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During house-hunting, it isn't just the house itself that you have to consider. The property’s location still plays an important role, especially its surrounding areas and the neighborhood. A home’s proximity to a school will likely be one of the many factors you consider, whether or not you have children. 

If you're interested in a home near a school, you should understand how it might affect your day-to-day living situation. With school in session 180 days a year, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages before deciding. To help with your homework, here are some pros and cons to consider before buying a home near a school.

PROS

School drop-off and pick-up can get chaotic and dreadful. The line of cars moves slowly, wasting so much of your time, especially during mornings. Just as you'd factor in a work commute, if you have children, you should also consider how long the car line will take when dropping them off at school. While the school bus can also be a convenient option, it may mean that your kids need to get ready early so they won’t miss it. Living close to their school means you can skip the drive and just walk, getting that much-needed exercise as a huge bonus. Your mornings will be easier and faster, and your kids can get home quickly after a school day.

Schools prioritize safety. Many schools have tight security measures around their campuses. Police and local law enforcement also have a more active presence near schools and surrounding neighborhoods. If you're a home buyer who is looking for a safe community, living near a school or within a school district can be beneficial for you. Of course, this might not apply to every single community, so don’t forget to check the local crime maps to verify information about neighborhood safety in general.

Schools, especially in small towns, usually have a track or a playground that can be accessed after the school day ends. Even if the children don't attend school, they could play at the school park just like they would at a public park. This could include swings, monkey bars, basketball courts, and track and field, among others. It’s a great resource to have close to your home since it encourages your kids to spend time outside and be active. Just do your homework before choosing a home based on this information since larger school districts often set their school grounds off-limits to the general public.

Schools also promote a sense of community, often providing social activities for children and adults alike. Weekend community markets, craft fairs, and sporting events are just some of the things you could look forward to participating in and enjoying when a school is near your home. In small neighborhoods, schools also serve as community centers in addition to providing educational services, so you can expect to see adult education classes or club activities post-school hours.

Expect that homes near what is considered a good or excellent school district have a higher price tag when you buy. If the house is within walking distance of the school, it's even more desirable to parents and families and often has a higher resale value.

CONS

One of the biggest issues when it comes to living near a school is limited street parking. Unless there's a large parking lot on the campus, school staff, parents, and students might park all along the street during the school day or special events in the evening. When house-hunting, you might want to look for a home with a spacious driveway or prepare to be amenable when the majority of people park on the street.

Let's face it: schools are noisy. Living near a school can expose you to all kinds of noises—loud cheers during sporting practices, PA system broadcasts, and band practices, among others. Living right next door or across the street means noise can be a nuisance, so don’t forget to factor in noise when looking for a home near a school.

Similar to parking issues, living near a school can mean dealing with heavy traffic. Expect idling cars of parents or guardians, buses shuttling kids to and from school, and traffic issues during special events such as plays, sports games, and parent-teacher conferences. Car crashes are also frequent since many students new to driving are more likely to have accidents. So before buying a home near a school, consider traffic and assess whether it's a dealbreaker for you. You might need to plan before running errands or visiting places so you won’t get stuck on the road during the school’s rush hours.

Last but not least, living near a school means you'll see a large volume of children all over the neighborhood, especially during after-school hours. The problem is that some kids might even loiter or trespass on your yard, sometimes unintentionally since they might not yet understand that they should keep off other people’s property.

Bottom line

As with any location, living near a school or within a school district has its pros and cons. Can you tolerate the noise levels and prioritize safety for your kids? Will you be okay even if there isn't enough parking space? Do your homework and weigh all of the pros and cons carefully before making your decision.

Something is creaking on the topmost floor, and yet you all know that no one's there. Why did your door slam shut seemingly by itself? Could ghosts be causing your lights to flicker? You love your home, but it seems to be producing a variety of creepy and unexplainable noises. Sometimes, experiencing only one or two things is enough to suspect your house might be haunted.

And since it's Halloween, it’s easier to think that there must be some supernatural connection to these eerie property issues. But before you get the jitters, chances are that a lot of these ‘hauntings’ and happenings have not-so-scary reasons as to why they occur. Here’s a look at some of the most common issues in your home that may be causing the hair on the back of your neck to rise, and a few simple fixes to ease your mind.

