Fun Fall Decorating

Rustic, vintage, natural - all words to describe today's trends in home decor. The good news? This design trend lends itself easily to DIY projects and low cost supplies. Here are some ways to decorate your home for Fall using pallets or other found resources.

Pallet Pumpkins

Planters

Wooden Scarecrow

Autumn Signage

ADA Handicap Accessible

If you're in need of a handicap accessible shower - Century Glass can help! We can design a frameless or semi-frameless shower enclosure that meets the ADA guidelines and requirements. If you want to remodel your current shower to fit these guidelines or remodel your entire space - we can help!

Our shower experts ensure that all safety guidelines are met to allow for easy, independent access to your shower space.

Call us at (803) 256 - 8134 if you're in the Columbia area or at (843) 614-4628 if you live in or near Charleston.

Labor Day Landscaping Ideas

Did you know that Fall is actually a great time to plant some new flowers, trees and shrubs? The soil is warm and will stay that way up until the first big freeze. In the South, this creates an extended planting season. Fertilizing is not recommended and cuts down on the amount of work it takes to establish new plants.

Trees and shrubs with a large root ball will have plenty of time to get established before Winter and won't have to deal with many of the pests that thrive in the Spring and Summer.  Nurseries and garden centers often have sales in the Fall, allowing you to get a good deal on those Spring Bulbs you've been wanting to plant.

Wondering what to plant?

Perennials such as Peonies, Hostas and Irisis

Pansies


Trees such as the "October Glory" Red Maple

Pitcher Plants (bonus, they trap and eat insects!)

This Labor Day weekend - enjoy the day off and spend some time outdoors getting your yard ready for Fall!

Keep Costs Down!

Here in the South - Summer's heat is far from over even as Fall seems to be right around the corner! If your monthly utility bills are higher than you like - but you can't stand the heat - we have some tips that might help!

Did you know? Heating and air conditioning make up 43% of your average monthly utility costs.

Here are some ways to cool down - without cranking the A/C.

• Circulate air with fans - ceiling fans or box fans will work - nothing too fancy needed
• Use screens on your windows to help block some of the sun's heat - inside make use of blinds and curtains
• Make use of your exhaust fans after cooking and a hot shower
• If your home has a programmable thermostat - set the temperature a little higher for those times when you won't be home
• Change air filters regularly to keep your A/C unit running efficiently
• Keep the area around your condenser clean - tall grass or bushes can clog the unit and cause it to run less efficiently
• Make small changes like using CFL light bulbs instead of the typical incandescents - they emit less heat.

What do you do to keep cool and keep your costs low in the summer heat?

See For Yourself!

Planning a shower or bath remodel? Looking to update your mirrors with today's latest looks?  Stop by one of our showrooms for a chance to see the hottest new trends in person!

Columbia:
4059 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: 803-256-8134

Charleston:
5101 Ashley Phosphate Road
Suite 132
Charleston, SC 29418
Phone: 843-614-4628

You can also visit us online at www.centuryglasssc.com!

Introducing the She Shed

An alternative to the “man cave” – the “she shed” is new trend heating up around the country.  The “she shed” is a backyard oasis for today’s busy woman.  “She sheds” are the perfect place for getting away and enjoying a new book, catching up on a hobby or chatting with a close friend over tea. Need some inspiration for your own “she shed”? Take a look!

What would you include in your "she shed"?

Shop Tax Free!

Take advantage of tax-free shopping this weekend on select back to school items, clothing,

technology and even some items for home!

Furnish your home with blankets, bed spreads, sheets, towels, rugs and pillows - all without the typical 6% sales tax!

South Carolina's tax free weekend starts Friday, August 7th and goes through Sunday, August 9th.

A full list of tax-exempt items is available HERE

Happy Shopping!

Back to School

It's hard to believe but the racks of school supplies are out and back to school is just around the corner! Help prepare your family and home for the best school year ever. Here are a few fun ideas we found on Pinterest to help you get organized and have fun!

