snap a photo of a home and get all of the data available. This feature means you have real-time connection to your local multiple listing service from the road.

If you choose to search from the comfort of your home instead, the Homesnap app allows you to search for open houses by date, and even provides live-broadcast, virtual showings if you want to avoid mingling with other buyers in person.

You can collaborate with your real estate agent through a built-in private messaging function that automatically saves your listings for quick reference. Like most real estate apps, you have a ton of customizable filters for efficient searching, and will be provided with up to date information about the home and neighborhood like commute times, satellite photos and more.

Redfin


Pro

  • Updates every five minutes so you never miss a new listing.


Con

  • ​​If you don’t live in one of the 90 U.S. and Canada markets where Redfin has agents, you won’t be able to connect with one.

Redfin’s out-of-the-box-business model combines the convenience of a high-performance app and the expertise you can only get by working with a real estate agent directly. Because Redfin is also a brokerage firm, you’ll have access to their top-quality real estate agents.

Working with a real estate agent gives you more in-depth market insights so you can make smart home buying decisions. And through the “Hot Homes” feature you’ll know which homes are more likely to sell fast so you don’t miss your chance of putting in an offer while house hunting.

Redfin also recently updated its data on climate risk, school ratings and neighborhood amenities.

Homes.com


Pro

  • Most of 2020 was spent updating the speed and user-friendliness of the app.


Con

  • ​​Limited information on neighborhood and demographic data.

The Homes.com app is partnered with the MLS to bring you quality leads on your home buying search. The app offers a plethora of filter criteria like the other apps, such as square footage, ZIP code, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, but has an emphasis on lifestyle. Not only will you find the best house, but in the neighborhood that’s right for you.

The exclamation icon makes it easy to spot new real estate listings when scrolling through your search results. You also have the option to “favorite” or “block” certain properties in your feed so you can revisit the ones you love and eliminate the ones you don’t.

The mortgage calculator on Homes.com includes specific financing options like FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans and special rates for active military members or retired veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Home Buying Apps

There’s a lot of home buying apps to pick from when you are seriously or even casually looking for a home. We’ve rounded up answers to some of the most common questions about home buying apps.

Which App is Best for Buying a House?

The best app for buying a house is the one that fits your needs. But Zillow is the most popular because it does a lot of things right, including allowing users to filter information by price, ZIP code, square footage, must-have features and more. Zillow also lists for-sale-by-owner homes. Zillow is the most downloaded real estate app on the Apple store and Google Play. It gets a 4.7 rating out of 5 from 475K reviews on Google Play. In the Apple App store, more than 6 million reviews get Zillow a 4.8 rating.

What are Home Buying Apps?

Home buying apps are mobile tools accessible on various digital devices that let users see listings to buy, sell or rent a property. Different apps have unique features but all of them include multiple photos of properties, prices, property tax and loan information and the ability to connect with real estate professionals.

Home buying apps provide many benefits to users because of their national coverage and even global offerings. Users can see maps and learn about neighborhoods, too. Best of all, they are free.

How Accurate are Home Buying Apps?

Because home buying apps take information from various sources, there will always be a margin of error in valuations. Estimated values are made from information gathered from county and tax assessor records, multiple listing services and real estate companies. 

For properties on the market, the apps should have accurate asking prices or rental amounts. Where there is more variation is on property estimates, including for properties not on the market. You should consider these ballpark figures and not 100% accurate especially in a hot market when prices are jumping seemingly daily.. The apps are a good place to start but most people follow that information with a call to a real estate professional.

What is the Best House Hunting Site?

Zillow is the best overall site with its massive listing bank while Realtor.com is tops for reliable information. Trulia is excellent if you want more information about the community around a home. Homesnap is tops for photos and it is optimized well for mobile. If you want to connect with a Realtor, check out Redfin and if you want a direct line to a lending service, Rocket Homes may be the right pick for you.

Which App is Better: Zillow or Redfin?

Zillow edges out Redfin because of its massive reach. Redfin is not available in every market. However, Redfin is a brokerage which connects directly to the massive database of real estate listings commonly called MLS. Zillow does not do that. Zillow allows for sale by owner listings and Redfin does not.

What is the Most Popular Real Estate Website?

Zillow is the leading real estate website with more than 36 million unique visitors a month and about 135 million live listings. Trulia, which Zillow has owned since 2015, comes in second with 23 million unique visitors. Zillow was founded in Seattle in 2006 and claims to be the most accurate at price estimates, called ‘Zestimates” though there are lots of claims otherwise. 

The Bottom Line About Home-Buying Apps

As you can see, if you’re ready to break up with your landlord, calculate what down payment you can afford and start your journey to home ownership, you have plenty of house-hunting apps to take advantage of.