Spooky problem #1: Flickering lights

Are the lights in your home turning on and off at random times? It's easy to regard this as a paranormal phenomenon, especially if you’re home alone and need to go to the bathroom in the wee hours of the morning. But rather than ghosts or ghouls causing this unearthly scene, the flickering is most likely due to faulty wiring, loose bulbs, or fluctuating voltage. 

In older houses, flickering lights were almost expected since electrical wiring wasn’t always up to modern standards.

The fix: There could be a dozen reasons why lights flicker, and many of them can be dangerous. You could do some minor fixes, such as making sure you installed the correct bulb with proper wattage or that the bulb is tightened properly. And instead of calling an exorcist, get a licensed electrician to inspect your property. Depending on the age of your home and whether there have been any electrical upgrades performed, you may have knob and tube wiring which can become loose or damaged over time, a defective switch, or an overloaded circuit — all of which should be handled only by a professional to ensure that your home is up to code.

Spooky problem #2: Creaking floors

It's the middle of the night and you’ve stopped whatever you’re doing to listen closely. It’s that creepy creaking noise! No wonder you’ve got goosebumps. But several potential factors could be the reason for your home’s creaking floors. The paranormal, fortunately, or unfortunately, isn’t one of them. Creaking spots are common on hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or even carpeted floors. The change in weather in regards to humidity and cold can cause your substructure to expand and contract seasonally. 

Likewise, sounds that resemble footsteps can be due to the settling noises in the structure, which are common occurrences in homes with larger open spaces or attics. An improperly fastened subfloor can also cause creaks when you walk over areas where screws or nails may have loosened or possibly were not fastened correctly.

The fix: Hiring a handyman or a carpenter is your best bet to fix the problem. Since your floor joists can buckle and twist due to weather or settling, you may require joist bridging to help eliminate the twisting and causing further issues which result in more creaks.

Spooky problem #3: Cold spots in certain areas

Cold spots don't automatically mean there’s a ghost nearby or a spirit passing by. Cold spots are common, especially in older and multilevel homes. They may be due to insulation not being properly installed, is actually nonexistent, or was damaged in some way. Or it could be due to some gaps or cracks in windows or siding that are letting in more air, causing a cold spot or draft. 

The fix: There are several ways to eliminate cold spots. You may add insulation and seal any gaps under doors and windows by using caulk or weatherstripping. If there’s an issue with your HVAC system itself, an expert will be able to offer solutions to fix it.

Spooky problem #4: Doors that open or close on their own

Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, doors that would slowly creak open on their own feel like a scene from any horror movie. Rest assured, it's only normal because as the house begins to settle over time, the door frames can become unlevel and out of plumb. This can cause the weight of the door to close or open on its own.

The fix: To stop being haunted by a door that’s opening and closing by itself, it’s better to bring in a qualified carpenter to align the hinge and fix the issue, especially if you can’t DIY.

Spooky problem #5: Scratching inside the walls and/or in the basement

Hearing scratching noises and scurrying at night? It can be terrifying, yes. But with the colder months just around the corner, the more plausible explanation is that there may be critters in your wall. Animals such as rats, squirrels, and even skunks and raccoons, can find their way into your home through openings in your crawl spaces and cause a variety of problems. Moreover, the bacteria from their wastes and/or carcasses can become airborne and cause toxic health hazards.

The fix: Unfortunately, calling Ghostbusters in this kind of situation isn't gonna help. Depending on what critter is involved, a pest- or animal-control service may be what you need. You can also mitigate the problem by investigating and sealing off possible entry points with a metal screen or wood. Clean your backyard and garage, keep your garbage cans clean and tidy, and make sure pet food and birdseed are stored in gnaw-proof containers.

Selling a home can be a complex and stressful process. Even in the best market conditions, whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time home seller, reset your expectations and adjust your sales strategy accordingly to get your home sold for the price and terms you want. 

This guide outlines six of the best habits of highly effective home sellers. However crazy the real estate market gets, you can adapt these practices—from being proactive in maintaining your home to having the right mindset—to help achieve your goals and sell your home at the best possible price.

One of the best habits successful home sellers have in common? They hire a good, reputable realtor. Not only do real estate agents have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you with all the key points of the sale. They also have the network and tools to boost your home's marketability.

