Kathy Lee

Ready to brighten up those old fixtures and shabby cabinetry? Five helpful hints for a modern redo.

It’s Time to Dress Up That Tired Bathroom Bathroom sinks and countertops have come a long way from the standard-issue white porcelain sink dropped into laminate cabinetry that you find in many homes across the country. Need a change? Treat yourself and your bathroom to a gorgeous makeover. Countertops. The same great high-end surfaces avail...

Looking for the perfect place to retire? If you don’t plan well for taxes, your hard earned money may not go too far. Watch out for these tax “gotchas.”

Avoiding Tax Traps in Retirement When preparing for retirement -- especially if contemplating a move to another state -- it’s crucial to research the tax implications. Make sure your search is comprehensive, including state and local taxes on income, property, and consumer sales purchases, because different states take different ...

Disasters strike without warning. Be prepared with these ten essential home emergency items.

A Checklist: Being Prepared for Home Emergencies Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes strike indiscriminately, which means every homeowner should be prepared for life-threatening emergencies. Here are ten essential items to have on hand. A source of power. A generator will keep your refrigerator working to preserve food, and provide ligh...

Does your new home need just a little something extra? Check out these ideas for tricking out your house with trim.

Add Some Zip to Your Home With Custom Trims Giving your home a welcoming custom feel is all in the architectural details. If your house is a bit blah, the solution may be as simple as adding trim. Moldings and trims on your ceilings, walls, doors, and windows add character and value to your home. Check out these five trim options to upgrade a...

Can your house pass a sniff-test? Or will potential buyers be turned off by pet odors? Be proactive with these tips that are both pet-friendly and buyer-friendly.

Tips on Selling a Home with Pets When pet owners put their homes up for sale, it’s best to make those beloved animals disappear without a trace. The dog beds, the cat crates, the hair, the chew marks and the smell all need to be removed before the first showing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on selling your home with pets.

You regularly pay for homeowners insurance and wonder if you’ll ever even need it. Find out how to lower your rates while still maintaining good coverage.

Homeowners Insurance: Risks Versus Costs You never want to skimp on homeowners insurance, but there are ways to save money on those premiums without putting you or your home at risk. Here’s a handy guide to getting excellent coverage at a reasonable price. Your credit score. In most states insurance companies use customer credit scores a...

Is it time to move your business from the kitchen table? Here are four tips for outfitting a successful work space in your house or apartment.

Making Your Home Office Work for You With more people working from home than ever before, office workspaces are now must-haves in many homes. Whether you have a dedicated office or a flexible work area in another room, stylish and ergonomic furniture along with smart storage solutions will help create an attractive, functional space. D...

Which model home is your favorite? Check out these tips for selecting a floor plan that can change and adapt with your family.

Floor Plans: Choosing the Right One for You Touring model homes is one of the best ways to get a feel for whether a floor plan will work for you. It’s time well spent before committing to such a huge investment in your future. Take your time and consider the following: Think now and later. Begin by thinking about what you currently need in ...

Moving Day doesn’t have to be panic day. Take the tension out of your move with these handy tips.

Five Tips for a Stress-Free Move Whether you’re moving across the country or across the neighborhood, the process can be stressful. Make things easier on yourself by employing these tips. Organization is key. Create a moving kit containing everything needed to make your move easier. Markers for labeling boxes, packing tape, movin...

You pay your utility bills every month, but do you understand what they say?

Check the Fine Print on Utility Bills The next time the monthly utility bills arrive, resist the urge to blindly write a check or schedule a payment. Take the time for a more in-depth examination. You just might find a way to trim the bill. Understanding your electric bill. Using a fixed rate, the power company charges a set rate of x c...