Backpack organization with personalized bulletin boards

Bookshelf and homework station

Create homework caddys

Refrigerator snack area

Spruce up the Outdoors!

Enjoy the outdoors this summer! Whether you're relaxing in a hammock, on your deck or around the pool Century Glass can help you make the most of your outdoor furniture!

Glass tabletops are common in patio furniture, but what happens when one of the pieces break? 

Rather than spending the money to replace the entire set with new matching furniture, let Century Glass replace just the broken glass. Patio furniture uses a specific type of glass in the tabletops known as tempered glass, which helps promote safety by preventing sharp shards from forming if the glass breaks. Got an umbrella hole? If you're calling in to order a replacement tabletop, don't forget to give us the measurement for the umbrella hole so we can include it for you.

Complicated jobs? Just give us a call. We can help!

Help Safeguard Your Home

Did you know there are ways to make your home less appealing to potential thieves? According to statistics from the FBI, a burglary occurs every 14.6 seconds with 65% of break-ins occurring during the day.

There are some easy and inexpensive ways you can make your home less vulnerable. Check out the list below.

• Make sure all your doors are locked. Windows too! Don't leave a spare key in any obvious place - better to leave with a neighbor or family member.
• Don't forget to lock the door from the garage to the inside of the home.
• Keep decorative bushes and shrubs clear from doorways - making it hard for anyone to hide while trying to break in.
• Make sure the outside of your home is well lit and consider motion detector lights.
• Leave a secondary vehicle parked in the driveway so it looks as if someone is home during the day.
• If going out of town, stop the mail and newspaper. Have the garbage can brought back up to the home after pick-up by a neighbor.
• Install a home security system and advertise its presence!

There's no way to completely protect your home so have a list of all your valuables for insurance purposes. Keep valuables out of plain sight!

Learn a little more about us!

Use Century Glass for your glass repair and replacement needs!

Safe and Fun 4th

Besides red, white and blue, cook-outs, and the day off from work - the celebration of the 4th of July is synonymous with fireworks.

Whether you plan on attending festivities where fireworks will be featured or intend to shoot some off yourself, safety should be your top priority.

Heed these tips below to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable 4th!

• Obey all laws regarding the purchase and discharge of fireworks
• Read labels on fireworks before lighting
• Have a bucket of water and water hose nearby in case of emergency
• Always light and shoot fireworks one at a time
• Never relight a firework that did not go off the first time
• Do not point a firework at someone or throw a firework
• Fireworks should be handled by adults only
• Avoid alcohol use when lighting and discharging fireworks
• Dispose of used fireworks by thoroughly wetting and storing in a metal trash can overnight

Safe Water Fun

Hot weather often means finding relief in the water. Whether it’s the ocean, pool or lake, follow these tips for a fun and healthy summer!

• Never swim alone. Always enjoy the water with a buddy.
• When boating always wear a life jacket! Don’t rely on life jackets alone. Make sure everyone knows how to swim.
• Make sure children are always supervised by another adult – even with life guards present.
• Stay away from pipes or drains.
• Ensure that everyone stays hydrated and continues reapplying sunscreen.
• If you have a pool at home make sure it is protected by at least a 4 foot fence, keep furniture and toys away from the pool.
• For an additional precaution – become certified in CPR through your local hospitals or Red Cross.

Father's Day Gift Idea

Dad works hard. And that hard work can be messy.

Help him enjoy cleaning up with a brand new shower from Century Glass.

We offer the latest in frameless and semi-frameless designs. Receive a free quote before you begin and visit our showroom to take a look yourself!

Shower doors come with a variety of styling options so you can make your Dad's shower unique. Contact us today to surprise your Dad with a gift he can really use.

CenturyGlassSC.com

Stay Cool!

Looking for creative ways to beat the summer heat? We’ve got a few!  So take a break from the A/C for a while and try one of these new ways to keep cool.

