JJ & Ainsley Gordon, The Gordon Group

As homeowners, we want our properties to reflect our styles and the designs of the current day. If you have purchased an older property, or you just want to update your current home, a certain degree of work and projects are required to bring your property up to the level you strive for. While many of us have experience with home projects, there are some of us that don't. Below are some of the common projects homeowners embark upon, and suggestions on when it's best to do it yourself or call a professional for help. Walls Most painting jobs are DIY, pending you have a steady hand. Should you have structural repairs or water damage, call a pro, especially if you're going to demolish the existing wall, replace or re-frame anything, install new Sheetrock or drywall or anything else that is labor intensive. Floors Floor repairs can be fairly easy, from cleaning to repairing small nicks in the flooring. If you want to take on a larger project, it might be worthwhile to...

It's common knowledge that most people are advised to get their home on the real estate market in late spring or early summer as that is "real estate season." While the majority of homes do sell in the spring and summer, listing your home or looking for a home during the holidays or in the winter is not as taboo as some would lead you to believe. There are actual benefits to listing or looking for a home during the holidays, and if you've missed out on the real estate scramble of the spring and summer, starting a home search or listing your home now might just be in your best interest. Here are some of the top reasons why you shouldn't avoid listing your home, or looking for a home, during the holidays. Buyers Never Stop Looking Many would lead you to believe that the real estate market comes to a complete stand still during the holidays or in the winter, but that's not the case. Every state's real estate market is  thriving year-round, and that eve...

If you've never owned your own property before, there are some costs you should prepare yourself for ahead of time. Should you take out a mortgage, you'll have your monthly mortgage payment, but often there are additional costs and fees added that a new homeowner may not expect. Listed below are items you should expect to pay once you become a homeowner. Property Taxes When you rent, you are not responsible for the property taxes on the property. But when you become a homeowner, you're expected to pay yearly property taxes, of which go to public works, wages for government workers or public school boards. Based on the current value of your home, property taxes are assessed every year and will likely change to reflect an increase (or decrease) in your home's value. Property taxes can be paid at one time, or they can be divided into 12 payments over the course of a year and added to your mortgage payment. When you're trying to determine what your mortgage...

Want your place to look like those home design website images you drool over? Making your home look high-end isn't always about spending tons of cash... Read More

A great way to boost your home's selling power is to make small and affordable updates throughout the home. These quick updates and fixes will help make your home more inviting to potential buyers and a potential sale. Spruce Up The Front Door Spruce up the front door by touching up paint (either paint over chipped or fading paint, or change the color completely), adding a kick plate, changing out the hardware, or you can replace the door completely. A new front door can add energy efficiency and additional security if you choose a metal door. Making the front door pop not only adds a special touch to your curb appeal, but potential buyers will notice a door that's been taken care of. Freshen Up The Kitchen Kitchens appeal to so many buyers. If you don't have the time or budget to overhaul your kitchen, don't panic. If you have nice wood cabinets, consider adding a coat of paint to freshen them up. You can also add new hardware (knobs, handles or pulls) ...

The kitchen, for most of us, is the heart of the home. In fact, as the epicenter of the home, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms when it comes to the resale value of your home. However, for many homeowners, the kitchen can also be characterized by clutter, crowded cabinets, and general disarray. If you've been trying to find ways to reorganize your kitchen without a costly remodel, here are a few quick ideas. Repack Dry Goods :   Most packaged food products can be more space efficient when removed from their original packaging and placed in stackable plastic containers. Free The Spices :   Don't waste cabinet or drawer space on your spice collection. Spices should be handy near the stove, so install a wall rack in a convenient location. Be careful to avoid spots that will get too much heat, as this can affect the flavor of some spices. Hang Them Up :   Hanging pot racks can both free up your cabinet space and add a chef's touch to your ...

The sale of your home can depend a great deal on whether or not it has Curb Appeal. What is Curb Appeal? Simply put, it is anything visible to a prospective buyer from the street that makes them want to see more of the house. Curb Appeal can be a powerful force in attracting potential buyers to your home. Here are some ideas to help ensure that your house has as much Curb Appeal as possible. Make sure the lawn is mowed, and all trees and bushes are well trimmed. Place planters of flowers or hanging baskets on the porch. See that all flower beds are weeded and freshly mulched. Check that the front door is attractive and freshly painted. Consider re-painting the exterior of your house. Give the outside of your home a good scrub: clean the windows, patio furniture, driveway and sidewalks. Finally, make sure your house numbers are visible, your mailbox is in excellent condition, and that all porch and outside lights are working properly. You want interested buy...

Millions of tourists travel to Las Vegas, Nevada every year as visitors, but for some the trip is one way. What makes so many newcomers want to make Las Vegas their home each year? With a city as diverse as Vegas, it’s natural that there are a multitude of answers. Here are 7 reasons to love living in Las Vegas. Jobs In 2008, a year that spelled financial ruin for so many, Las Vegas was named the second best city for jobs in the US by Forbes magazine, with a 5-year annualized job growth rate of 5.1%. Many of those jobs are in the housing market, which stays strong in Vegas as a result of the continuous population growth. The city also makes its living in big money industries: gambling, conventions and tourism. For entrepreneurs in any of those fields, a move is almost guaranteed to bring in more income. The job market is about much more than just tourism, though. The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation says that other job areas have also ...