Even if you think you understand the complicated process of home-selling and have the talent to go the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route, you must still be familiar with the laws and regulations of the real estate industry. Having a listing agent by your side to answer any questions, set the right price for your home, vet offers, avoid wire fraud, and negotiate deals on your behalf will ensure you avoid pitfalls and/or unexpected headaches. Successful sellers recognize what a realtor could bring to the table. You don’t go to war without wise guidance, after all.

One of the biggest temptations when selling your home is to list it “as is,” which means the property is being listed in its current state without making any repairs. But putting your home in the market “as is” can seriously limit your pool of potential buyers. Aside from the fact that your home might not get the first good impression that is critical to a successful home sale, buyers might not be able to secure financing if the property is in poor condition. 

While you might not want to invest a lot of time or money into your home, it's best to address essential repairs and prep it before selling. The cheapest thing you can do is to schedule a deep cleaning and decluttering. Then, take care of any necessary repairs and touch-ups, like fixing that hole in the screen door or refreshing your carpets. Be proactive in ensuring your home is in tip-top condition so you can present your home in the best light possible to attract offers, especially in a slow housing market.

Setting a realistic price that aligns with the current market is crucial in securing a home sale. If the home is overpriced, you can lose out on a lot of potential buyers and lose precious momentum. The property then stays on the market for longer, and you will have to gradually slash the price. Buyers might think there's something wrong with the property and that you’re desperate, opening doors for them to present lowball offers.

Although pricing a home can be tricky, the key is to not let your emotions guide you in coming up with a pricing strategy. Instead, work closely with your real estate agent to perform a comparative market analysis on your home. They will look at recently sold properties in your area to give you a better idea of a fair price range for your home. When your home is priced right, you’ll attract serious buyers and increase your chances of a successful sale.

When selling your home, it's in your best interest to stay open-minded throughout the whole process. Understand that the highest offer might not necessarily be the best, especially when there are other factors to consider. Broaden your perspective beyond the price tag and consider the buyer’s overall financial profile, the contingencies presented, and the closing timeline, among other things. Cash offers could also go sideways when there’s been a change of heart from an investor or a wealthy buyer. Keeping an open mind and a willingness to negotiate is the key to an effective sale.

Flexibility is the name of the game for many successful home sellers. They plan for showings, making sure that their home is ready to accommodate prospective buyers and that they have somewhere to go during the house tour. They're also open to possible last-minute requests and are generally as flexible as possible, especially during showings in the evenings and on the weekends. This can help build trust and credibility among buyers. The more people can tour your home, the better your chances of receiving a strong offer, especially in slow real estate markets.

For many people, pets are considered as part of the family. They probably have their favorite spots in the home, together with their bed and toys. But when it comes to home showings, it's best to not let them roam around the house. A potential buyer could be allergic to pet dander or just don’t like pets at all. Also, your pets could bolt for the door and escape while there’s an ongoing tour. The last thing you’d want is for the buyers to get distracted and not be able to focus on your home and its condition. 

So take your pets with you when you schedule a showing. Since first impressions are critical, remove any signs of them and clean their areas. If you can’t take them with you, make sure to keep them in a comfortable spot in the home and give your agent the heads-up on what to expect.

It's no secret that the spring and summer are the peak seasons for buying and selling real estate. If you’re relatively new to the housing market, you might be tempted just to get cozy this fall and wait for the market to peak again in spring. But why not break the mold and find your dream home this season? Here are five reasons why fall can be a great time for your house-hunting.

Bottom line

Ultimately, each season has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to buying or selling a home. The best time to buy can be different for everyone, regardless of the season. Not to mention that every housing market is different. If you're convinced that fall is the best time for you to purchase your forever home, work with a knowledgeable and trusted real estate agent who can give you insights into the local market conditions and help you navigate the home buying process with ease and confidence.

Summer is almost over in most parts of the country. Soon, the leaves will turn all sorts of lovely colors and a cool breeze will fill the air. For homeowners, fall is also the time to do some crucial lawn and yard maintenance. 

Cleaning up your yard in the fall can provide a plethora of benefits—from keeping unwanted pests away to giving your lawn and landscaping a lush head start come spring. Use this checklist as your guide to help you tackle a couple of tasks a day. And if you can get started early and do them regularly, it'll be for the better to avoid getting overwhelmed when the busy holiday season draws neare

• Rake fallen leaves regularly.