1. Adjust ceiling fans so they run counter-clockwise pulling hot air up and away!
2. For a quick cool down play ice packs on pressure points at your wrists, neck, elbows and behind the knees.
3. Drink a glass of water before bed to make sure you’re well hydrated and comfortable.
4. Choose cotton clothing and sheets over synthetics.
5. Keep your blinds and curtains drawn during the day to keep out the warming effects of sunlight.
6. Take a lukewarm shower before bed – too cold and your body will overcompensate by creating more heat.
7. Visualize the cool! Close your eyes and think of a wintry, snowy landscape. This mental image will cause a cooling reaction in your body.

Make sure your shower is a cool oasis this summer! Need a re-do? Come see us at Century Glass!

Hurricane Season Preparation

May 30th marked the official start to the 2015 Hurricane Season which runs through November 30th.
Fortunately forecasters are predicting a below average storm season.  Though hopefully our area will be spared any significant storms, summer is a good time to make sure your home and family are prepared for bad weather of any kind. Read on for a few tips to keep your family and property safe from inclement weather.

Outdoor Prep:
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent damage from strong winds
When storms are predicted, bring in and outdoor furniture or décor
Know your evacuation routes in case of a major emergency

Food Safety:
Have a three day supply of non-perishable food items at all times. Make sure a working manual can opener is also available.
An appropriate water supply is 1 gallon per person per day for at least three days.
In the event that you lose power, keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. They will stay cold for about 4 hours. Make sure the temperature in the refrigerator stays below 40 degrees.

Emergency Kit:
Have a household emergency kit including
Battery powered or hand cranked radio
Flashlight and batteries
Matches in a waterproof container
First aid supplies
Moist towlettes and garbage bags
Paper and pencil
Important family documents and contact numbers
Required medicines

Being prepared is the number one way you can protect your family from bad weather.  For more information visit the National Weather Service page on Hurricane Preparedness here - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php

Listen to our Customers!

Here are a few reviews from the folks that matter most - our customers!

"Century Glass represents a consistent, competitive value for auto, home and business glass needs for my clients."
Terry V. - Allstate Agent

"I love the semi-frameless shower enclosure they installed in my newly-remodeled bathroom. It really adds a spa-like quality to the space!"
Robyn C. - Homeowner

"I've never been so excited about a windshield before. That Pilkington Windshield really does keep my car cooler and I would recommend it to anyone. Your technicians arrived on time, they were clean cut, professional and fast."
Scott P. - Green Landscaping

Remembering the Sacrifice

This weekend is the unofficial kick-off to summer. Many will be celebrating with backyard BBQ’s, trips to the lake, family picnics or fireworks. In the midst of these celebrations don’t forget the real reason for Memorial Day – a time set apart to remember those who gave their lives fighting for our freedom.

According to The Memorial Day Foundation, over 1 million Americans made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country. Our service men and women overseas continue to fight for all the United States stands for in places like Afghanistan and Iraq.  Other members of our military serve in peacekeeping missions across the globe in places like Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, South Korea and Honduras.

So this Memorial Day take a moment to remember the lives lost and sacrifices made by our military and their loved ones.  Take the time to watch a parade, thank a service member when you see them out or contribute to one of the many foundations set up for surviving family members of fallen soldiers.

 “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” – President Harry S. Truman

Home Maintenance Tips

Each season calls for its own home maintenance chores to keep your home in the best shape possible! As it warms up outside - here are a few things to be doing inside!

1. Check all smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly and change batteries if it's been several months since doing so.
2. Clean all ceiling fans to remove dust and debris.
3. Wash and shine windows to take advantage of increased hours of sunlight.
4. With more activity outdoors - keep floors clean by placing doormats inside and outside of all exterior doors.
5. Going to be grilling? Make sure your grill is in good working order, clean and has a full tank of gas if necessary.

Don't forget your yard! Make sure all yard equipment is clean and sharpened. Think about laying mulch to help keep in moisture and keep out weeds. Come up with a watering schedule to keep your lawn looking great while using the least amount of water - think a.m. and p.m. waterings.


