Whether you’re getting ready to sell, or looking to improve your current space, remodeling always brings return of investment (ROI) to mind (or at least it should!).  Home improvements are highly dependent on local market demand, your home value and specific neighborhood, and of course, your budget.  Even though you might love the idea of having an inground pool in your backyard, this type of investment may not bring you the biggest return in Syracuse, NY.
Most of the time, when people think of home remodeling, their first thoughts are the kitchen, bathroom, or primary suite.  Though these can offer decent ROI and give you a warm new impression of your everyday living space, some of the highest ROI’s in the Syracuse market right now are on exterior jobs. 
In this blog series, we’re going to explore the ROI of 3 major areas throughout a property: interior, building exterior, and outdoor living spaces.  Making the right changes to these areas ...

Exploring The Pros and Cons Of Real Estate Investment 
Investing in real estate has long been considered one of the most reliable ways to build long-lasting wealth. Profitable real estate investments offer steady income, potential for appreciation and various tax benefits.
However, like any investment, real estate comes with its own set of pros and cons that potential investors should carefully consider.
 
Pros Of Investing In Real Estate
• Steady income: One of the most appealing aspects of investing in real estate is the potential for a steady stream of rental income. Whether you invest in residential or commercial properties, rental income can provide a consistent cash flow that can be used to cover expenses or reinvest in more properties.

• Appreciation: While there are no guarantees, owning property often leads to long-term capital appreciation. This can result in significant gains when it comes time to sell your investment.
• Tax benefits: Real e. ...

By Realtor.com Creative Studio
Looking for a little help with home repairs or general maintenance issues at your place?  This new app could be your solution to finally getting that leaky sink fixed or completing the final touches on your DIY house project by giving you expert help right at your fingertips.
1.    In April, Frontdoor launched a first-of-its-kind app to support homeowners as they repair their homes. What does the app do?
Frontdoor is the one-stop-app that helps homeowners tackle home repair and maintenance issues with a few taps on an iPhone or Android device. Homeowners can download the app for free through the App Store or Google Play, then use it to do one free video chat with one of our experts for real-time home repair diagnosis and solutions— for everything from running toilets to glitchy washing machines.
 It’s powered by our proprietary Streem video technology, but the ...

DIY Backyard Fire Pit: Build It in Just 7 Easy Steps
The perfect backdrop for outdoor fun is closer than you think, thanks to our step-by-step instructions.

Turn your backyard into a cozy camp spot by making your own fire pit. This DIY project is easy to complete, and you’ll be making s’mores around the fire in no time.
Get ready
Before you begin building, consult your local fire code to see if fire pits are allowed in your city and, if so, how far away the fire pit has to be from a structure.
Then, gather your supplies:
Bricks for the fire pit wall
Gravel
Twine or string
Tape measure
Stake
Large shovel
Trowel
Tamp
Level

When purchasing bricks for the fire pit wall, go for something sturdy like retaining wall bricks or concrete pavers. Some home improvement stores even carry bricks specifically designed for fire pits. Use a layer of firebricks, which have a higher heat resistance, on the inner layer of the fire pit as an extra safety measure.
Now that yo ...