Homes for the Holiday: 9 Bargains We Can All Be Thankful For

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Every Thanksgiving offers up a surprise bargain or two. This year, we found you nine—and you don’t have to head to the mall and jostle with the crowds.

We’re talking homes. Affordable homes from across the United States: nine desirable family homes priced under the national median list price of $312,000.

We were delighted to find these nine gems scattered across the country, each roomy enough to host next year’s turkey feast and still have enough cash left over for a little Black Friday shopping.

So skip the lines and prepare to be grateful for these lovely homes, all priced within reach. There are more than enough delicious deals to go around…

2920 St. David Dr, Dallas, TX

Price: $265,000

Big D Delight: Ready to move in, this four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, over 2,400-square-foot home was built in 2006. It boasts traditional lines and finishes to suit almost any taste. The large lot means a big backyard for outdoor living and entertaining and a treeline view.

Dallas, TX

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851 W. 32nd St, Minneapolis, MN

Price: $269,900

Minny midcentury: This brick-front midcentury modern home has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and nearly 1,300 square feet, spread across three levels. Recent updates include a new furnace, central air, custom window treatments, a renovated full bathroom, and fiber-optic wiring. The location is also a big plus—it’s across the street from a park, near trails, and within walking distance of restaurants and shops.

Minneapolis, MN

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6952 E. 2nd St, Tucson, AZ

Price: $280,000

Desert dwelling: Dig that enormous cactus out front! Built in 1957, this brick ranch is suited for family living, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,800 square feet. Exposed brick and wood, built-ins, large open spaces and plenty of natural light create a versatile space indoors. Outdoors, the quarter-acre lot features a large, in-ground pool, as well as a yard for kids or pets.

Tucson, AZ

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6324 W. Colonial Dr, Boise, ID

Price: $275,000

Boise beauty: Built in 1959, this well-preserved ranch home has only had one owner. A recent face-lift to the three bedroom, 1.5 bathroom, 1,400-square-foot house has given the interiors new life. Even with the updates, charming original details like the double fireplace, blond wood cabinetry, and built-ins are all intact.

Boise, ID

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3826 Main St, Warrensburg, NY

Price: $299,900

Space to spread out: Built in 1830, this Greek Revival mansion has eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and more than 5,700 square feet—which means this historic home costs only $52 a square foot. The listing suggests that it could be used as an Airbnb or wedding venue, and it previously operated as the Emerson House Bed and Breakfast.

Close to Lake George in the Adirondacks, the home is filled with treasures: stained glass, crystal chandeliers, and custom woodwork. The nearly full-acre lot also includes a 4,000-square-foot carriage house.

Warrensburg, NY

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3734 Lake Enclave Way, Atlanta, GA 

Price: $299,900

Georgia gravy: Well-maintained since it was built a decade ago, this four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home sits on more than a quarter-acre lot in the Lakeside Preserve planned community. Resident amenities include a clubhouse, pool with slide, basketball, tennis, a playground, and a lake. High ceilings, hardwood floors, plus neutral paint and carpet keep things light and airy in the home’s nearly 3,400 square feet.

Atlanta, GA

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13872 Woodpecker Rd, Victorville, CA

Price: $292,000

Pop the popcorn: This large home, with a lovely fireplace, would be the perfect place to spend a night in, watching movies! Besides the big living room, a large kitchen with an island is just one of the highlights of this five-bedroom, three-bathroom, nearly 2,600-square-foot home, perfect for a family.

Victorville, CA

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2304 W. Queen Ave, Spokane, WA

Price: $299,000

Revamped in Washington: This beauty of a bungalow was built in 1943 and recently remodeled. The bathrooms, granite countertops, furnace, and other major systems are all like-new. With five bedrooms and three bathrooms in over 2,800 square feet home, it’s located in Shadle Park and includes other upgrades, like hardwood floors and built-ins.

Spokane, WA

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1213 Elliott St, Park Ridge, IL

Price: $289,000

Park Ridge perfection: Built in 1946 and updated throughout, this two-bedroom brick bungalow has 1,450 square feet of living space. There’s also a basement being used as a roomy rec room, and an attic that’s currently being used as a third bedroom.