What seasonal maintenance do you do as it warms up?

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mothers work hard. Very hard!  Help the Mother in your life relax with a spa-like shower experience from Century Glass!

We offer a wide range of shower options from frameless to steam.  Give us your vision and we will work to make it a reality.

Let Mom enjoy a spa day everyday in her new shower from Century Glass.

Visit our showroom for ideas!

Make A Small Space Bigger

Don't be confined by small spaces - simply trick your eye into thinking it's bigger!

Mirrors are a great way to expand the look of a room by reflecting the available light and making the space appear larger.

Mirrors are also a great way to change up the look of a room and accent pieces of furniture or home decor.

Century Glass offers a wide array of mirrors to choose from and can help you customize a mirror to fit a particular space or style. From standard mirrors to framed options - talk with Century Glass about your choices.

Energy Efficient Bath Features

In honor of Earth Day, this week's post is about ways you can make your bathroom more energy efficient - a plus for both the environment and your wallet!

1. Install a low-flow shower head
2. Fix any leaky faucets or plumbing
3. Purchase ENERGY STAR light bulbs and fixtures
4. Look for appliances with the EPA's WaterSense logo when it comes time to update
5. Consider a tankless hot water heater for warm water on demand

One of the best and easiest ways to conserve water is to shower instead of bathe.  Make your shower a serene space where you'll want to be! Visit our showroom to see a wide variety of available options!

Auto Glass Repair

You're driving down the road when out of no where a rock hits your windshield and leaves a small crack.  The crack is small now...but will it grow?

Cracks from rocks often start small but can quickly expand especially when in extreme temperatures such as the heat of South Carolina summers.  Water and dirt can also get inside of the crack and cause it to grow.

Contact your auto insurer and explain your situation. You may have coverage for a full repair. Regardless, it's important to take your car to an auto glass professional to prevent any further damage to your automobile.

Century Glass is an auto glass repair expert with quick local service. Get a quote from us today and we'll have you back up and running in no time!

Attending a housewarming? Fun gift ideas!

Looking for the perfect gift idea for a new homeowner? We’ve got some unique takes on traditional gifts that might just fit the bill.

Housewarming parties and gifts are an old tradition thought to have originated in France. The term 

“housewarming” comes from the old custom of providing firewood to heat a new home. These days there are many takes on the idea of a housewarming gift – meant instead to warm the hearts of those receiving.

1. Board Games – A fun way to prepare new homeowners for hosting friends in their new home.

2. Wreath – To add curb appeal to a new home, gift the homeowners with a seasonal wreath, door mat or porch décor.

3. Something personal – Considering personalizing a household item with the homeowners name or initials – examples are a cutting board, dish towels or photo frame.

4. Theme baskets – If you like to be a little more creative in your gift assembly, consider a theme basket. Put together a grouping of like items such as cleaning supplies, pasta night dinner kit, cookie ingredients, or a movie night basket.

5. Stationary – A fun way to celebrate the new home is with stationary and a custom return address stamp – complete with the homeowners name and new address!

What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate a housewarming?

Unique Ideas for Easter Eggs

Easter weekend is quickly approaching and we thought you might like some fresh ideas on an old tradition - the Easter Egg. Click on the photos below for details on how to make each egg yourself.

1. Use Glitter!

The blog www.the36thavenue is full of ideas including using glitter for a sparkling twist on egg decor.

2. Melted Crayons

Over at www.jennaburger.com get instructions on using melted crayons for a unique and kid-friendly way of decorating.

3. Even Shaving Cream

Make use of household item like shaving cream to create wonderful egg designs. Find instructions at www.katiescrochetgoodies.com

What's the value?

Planning a home remodel project?

Maybe you're considering a bath remodel - new shower?

Or you're thinking of upgrading and replacing your windows?

Well if you're thinking of how these projects might affect your resale value, look no further than the link below!