Along with all the other details involved in this adventure, it may take some trial and error to find the app that hones in on your specific house-hunting search criteria. But it’s worth spending the time if it helps you get everything you want in your first home.

Contributor Tiffany Beyer is a social media coordinator and marketer specializing based in St. Petersburg, Florida. She specializes in real estate and lifestyle issues stories. Freelancer Kent McDill contributed to this post. 

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Source: thepennyhoarder.com


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Source: mint.intuit.com

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Finding the perfect tree for your apartment seems like it would be an easy task.

Choosing a Christmas tree is not always so simple and straightforward — there are a lot of factors that can impact your decision to get a tree and which type of tree you want for your space.

You may run into a few issues when considering which Christmas tree to get for your apartment. Your apartment may be too small for a full-sized tree. You might not be too thrilled at the thought of having to maintain a tree in your living room and cleaning up dried pine needles for weeks on end. Or you simply may have a hard time wanting a tree because it feels too generic or mainstream and you want something a little different.

Whatever your situation, if you’re looking for alternative Christmas tree ideas, here are some that may spark your interest as you decorate for the holidays.

1. Balloon tree

Balloon tree

Source: SoNice

For a tree that you’ll probably never see anywhere else, tie various balloons together! Blow up some green balloons, then attach a paper clip to the tie of each balloon. Hook the paper clips together and keep adding green balloons until it’s your desired width and height.

To add some extra decorations to your tree, use a star-shaped balloon to top off your tree and add smaller balloons in different colors to look like ornaments. Grab some ribbon and tie it into bows, then use double-sided tape to attach the bows to your tree.

Keep in mind that balloons won’t stay inflated forever, so you may want to use this type of tree for more temporary settings, like parties, or if you’re a Scrooge that thinks Christmas trees should only be left up for a week.

2. Stacked books

Book tree

Source: Pinterest

For those that love to read more than anything and have a collection of books, you can put your personal library to good use! Place books face-up in a circle on the floor to set the base for how big you want your book tree to be. Stack more books in a circle on top of the existing circle you have, only make the second circle just slightly smaller. Repeat the process until you have room for only one book at the top.

Wrap Christmas lights around your tree of books and add a star to the top! You can even add long strings to ornaments and close the string inside of books to hang ornaments from the tree without damaging any book pages or covers.

3. Garland wall hanging

Garland tree

Source: Centsational Style

Save yourself the floor space by hanging a tree on the wall! Cut a few sections of garland, starting with a large section for the bottom, then gradually smaller pieces that will go towards the top. Secure the garland pieces to the wall using command hooks, starting with the longest piece closest to the floor.

Leave a bit of space (a few inches), then attach the next piece to the wall just above the first one — which should be just a little shorter than the first piece. Repeat this process until your tree has reached your desired size. Then decorate it however you want! Hang some ornaments and lights and start collecting presents underneath.

4. Wood pallet tree

Wood pallet

Source: Meatloaf and Melodrama

Reduce, reuse and recycle with this pallet tree! It has a farmhouse-style feel, so if you’re looking for a more rustic Christmas tree idea, get out your saw and start building your tree.

Disassemble an old pallet — remove the nails and separate each of the boards from the base. Then saw the boards into 8-10 pieces, with the first piece being the longest, followed by a series of pieces that get progressively smaller, with the smallest being cut into a triangle shape.

Get another plank of wood from the pallet and attach the cut pieces of wood, with the triangle (smallest piece) at the top and the longest piece at the bottom. Use a nail gun to get the pieces really secure, but if you don’t have a nail gun, you can use a hammer and nails or wood glue to keep the pieces together.

You can paint the tree, if you’d like, then add some decorations to give it more holiday cheer.

5. A-frame ladder tree

Ladder tree

Source: Pinterest

Who knew an a-frame ladder could serve a dual purpose? This one is a really easy, quick fix for when you want a tree in a pinch.

Start by setting up a normal a-frame ladder. Then, run a strand or two of Christmas lights between the two sides of the ladder, from the top of the ladder all the way to the bottom. Hang some ornaments from the lights and add a tree topper to the highest point of the ladder.

Wrap a few gifts in holiday-themed wrapping paper (if you don’t have any ready yet, you can wrap some empty boxes to look like gifts) and place them under the ladder frame for additional decoration.

6. Photo tree

Photo tree

Source: Pinterest

Share your favorite photo memories in the form of a Christmas tree! Place photos on the wall using a renter-friendly method (command strips, poster tack, etc.), starting with a long line of photos at the bottom, then making the next row of photos shorter by removing one photo from the line. Continue adding new lines of pictures until you reach the top with only one photo.

You can outline the tree with lights, hang up a few ornaments here and there and place a glowing star at the top to make it even more recognizable as a Christmas tree.

Which Christmas tree alternative is best for you?