Park Ridge, IL

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Hate Black Friday? Here’s a Saner Alternative That Could Boost Your Property Value, Too

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Do you cringe at the idea of stampeding to the mall to snag Black Friday deals? Then you might embrace shopping its far saner cousin: Small Business Saturday.

This event was started by American Express in 2010—during the dregs of the Great Recession—as a way to lure shoppers back to main street and encourage folks to buy from local businesses. The idea quickly caught on. As of 2018, over 7,500 stores and organizations in all 50 states participate with deals on anything you might need to stock those boxes under your Christmas tree, and more.

And there’s something in it for you, too: Not only are you getting deals on merchandise, you’re also exposed to plenty of unique stuff that might be tougher to find on, say, a ginormous retailing website named after a river in South America. And wouldn’t it be nice to give your niece a one-of-a-kind hat-and-glove set from that cute knitting shop around the corner rather than that cookie-cutter set everyone will be getting from Gap?

Here’s more about Small Business Saturday, why it’s good for consumers and their communities, as well as how to participate in your area. (And no, you don’t need to use an AmEx card to join in on these deals.)

When is Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday takes place right between two of the biggest shopping days of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That’s no coincidence since its purpose is to serve as a counterpoint to both.

“The Friday and Monday events are a big deal for big-box retailers and online giants, while this day is about supporting small merchants, with an emphasis on brick-and-mortar stores,” explains Kristin McGrath, editor and shopping expert at BlackFriday.com.

And the benefits of shopping this event abound: Shopping at a small business feels good, helps neighbors, and keeps the money you shell out right in your own community. In fact, studies show that for every dollar spent at a local shop, 67 cents gets funneled back into the local economy, keeping those mom and pop businesses running.

A vibrant shopping area not only makes living in your area better, it also enhances your home’s appeal whenever you decide to sell your place.

What are the best Small Business Saturday deals?

Sure, if you’re in need of a megasize flat-screen TV, heading to a Black Friday doorbuster at a chain store makes sense. But if you need something small for a stocking, Yankee swap, or early Hanukkah gift, going local will get you something far more special.

“Small businesses are great for white elephant gifts because you’ll find plenty of unusual items that anyone would like, from coffee beans to soaps and candles,” says McGrath. You can help out local shops by encouraging members of your book club, block association, or office pool to adopt a “small business theme” and buy from local shops downtown.

Lots of items on display on Small Business Saturday are not just sold locally, they’re also likely to be crafted nearby, including wooden items, local clothing, and home decor accessories like pillows and artwork.

“Many jewelry designers can’t get into big-box stores, so you’ll find these unique wares in small local shops,” notes McGrath.

American Express makes it easy to pop in your ZIP code and find participating stores in your area. Head to the Shop Small homepage, and click on “Find Small Businesses Near You.” Another way to plan your shopping is to keep an eye out for signs in store windows that advertise Small Business Saturday participation.

Small merchants often advertise these special Saturday sales on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. And you might sign up for your favorite retailers’ mailing list if they have one, says McGrath. And since many local farmers markets are on Saturdays, this group is a top pick for local shopping.

“The farmers market is made up completely of local merchants, makers, and crafters, so stopping by is an easy way to participate in Small Business Saturday,” says McGrath.

Granted, the savings at small businesses won’t be nearly as impressive as those at the big-box stores on this same weekend, but many shoppers would be happy to pay a little extra if it keeps their local community humming.

The post Hate Black Friday? Here’s a Saner Alternative That Could Boost Your Property Value, Too appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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Chic Holiday DIY: Fragrant Herb Chandelier and Custom Treat Bags

Holiday entertaining is all about one-of-a-kind decor, and we’ve got some show-stopping looks that you can make yourself. You don’t have to be an expert crafter to accomplish these easy DIY projects. Creating a custom hanging herb chandelier and dessert takeaways will really impress your guests at this year’s seasonal get-together.

Create a rustic vibe by wrapping the dining table in brown kraft paper. Arrange leaves, loaves of bread and open bottles of wine along the center of this setup. Lovely butter knives atop neatly placed cloth napkins seal the deal.

Serve tea or coffee with your homemade treat bags after the meal to brighten everyone’s day. Taking the little bit of time to make this thoughtful goody that your guests can break into right away or take home really makes visitors feel special. Taffy, cookies or a slice of pie are all great sweets to bag up for later.