Once you see the value these two projects can bring to your home, visit Century Glass to get started!

http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2014/

Spring into Cleaning

Spring is right around the corner and it’s time to dig out from winter’s doldrums. There’s an hour more of daylight which means more time to get things done around the house – including a jump start on spring cleaning!

For some tips on how to make your spring cleaning as efficient and effective as possible read below, then let us know what you do as part of your spring cleaning routine! 

Spring Cleaning Tips:

Make sure your tools are ready! Use a clean mop head, empty out the vacuum filter and pull out your gloves! Keep your cleaning supplies in a bucket with you as you move around the house.

Go room to room with a trash bag. Gather everything that needs to be thrown away from each room including trash, papers, receipts, old magazines, etc.

Dust from top to bottom which allows all dust and lint to accumulate and be vacuumed at the end of the process. Work from left to right, top to bottom.

Spray bathroom or kitchen hard surfaces with cleanser and let sit while you work on other areas of the house. The longer the cleanser sits the easier it will be to wipe up without too much scrubbing.

Don’t feel like you need to clean each room at a time. Focus on a task such as dusting and dust the whole house. Then focus on windows, floors, baseboards, etc. without spending all day working in just one room.

For more ideas on Spring Cleaning check out Pinterest for checklists and helpful hints. 

Got at Tax Refund?

Tax time may not be your favorite time of year, but if you’re expecting a refund you can use that money in a variety of ways to improve your current lifestyle.  While getting a refund feels good, financial experts agree that the best way to leave tax season is by breaking even. A refund means the government is giving back your extra money that you could have been saving and building interest on all year. However, if you do get a refund back, here are three ways to put it to work for you.

Home renovations.  Use your tax refund towards a renovation such as a bathroom remodel. 

The average tax refund of $2000-$3000 can be a nice way to make the updates you've always wanted.

Pay off debt.  Take the money and use it to pay off debt or make extra mortgage payments. Pay off a chunk of that student loan or get rid of credit card debt.

Save for retirement.  Place your refund into your retirement savings 401K or IRA. Your refund will continue to grow over time as interest accumulates. The earlier you begin saving the better!

These are just a few of the ways you can put this “found money” to work for you. What plans do you have for your tax refund?

Time to Spring Forward

When you go to bed Saturday night be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour. Daylight Savings Time officially begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8.  That is of course unless you reside in Arizona or Hawaii, two states who have chosen to opt-out of the time change.

Daylight Savings Time originated in Germany during WWI as a way to conserve fuel used on artificial lighting. The practice was eventually adopted by the United States and occurs the second Sunday in March. Daylight Savings Time ends in the fall always on the first Sunday of November. 

Sleep experts claim that the average person takes 2 or 3 days to adjust to the new schedule since the change will result in losing an hour of sleep. To ease the transition, try to go to bed a little earlier than usual and stay away from caffeine. Expose yourself to sunlight as early as possible in the morning to help reset your internal rhythm.

Bath Inspiration

Looking for home inspiration? Interested in the latest shower or bath design trends? All you need is a computer or smart phone to find out all you ever wanted to know.

Meet Houzz – one of the newer social media sites out there with an emphasis on home design. Houzz is a website with over 5 million photos of new homes, home décor, remodeling, landscaping and furnishings.  In addition to photos, Houzz allows you to learn about professionals in the industry, contact them and rate them. You can also purchase some items directly through the Houzz website. Houzz is a free site but does require an account for full access. Sign up with your email or through Facebook. Visit www.houzz.com.

For more home inspiration ideas try Pinterest.  While Pinterest is not exclusive to home design like Houzz, it has become a popular means of finding and storing visual ideas.  Pinterest allows you to store your favorite photos on boards to come back and revisit later. You can also click the photo to go back to it’s original website if you would like to find out more. Like Houzz, the site is free but does require an account for full access. Visit www.pinterest.com.

Have you found inspiration for your new bath on one of these sites or others?

2015 Color of the Year

Every year the Pantone Color Institute selects it’s “Color of the Year”  for use in fashion, beauty, graphic design and interior design. This year’s color is Marsala, Pantone 18-1438.  Marsala is an “earthy wine red” that is both “hearty and stylish”.