Since it’s your apartment, you’ll have to be the one to determine which of these ideas is best for your personality and your apartment space. And there’s the chance that none of these are going to reflect your style — so don’t be afraid to get creative!

You can come up with your own fun alternative to a Christmas tree. Try using things like garlands, lights and ornaments to see what you can come up with that will represent your apartment’s style.

Source: rent.com

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18th May 2023

Finding your interior design style and choosing the right decorations for your home can make your rooms feel more comfortable and appealing and help you create a space that you’re going to enjoy for years.

So, it makes perfect sense to think of it as a long-term investment and choose quality pieces that are going to stand the test of time.

But even if you’ve found the perfect blend of colours, furnishings, materials, and accessories, seeing the same décor daily can get dull. 

However, you can’t change your whole house and start redecorating from scratch every time you get bored with your interiors.

Not only would it be extremely exhausting and time-consuming to give your home a full makeover on the regular, but it would also put a considerable strain on your finances. 

Fortunately, there’s a much more affordable and enjoyable way to update your home’s look and keep things fresh and interesting in the long run without breaking the bank or your back: you can switch up your décor with the seasons and make your home reflect nature’s changes.

So, here are some simple tips and ideas that can help you transition your interiors for the seasons.  

Have a solid base 

If you want to play around with different décor elements, you first need a base that will allow you to make all the changes you have in mind later on.

Think of it as creating a canvas that you can paint on using different colours and techniques. This means you need to find your style and decide what pieces you’re going to keep all year round. 

A timeless neutral style comprised of versatile items that work well with various other elements will make it easier for you to integrate seasonal décor into your home, as you won’t have to worry about unfortunate combinations.

If you worry that a more toned-down style could make your rooms look a bit lacklustre, you can always add character and showcase your creative side by choosing bolder decorations and accessories, whether it’s artwork, pillows, planters, rugs, window treatments and so on. 

Play with colour and texture 

One of the simplest ways to capture the essence of each season in your home is to experiment with different colour palettes.

Since colours have the power to evoke emotions and influence perceptions, you can create a seasonal ambience by adding a variety of hues and shades throughout the house. 

Each season is traditionally associated with a different colour scheme. Spring is a time of renewal and growth when nature slowly comes back to life after the cold winter months, so soft colours like blush, warm yellow, grassy green and pastels are best suited for this time of the year.

Summer is all about vibrant hues like bright red, hot pink, turquoise, or vivid orange. Autumn comes with a wide range of rusty colours like brown, deep orange, burgundy and mustard.

Finally, winter brings in the greys and the whites, but livelier shades like evergreen, blue or red are also welcome.  

Textures can also help you achieve a similar effect and further refine your seasonal style. Heavier materials like wool blankets and knitted throws are perfect for the colder months of the year, while lighter textures can be used throughout the warmer seasons.  

Let plants set the tone

There is no doubt that plants can serve as great decorating elements and can also help you reflect the changes that happen in nature in your home, so whether you’re a green thumb or not, you should consider adding some greenery to your décor.

In spring and summer, bright fragrant flowers and big lush plants will make your home feel like a green oasis. During autumn and winter months, when vegetation is less abundant, you can decorate your home with dried plants and perennials, to make your rooms feel warm and cosy. 

Potted plants and evergreen shrubs are perfect to put on display all throughout the year. Make sure you choose some nice flowerpots that complement your décor style and use planters on wheels for heavier plants as this will allow you to move them around the house with ease and switch up your décor as you see fit. 

Make use of seasonal accents 

Apart from colours and textures, there are other less subtle ways to mark the changes of seasons in your home. Let’s call them seasonal accents.

There’s a wide range of accessories, decorations and other paraphernalia that can help your home keep up with the seasons.

For spring, you can fill every room in your house with green plants and fragrant flowers. In summer, you can include elements that conjure images of the beach and the sea to refresh your home, such as navy patterns, cocktail umbrellas, seashells, and so on.

Autumn décor is usually dominated by pumpkins, rusty leaves, warm candles and the scent of spices filling the air, while winter is the time for chunky throws, cosy pillows and all things Christmassy. 

Since you’ll be using many of these décor elements every year, it’s wise to have a storage system in place and keep them properly organised in different categories, so you don’t spend ages looking for them when the season changes. 

Keep it simple  

While you may be tempted to use as many elements to transition from one season to another, you don’t need to go overboard to give your interiors a nice seasonal vibe. It’s often the little details that matter the most.

So, instead of changing your entire colour palette every few months and decking every corner of your house with season-appropriate decorations, try to focus on just a few impactful touches that can help you achieve the right ambience. 

Transitioning your home décor with the seasons can be a fun and effective way to transform the space for less and increase your home’s appeal in the long run, so make sure to give these tips a try and see how it goes.

Source: myfashionlife.com