Hanging Herb Chandelier Materials

• 3-foot cut of wood (or desired length, depending on your table)
• Cup hooks
• 5-foot length of multi-purpose rope
• Baker’s twine
• Ribbon
• Herbs/flowers

Stamped Paper Bag Takeaways Materials

• Brown canvas, burlap or paper bags
• Stencil (ours is Antlered Deer, part of the Winter Holiday 4-Pack by Stencil 1, $13)
• Black craft paint
• Taffy or other candies

Videography and photography by Mikal Marie Photography. 

Related:

• Deck Out Your Guest Room to Give Holiday Visitors a Warm Welcome
• Styling Bar Carts: 4 Irresistible Looks
• A Guide to Giving Holiday Gifts to Your Roommates

Originally published December 2015.

via Chic Holiday DIY: Fragrant Herb Chandelier and Custom Treat Bags

The Secret to No-Fuss Holiday Decor? Use What You Already Have

Hold your holiday decor horses! Before you purchase gobs of tinsel and piles of twinkle lights, take another look at items you already have - they may be the holiday embellishment you've been looking for.

By hunting through your cabinets and closets, you can easily repurpose common household items into yuletide decor for your abode. Need a little inspiration? These design experts share how they style up everyday objects into festive flourishes.

Dig through the craft closet

"Bust out the burlap! I've been known to use burlap for anything from tablecloths to a Christmas tree skirt. It's so versatile and lends an organic, rustic vibe."
- Brooke Wagner, Brooke Wagner Design

"Roll out brown or black butcher paper on your table like a runner. It somehow elevates everything you set on it. Plus, you can write your guests names on it in black marker (or chalk marker for black paper) instead of place cards."
- Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Paint a wall with chalkboard paint. It’s the perfect themed accent wall that's fun and creative, and it gets the kids involved, too."
- Melissa Martin Molitor, MMM Designs-Interiors

Photo courtesy of Melissa Martin Molitor.

"Tie ribbon on everything! Thread it through chandeliers or banisters. Or put festive printed fabric in picture frames and scatter them throughout the house."
- Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

Scour the kitchen cupboards

"Place a set of teacups on a pretty tray, and fill each cup with a succulent or small flower arrangement. Or create a centerpiece by placing candles on a serving tray or cake stand."
- Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

“Fill a large glass serving bowl - or maybe a punch bowl or trifle bowl - with whatever seasonal item you want. Just use the same thing so it looks purposeful and pretty.”
- Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Take an ordinary flower vase, and stick glass ornaments inside with a string of white lights. It's a pretty display that’s simple and creative!"
- Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

Ransack the fridge

"Dried fruit garland is still classic and sweet. Take a needle and thread to some popcorn, cranberries or dried sliced oranges, and string it up wherever you want to!"
- Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Cut up fresh fruit and put it in a pitcher before adding flowers for a centerpiece. Throw in some cloves and cinnamon sticks for added flair. For a dash of festivity, use oranges with cloves in them for place card settings."
- Christine Estep, Jackson Thomas Interiors

Sift through the closet

"Use a vintage plaid throw as a tablecloth or runner. Or decorate a small tabletop tree with jewelry or ribbon."
- Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

"Repurpose one of your favorite scarves as a cozy centerpiece runner."
- Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

Forage in the yard

“Instead of placing a star at the top of my Christmas tree, I'll take a handful of fallen sticks and tie them together at the top of the tree with a raffia bow. I'll also layer pine cones throughout my tree to balance out the glass ornaments for an organic, natural feel.
- Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

“I gather sticks cedar branches, along with magnolia, holly, boxwood and pine. I spread them around the bases of containers or arrange them in colorful tea tins. It’s an easy way to bring in greenery without spending too much money."
- Susan Jamieson, Bridget Beari Designs

“I love to add a garland of fresh greens around my dining room chandelier and hang ornaments from it. The fresh scent mixed with holiday cooking is wonderful."

- Jennifer Stoner, Jennifer Stoner Interiors

Look everywhere!