For interior design purposes, Pantone sees Marsala as a versatile statement color good for both rugs and upholstery.  As an accent color Marsala is a perfect fit for tabletop décor, linens, placemats, bedding and throws. Marsala adds a touch of elegance to any room and is especially fitting for the kitchen and dining room.

The Pantone Color Institute has been choosing a color of the year for over 15 years.  The institute makes this decision based on global research in fashion, entertainment and technology.

What do you think about the 2015 Color of the Year? Will you incorporate it into your home this spring?

Stay at Home This Valentine's Day

So the weather forecast for the weekend is cold, and it’s Valentine’s Day.  Time to celebrate by staying in!

Staying home for Valentine’s Day doesn't have to be boring. Avoid the crowds, traffic and winter weather with these fun at-home date ideas. Use the money you'll save towards a brand new frameless shower from Century Glass!

Here are a few ideas:

1. Cook together! Gather up all of the ingredients for a fancy dish you've been wanting to try. Put on some favorite music and get cooking!
2. Picnic Indoors.  Spread a tablecloth on the living room floor, light some candles or the fireplace and enjoy a casual dinner of your favorite picnic fare.
3. Reminisce! Pull out your wedding album, old letters, photos from when you first met!
4. Watch a romantic movie. Pop the popcorn and pull out the candy. Snuggle under a blanket and enjoy.
5. Be creative! Paint a picture together, work on a puzzle, dream about the future, dance in your living room!

What are your plans this Valentine’s Day? Any ideas for a stay-in date?

Local Ideas for Valentine's Day

Looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine's Day with your sweetheart? These Midlands locations are one step ahead of you and ready to help!

Find dinner specials at local eateries like Saluda's - $49 per person for a three course meal. Or try the Melting Pot's Valentine Special for $130 a couple.

Learn how to make your own sushi at Saki Tumi by appointment only on February 14th.

For a more active Valentine's adventure choose from several 5K races taking place that Saturday including the aptly named Cupid's Chase which supports local residents with mental and physical disabilities.

If the great outdoors is calling enjoy a cruise on the Spirit of Lake Murray from 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Round out your evening with the USC Symphonic Winds and Wind Ensemble at the Koger Center of the Arts.

For more information on these events and more click
HERE

Rethink Cleaning Your Home

Keeping your home up is quite a chore—literally!!! But, it does not have to be all frowns and gloom. There are various ways to get the chores done but without piling it all into a whole day of cleaning. You have worked hard to earn that weekend, why waste half of it slaving away to clean your home? Since most of us cannot afford maids, we have got to find a better way to lessen the stress of cleaning a house but still maintain the neatness we all strive for.

There are a couple of tricks I use to lessen the burden. And while nothing can prevent you from having to clean the house completely, there are definitely ways to make it a lot less of a stress than what you are currently dealing with.

The best way I find to ease cleaning stress is to never truly stop cleaning in the first place. It sounds odd, but it works in the long run. By keeping a daily list of small (no more than fifteen minutes) tasks, you would be surprised at just how much of a difference it makes at the end of the week. For instance, for today, I will wash a load of laundry while I get ready for work. Around an hour later, the clothes are ready for the dryer, and I toss them in as I walk out the door. Upon returning from work, I just have to fold the load, no more than fifteen minutes.

Another day, I will wipe down all sinks and countertops, or dust all ledges. No matter what the exact task is, spreading out your workload throughout the week might sound like no fun, but you will be grateful on Saturday when you have just that less left to do. Try it out for yourself! It is a little hard to get into the habit, but it will become second nature the more you do it. All in the hopes, that you can enjoy spending a little more of your Saturday with your loved ones, rather than with a jug of bleach.

Tax Time Tips

Tax time is fast approaching. And while you are busy filing those tax returns, it is important to know whether or not you are getting the best refund possible. And unless you are trained in the matters, it is often hard if not impossible to know if you got the most out of your refund.