Raking leaves may seem endless, especially with fresh layers piling up on the ground every minute. But it's probably the only crucial task to do even just a little bit every day before winter. Dead leaves, acorns, and other debris that sit on your lawn for too long can smother the grass, prevent growth, or cause a build-up of mold or bacteria that can cause damage. If left over the winter, they can become a heavy, wet barrier that promotes rot and prevents your grass from breathing properly. Also, mice and other pests can find a safe haven under those leaves and weeds. Staying on top of raking will not only make the job much less stressful but will also prevent problems with your yard’s drainage.

• Clear out garden beds and put away plant accessories.

Fall cleanup is a great way to get your garden ready for winter, so don't forget to clean out your garden and flower beds. Remove all plant debris before the ground freezes or after the final harvest of the year to help prevent insects and diseases from returning even stronger the following spring. As you clear out all leaves and weeds, put away garden items such as labels, stakes, cages, and trellises, as well. Clean them to kill any infections and store them so they’ll be ready to reuse next year. 

• Remove weeds thoroughly.

Common lawn weeds are tough and will start proliferating as the temperatures cool off in the fall. And any that didn't die during the winter months will just come back stronger and more stubborn next spring. Make sure you thoroughly and regularly weed your garden and other landscaped areas so you will have fewer to deal with next spring.

• Add a fresh layer of mulch.

Once you're done cleaning your garden beds, applying a healthy layer of mulch on your plant beds and around trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals will help keep them healthy through the winter. It helps the plants stay warmer and give their root systems extra protection against the cold elements. Adding mulch to your plants also helps prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds. You can opt for organic mulch such as straw, grass clippings, mulched leaves, and even pine needles to save money and add essential nutrients back into the soil.

• Keep your trees and shrubs hydrated.

Winter conditions can be harsh and dry. Providing plenty of water for your trees and shrubs, whether newly planted or already established, will help them better withstand the harsh winter and avoid sustaining serious damage to their roots. If there is no snow on the ground or there hasn't been any decent rain, keep them well-hydrated so they can come back faster and stronger in the spring.

• Prune dead branches and limbs.

Another important aspect of fall yard cleanup is removing dead or damaged branches from plants and trees. Dead branches can be a liability in the winter as heavy snow can cause them to break and cause more damage than if the limb had been pruned. They can even fall on your property in the event of extreme weather or wind. While you don't want to remove the branches too late in the season, it’s recommended to wait until after the leaves have fallen off your trees completely. Inspect your trees for any damaged or compromised branches, trim any overgrowth, and cut cracked, loose, or diseased limbs close to the trunk. Fall is also the time to prune spring-blooming perennials like lilacs, as well as shrubs that are prone to ice damage. Just take care not to prune any live or healthy branches so as not to damage your plants.

• Continue mowing your lawn.

Summer might be ending, but it doesn't mean the same when it comes to mowing your lawn. Fall is the best time to mow your lawn to help it finish strong for the year and grow lush in the spring. Frequent mowing helps to thicken up the lawn, control weeds, and prevent it from matting, which makes it prone to fungus, such as snow mold.

• Empty porch pots and containers.

The winter months can cause certain containers to chip and crack. Terra cotta pots, in particular, are easily susceptible to the freeze and thaw cycle. After cleaning your pots, store them in a dry, protected area, such as a shed or garage. If you do not have the extra space indoors, empty the pots, store them upside-down against the side of your house, and cover them with a tarp to keep the moisture out.

• Clean and organize your gardening tools and gear.

Gardening season is almost over and you're preparing for a well-deserved break. But before cozying up indoors to enjoy a cup of your homemade pumpkin spice latte or warm hot chocolate, don’t forget to give your tools and equipment some TLC before you stow them away. Remove dirt from hand tools such as garden trowels, weeders, as well as shovels and spades. Empty and wash out spraying equipment. Sharpen the blades of pruners and mower blades, then coat them with a bit of vegetable oil to prevent rust. Making sure that all of your gardening tools are properly cleaned and stowed for the winter will prevent them from becoming dull, worn, or defective when you’re itching to get back to gardening in the spring.

• Drain hoses and irrigation systems.