"Scatter some festive items that aren’t necessarily holiday themed. For example, we’ll set out some naturally shed antlers in the fall or a tuxedo hat around Christmas. I’ll mix in a few of these types of things that feel seasonally appropriate but aren’t necessarily traditional holiday decor."
- Summer Thornton, Summer Thornton Design

"Give a corner of your home a holiday touch with just a handful of tweaks. We made a sitting area more festive by adding new pillows (they needn’t have an overt holiday motif – a wintery look works just as well), some evergreen cuttings from the yard (with a few sprigs of berries), a stack of wrapped gifts, a scarf and bow for our deer, and a teddy bear found in the attic."
– Chris Stout-Hazard, Roger + Chris

Photo courtesy of Chris Stout-Hazard.

"Gather objects with a similar color scheme. I pull out all of my white and silver anything and group them together - candle holders, vases, pots, ribbon. Then I go to my neighbors' yards for magnolia and holly cuttings and get laurel out of my own yard. I just keep everything green, white and silver - jumbled together it works."
- Lesley Glotzl

"Repurpose a metallic vessel into a vase for displaying rich greenery or arrangements of holiday objects. A brass champagne cooler, a bright silver trophy cup or even small copper mugs could work perfectly. Add fresh pops of red with cranberries, pomegranates, deep-red apples or even a few red roses."
- Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Photo courtesy of Kerrie Kelly.

Top photo from Zillow listing.

Related:

• How to Decorate Simply for the Holidays (With Big Impact)
• Chic Holiday DIY: Fragrant Herb Chandelier and Custom Treat Bags
• Entertaining Essentials: 5 Items Every Host Needs

Originally published November 2017.

via The Secret to No-Fuss Holiday Decor? Use What You Already Have

How to Decorate Simply for the Holidays (With Big Impact)

You may have dreams of decorating your home like it’s a display window at a fancy department store, but then reality strikes: You’ve still got gift shopping and wrapping to do, holiday parties to attend and host … not to mention your everyday life to live.

Don’t get overwhelmed. Go for intentional minimalism. Some years, less is more.

Simple decor can still have a big impact - not the least of which is relieving you of some holiday hustle and bustle. All you need to do is hone in on sprucing up three key areas in your home.

Target your tree

The most obvious place to start is your Christmas tree. For an easy, fuss-free tree, go with a monochromatic color scheme.

Metallic ornaments give your tree extra glitz and seasonal sparkle.

Another option is to use all neutral colors so you don’t have to worry about balancing a color palette or tree placement - it will coordinate with any room’s normal decor.

Make your mantel magical

If you have a fireplace in your home, the mantel is an ideal spot to bring a little holiday cheer, but don’t make it too complicated.

Cotton branches intertwined with silver artificial garland.

Choose a statement-making garland to hang or drape across the top. Place some candles on the mantel to light at night, and you’re good to go.

Top off your table

The holidays are a prime time for entertaining, hosting and gathering around the table. So bring seasonal flair to your table with a beautiful garland, which can go a long way as a table runner.

A garland made of magnolia leaves and evergreen creates a dramatic table runner.

Make the decor as simple as placing a lush garland in the center of your table and mixing in candles for added ambiance.

Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to be a chore. Focus on these three spots, and your home will feel magical and holiday-ready in no time.

Photos courtesy of White Buffalo Styling Co. 

Related:

• The Year I Decorated the White House for Christmas
• Chic Holiday DIY: Fragrant Herb Chandelier and Custom Treat Bags
• 5 Home Repairs to Make Before You Host a Holiday Gathering

Originally published December 2016.

via How to Decorate Simply for the Holidays (With Big Impact)

Mortgage Rates Continue to Track U.S.-China Talks

Mortgage rates fell this week, reversing a gradual upward trend to reach their lowest levels in two weeks.

Once again, it was the ongoing saga of U.S.-China trade talks that drove most of the market's movements. The discussions have  shown signs of progress lately, which contributed to modest increases in bond yields and thus mortgage rates.

However, despite growing optimism and the tentative agreement of an initial deal, the talks failed to yield meaningful developments in recent weeks. Ambiguities regarding the tentative deal's details have thrown a wrench into the proceedings and reinjected doubts among investors, driving them to safer assets and nudging mortgage rates down.