Do not fret! We have compiled a quick checklist you can use to help you make sure you have checked as many nooks and crannies of tax law as possible, to get the biggest refund possible!

1.     Some Basics: Organization is key to a smooth tax filing process. No matter what breaks you are eligible for, if you cannot find the information to prove you deserve the break, it will not matter. Take a day before you start your return just to put everything in order so you will know where to go for certain documents.

2.     Check your deductibles: Some of the biggest deductibles are being left on the table by most families, which result in giving up as much as $6200 in tax refunds. (For example, the most commonly unused tax credit is the Earned Income Tax Credit. This credit is designed for lower income households and can offer up to $6200 back in refunds based upon your eligibility. Another commonly unused credit is the Saver’s Credit. This deductible is for those who opened up a 401K or and IRA. This credit allows for up to $1000 in deductibles that would end up right back in your pocket—but you have to know to file for it.

3.     Consult a professional: While online companies are expanding with online tax returns, this is often the least effective way to get a good refund. While fast and easy, computers operate online tax programs. These programs take everyone through the exact same process, asking the exact same questions, and giving the exact same deductibles. Speaking with a person, however, you can fully share your year-in-review. You can go over specific events that could lead to deductions and it is possible through conversation, your accountant will find deductibles you qualify for. Let’s face it, the taxing process is one huge gray area of what applies/what does not apply, and computers were not made to operate in gray areas.

4.     Do your taxes early: Not only will finishing early get you a refund quicker, but it relieves the stress of doing taxes most people carry all the way until April. Stress is a silent hindrance that could negatively affect you in subconscious ways, so nip it in the bud and file early.

Filing taxes does not have to be an uphill battle. The best way to handle it is with a diligent hand and eye, along with someone to go back behind you to fill in the cracks you missed. You worked hard for your employer all year to earn that money, do not let the government take it without a fight!

Prep For New Homeowners

Owning your very own home is an amazing accomplishment and is no small feat. You have worked hard, paid your dues, and are now reaping the benefits of all of that brow sweat. But with owning a home, comes great responsibility. A home is no small job. A home requires money, attention, and maintenance. It can seem like a lot, but luckily you are not alone. Use the following topics to get a good idea of everything involved with owning a home, and figure out exactly what you are getting yourself into.

Most importantly, the biggest decision to make is exactly where you are going to live. This is a little prior to the actual owning and upkeep of a home, but it is important when dealing with houses. Before you buy, make sure you love. How much can you afford? What features are, for you, a must-have? Do you already have a real estate agent in mind? Owning a home is all about planning and preparation, so start getting into the habit now of asking questions and considering all outcomes. Once you have decided on all your qualifications, you can find your home.

Once you have found the home of your dreams, it is time to get you a deed! Purchasing a home will require loan approvals, offers, and lots of signatures. After navigating the long road to ownership, you now have a house all to yourself. It is now time to get your home up to your standards. Arrange insurance coverage for whatever you have not covered already (flood, earthquake, whatever you made need for your area.) Cover your bases. Know where local emergency services are and what to do if something strikes. Having all these things completed covers you for virtually any disaster, and will keep you and your family in the best shape possible in case something happens.

Aside from natural disasters and other weather related phenomena, there are other things to watch out for when owning a home. Termites and mold can raze a home if unchecked, so regular inspections and treatments are needed. Your yard will need at least weekly upkeep, and there are monthly utility, insurance, and tax fees on top of your normal monthly expenses, so careful management is required.

Owning a home is one of life’s biggest responsibilities but also one of the most satisfying. Having a space to retreat to and call your own truly makes it worth all the struggles that go into it. A lot of these things might seem to be overkill or unnecessary, but you will be thankful for knowing when the situation strikes. And you will be thankful for preparing early despite not thinking you need to. Life throws many unexpected punches and when it comes to owning a home, makes no exceptions. But you can pad any punch that is thrown, all it takes is a little brain power and elbow grease!