Lastly, before the freezing weather sets in, drain water from hoses, sprinklers, and drip irrigation systems. Standing water inside hoses and pipes can freeze, causing them to split or crack as they are incapable of handling the pressure of water freezing and expanding. This can cause water to seep down near your home's foundation or cause other structural problems that are challenging and costly to fix.

The simple answer: YES.

Severe weather events increase in frequency and intensity each year, causing more unexpected power outages. This is why a generator is becoming a desirable home feature for both buyers and sellers. Homeowners are recognizing the importance of having a reliable backup power source, not just for their convenience, but also for their safety and peace of mind.

How generators can boost the value of your property

• Higher home appraisal

A generator can increase the value of your home anywhere up to 5 percent. And even if your home's appraised value doesn’t go up, it’s an upgrade that you can invest in for your usage and convenience.

• Increased buyer appeal

And when it comes time for you to sell, generators are modern features that many buyers nowadays have added to their ‘must-haves’ list when shopping for their new home. Homes equipped with generators become highly sought after, providing a significant edge in the market, especially in areas commonly hit by natural disasters or remote areas with overhead power lines instead of underground lines. 

The real worth also becomes apparent when you find a buyer who needs or wants one of these features. Buyers who have experienced prolonged power outages are much more likely to prioritize homes with a generator, viewing it as a necessity rather than a luxury. Many buyers also prefer not to incur the expense or hassle of installing a generator themselves. This is why generator-equipped homes are significantly more appealing, even if it doesn't directly translate to a higher appraised value.

The practical benefits of a home generator

There are several types of generators so the average cost varies depending on the type and brand. Rest assured that there's a good solution depending on your price range and needs. From portable generators to standby generators, all typically fall in the range of a few hundred dollars to a few thousand.

Aside from keeping the lights on during emergencies and outages, the many practical benefits of having a generator cannot be overlooked. Here are some of them:

• Powers up essential appliances and systems - You can ensure that your home’s security systems remain operational for your family’s safety. If your home also relies on electricity to power your water source, a generator ensures a steady flow. It can also power your HVAC, fridge, and freezer to keep food supplies fresh, and any medical machines and devices.

• Prevents damage to your property - Outages during extreme heat or cold could be dangerous. Especially in extreme cold, maintaining a steady temperature is crucial to keeping your pipes from bursting and damaging your property.

• Keeps you comfortable - If you’re working from home or have babies/toddlers, having a generator allows you to be comfortable and continue your daily activities without disruption.

Bottom line

If you're looking for a way to increase your home’s value and marketability, a generator is certainly a coveted upgrade. Similar to a pool, you might not be able to recoup the full cost of its installation when it comes time to sell. However, the convenience and peace of mind it brings to you and your property are crucial, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

After the complexities of the home-buying journey, moving to your new home is no easy feat. But moving across state lines? It adds a new level of intricacy that can overwhelm you if you don't plan for everything in advance. 

You might have already gone through the usual moving tasks, from creating a packing strategy for your things to canceling your utilities. In this blog, we go over some moving essentials that you might have missed. Feel free to add them to your moving-out-of-state checklist to help make your move go as smoothly as possible.

Carrying your belongings across state lines will be more difficult without the help of professional movers. Interstate movers are regulated by the federal government and specifically monitored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). So when choosing a moving company, make sure that it's reliable, trustworthy, and adheres to FMCSA regulations. Check out the moving company’s USDOT number, Better Business Bureau rating, any official complaints filed with the FMCSA, as well as company reviews and ratings and whether it has any association with the American Moving & Storage Association. A reputable moving company can help you navigate your move efficiently, especially when determining what items are safe to transport outside the state borders.

Your trusted real estate agent can also be a good source of information, as they can recommend the moving companies their past clients have successfully used. They can also help you decide on what kind of service you need based on the distance of the move and your own personal factors.

You've already researched about long-distance movers that will handle your belongings, but have you given a thought about how you’re getting to your new home in a new state as early as possible? Are you driving your car? Are you taking the train? Or do you need to fly to your destination?

Moving long distances almost always involves making travel arrangements, such as booking a plane ticket or a car rental, making hotel reservations, and other plans, as needed. Remember that ticket prices change the closer you are to your target departure date, so it’s better to make reservations ahead of time to save money. And if you’re driving, don’t forget to factor in the cost of food and accommodations, especially if you’re traveling with family. Moreso, you likely won’t receive your belongings for at least a week, so packing an essentials bag or suitcase is a must.