It's likely that market movements will be modest heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, but the possibility of trade-related developments will keep investors on their toes.

What's more, rates are likely to respond to key readings on manufacturing and consumer spending, both due in the next seven days.

The post Mortgage Rates Continue to Track U.S.-China Talks appeared first on Zillow Research.

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5 Easy Improvements to Get Your Home Guest-Ready for the Holidays

Hosting a holiday gathering can be a lot of fun, but perhaps a bit intimidating, too. You want your house to look its best, but now isn’t the time to undertake any major updates.

Chances are, you’re busy enough get ready for the event. So, focus on just the areas of your house where your guests will spend time.

Whether you’re a first-time party host with a few jitters or an old pro looking for some new ideas, these tips will help you ensure that your home is ready for any gathering.

Light the way

The sun sets early this time of year, so it’s important to make sure the entrance to your home is clean and well-lit.

If you have a large front yard, focus on the entryway and the path leading up to it. Install porch lights or replace the bulbs if needed. Cut back any shrubbery that is obstructing the walkway.

On the day of your party, open the blinds on the front windows so your guests can see into your warm, festive-looking home as they approach. It’s a great way to create a sense of welcoming anticipation.

Pro tip: The easiest way to create instant lighting for walkways and paths is with the solar lights that you just stick into the ground. The sun does the rest of the work!

Take care of the bottom line

Our mothers used to say this, and it’s true: If your floors are spotless, they make your whole house look cleaner.

Even if you’re unable to do an in-depth house cleaning before your gathering, make sure your floors have been cleaned before that first guest steps over the threshold.

Pro tip: If you have carpeting, clean the carpets a minimum of three days ahead of your affair so they have time to dry fully.

Brighten up your bathroom

If you’re bothered by grimy-looking grout in your bathroom, try this easy, inexpensive, and non-toxic method to get rid of it nearly instantly: Just spray on some full-strength hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe clean. That's it!

Next, add some flowers, holiday decorations or pictures on the wall to further spiff up your powder room, and it will be ready for your guests.

Pro tip: Get the buildup out of a slow-moving sink drain with a Zip-It. This inexpensive tool looks like a giant zip-tie. You just work it down into the drain to pull up hair clogs - all the other gunky stuff will come up with it.

Tune up kitchen appliances

Your kitchen appliances will be the workhorses of your holiday party, whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or a cocktail party. You want them to be fully functioning and ready for action.

Make sure all stove burners are working. Now’s the time to clean the oven if you haven't done that for a while.

Clean out the refrigerator, and check to see that the fridge and freezer are running at their optimal temperatures.

Make sure your dishwasher is in good working order. You can clean it easily with a dishwasher cleaner that you run through a cycle.

Pro tip: Sharp knives will make easy work of preparing the big meal. Make sure all your kitchen knives are newly sharpened, and also check the batteries in your electric carving knife, if you have one.

Make your space kid-friendly

If you make your home welcoming for children, you’ll ensure their parents have a great time as well.

If you happen to have kids that are the same ages as your young guests, you’re in luck. But if not, think about adding some considerate touches that will make parents more comfortable and alleviate kid boredom.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Turn a spare room or an upstairs bedroom into a private nursing/changing area for a new mom.
• Toddlers and younger children will want to be near their parents, so a good idea for them is to set up a corner of your living or dining room with toys, books, a tablet for watching cartoons and some comfy pillows or throws.
• One of our favorite strategies for older kids is to turn the dessert course into an activity. For instance, you could bake a huge batch of sugar cookies in holiday shapes, and then put out different colors of icing to let kids (and adults) go to town with decorating their own cookies.

Pro tip: If you don't have children, or if yours are older, don't forget to kid-proof your space. Put away anything expensive, breakable or unstable. Do some baby-proofing, if necessary. This way you and the parents can relax and not have to worry about safety hazards.

Want more DIY tips? Watch more of See Jane Drill's home improvement videos. 

Related:

• 12 Easy Steps to Prepare Your Home for Fall
• DIY: Refresh Your Bathroom With a New Sink and Vanity
• Holiday Hazards: How to Avoid Insurance Claims

Originally published November 2016.

via 5 Easy Improvements to Get Your Home Guest-Ready for the Holidays