2015 Predictions

It’s the new year again, and with that new year, it is time to look forward to 2015 to speculate how the year will turn out. Realtor.com has just released their top predictions for the housing market in 2015, and building upon what we saw in 2014, housing is expected to continue to grow slowly but steadily as it has.

2014 was the first year we saw true recovery form the housing market crash nearly a decade ago. With steady job growth and increases to the national GDP, the housing market saw its first steady pickup in years. Realtor.com expects that trend to grow throughout the next year.

The top predications for the housing market are centered around pre-existing home sales and the millennial generation. Households have shown improved growth and at higher pace than has been the past few years. Researchers expect a massive move of the younger generations out of parents’ homes, college dorms, etc. into houses, since they can finally afford to (the majority of which they expect to go into the pre-existing homes.) Millennials might have money to now move out, but not build a home.

Home prices are expected to increase this year as well. Not as many homes are expected to be built. Rather, they will be bought. Lower inventories will push prices higher. Mortgage rates are expected to start going up mid-year and end the year at 5%. This, however, is expected to push overall home affordability down. Experts are hopeful a continued increase in worker wage will help offset that downside.

Overall, the housing market looks like it will still be in recovery mode for the majority of 2015. Still, the markets show vast improvement from where they were years ago. We will continue to monitor the markets and hopefully we can all make 2015 the year housing came back!

New Year's Resolution

2015 means a new year and a new you! Most take this time to list out everything they want to change or do for the upcoming 365 days. So we thought, why not help you out when it comes to making that list by sharing our resolutions for the upcoming 2015 year. We are hoping to breathe new life in 2015, and are hoping you will join us for the ride!

1.     Get Organized

Organization is a key component to most people’s sanity, whether they know it or not. It had been scientifically proven that increases in clutter also coincide with increases in stress levels for most people. So make 2015 a year of organization! You might not notice it instantly, but a slow change in the way keep everything will ultimately lower stress levels. Just imagine being able to find your keys in the exact, same spot every time you needed them!  Organization will eliminate small nuisances such as these, which would normally add up to a lot of stress over time.

2.     Reduce Debt

This is a resolution for almost everyone, us included. Debt is never a good thing, no matter how you spin it, so make 2015 about getting rid of the collection calls, past due bills, and (hopefully this does not apply to you) red letters from certain government agencies. Reducing debt though is more complicated than just paying back bills. Reducing debt is a lifestyle change that is no easy feat. However, the reward for your sacrifice will be greatly worth the wait.

3.     Join the Community

You are surrounded by your neighbors everyday for a good majority of your life, so why not get to know them? To seclude yourself in your house not only creates a wall (literally and figuratively!!!) between you and your neighbors. But stepping out and getting to know the people around you forges powerful bonds between you and those who live around you. Making friends can never be seen as bad, so why not give them a chance?

4.     Renovate

2015 is a time for changing, so that should apply to your house too! It does not have to be a major change, but something as simple as a screening in the back porch, or installing new windows can have a big change on how you view your home. Although renovations are costly, there is always a way to figure out tips and tricks that can cheapen the process. Treating yourself in the new year is important as well. Being happy at home ultimately leads to being happy in other places.

5.     Stay Energy Efficient

It is hard to avoid the news of climate change these days. Devastating typhoons, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and much more swarm the television these days to point where it is unavoidable to see the impact human kind is having on this planet. Take 2015 to make the switch to a more energy efficient lifestyle. You might be thinking that one voice does not matter, and one person changing will not be enough to change the world overnight, but it is one less unrecycled cardboard box, one less plastic water bottle chucked into the ocean, one less stack of paper sitting in a landfill waiting to decompose.

Change is hard, if it were easy, there would be no such thing as a New Year’s Resolution. But it is not out of reach. You have the power to change in your life what you do not want. You have the mind to set the goals and drive to achieve them. Do not let 2015 be another year of stagnation. Look up, move forward, and meet 2015 and all it has to offer.