If you're not planning on driving your vehicle to your new home across the country, you’ll have to arrange a car shipping service. Research auto transport options that best fit your budget and schedule. Likewise, be aware that transporting a car can take between one to two weeks, which means you won’t have any means of getting around your city except taking public transportation or relying on car-hailing services.

Before moving to a new state/province with your pet, keep in mind the local leash laws, pet ordinances, and pet licensing requirements. You may visit the website of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the State Veterinarian's office in your destination state if you have any questions and to get more details on how to coordinate the move for your pet. For local ordinances, you can also contact the City Clerk’s office, local organizations, or animal control facility in the area where you’ll be moving.

While requirements and deadlines vary depending on the state, many states or provinces require owners to register their pets within a month of acquiring the pet or moving to ensure that animals receive their necessary rabies shots for public safety purposes. And if what you have are unusual or exotic pets, such as a snake or a monkey, it’s all the more reason to check out the local laws first as not all states accept them.

Updating your license and registration to your new address is another requirement as soon as you move. Every state is different regarding when one should change their license and registration information, so be sure to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in advance. The time window is usually between 10 and 30 days, and you won't want to miss the deadline.

For your driver’s license, while requirements vary from state to state, you’ll most likely need a driver’s license, proof of residency, proof of your social security number, and an additional form of identification. 

Moreover, update your voter registration as soon as you’re able to so you can vote and participate in any and all upcoming elections. There are usually multiple ways to register to vote, including in-person voter registration, mail-in registration, and online registration.

Renovations can be expensive, even for a small utilitarian space such as a bathroom. But it's one of the most personal and private areas of our home, so, at some point in our lives, we’ve probably planned on turning it into a lavish space where we can have a relaxing self-care routine. If you’re someone who can’t commit to a full bathroom makeover for whatever reason—budget, time, or physical restrictions—this might seem like bad news.

Except that it isn't, because here are seven ways you can make minor, but still noticeable, changes to your bath without the expense of remodeling. From simple swaps of everyday useful items to weekend projects that do not have to cost an arm and a leg, you can find something that suits your need for your much-needed bathroom facelift.

1. Get fancy with lighting.

Upgrading your lighting fixtures is a simple yet effective way to elevate your bathroom, especially if you want to be able to adjust the lighting to suit your mood or task at hand. If you've got exposed bulbs, try swapping them out for more decorative ones. For those who have a bar light over the mirror, replace them with LEDs that are bright but not glaring—perfect for when you’re getting ready in the morning or applying makeup. Swapping out your vanity lighting is also possible to improve functionality. Likewise, bringing in some metallics, such as beautiful wall sconces or a charming chandelier, can add a sense of luxury.

For a cozier bathroom, try adding dimmer lighting. A table lamp or pendant lights that emit a softer glow is a nice feature to have, especially if you’re taking a shower or winding down at night. You can also consider installing dimmer switches to improve the ambiance of the space.

2. Try new textiles.

Refresh any bath in a matter of minutes by updating cozy essentials and soft surfaces, including rugs, mats, hand towels, and shower curtains. It's probably the easiest and most budget-friendly project, but it can be as transformative as a coat of paint. Moreover, these things are being used regularly so not only do they eventually wear out but they can harbor bad odors, too. Swapping them out to new ones will not only give life to the space but also help make it smell nice.

Pick new hand towels with patterns for a pop of color, or go with seasonal-themed ones for a completely different feel. Mix and match the color of your bath mats instead of opting for boring ones. Or better yet, look for vintage-style rugs that are washable and low maintenance.

3. Hang a new mirror.

Whether small or large, mirrors are fundamental fixtures in a bathroom as they can make the space seem larger. Also, they increase the amount of light by adding a more reflective surface. So if you want to add some glam in your bathroom even on a budget, replacing your dated mirror is a good place to start.

Filigree-shaped mirrors can add a little bit of sparkle to your bathroom and can create a unique focal point. If you love large mirrors, you can hang one on the spot above the sink to cover most of the wall. But if the last thing you'd want is an oversized one, you can opt to hang two matching mirrors to break up the space and have a spot in between for art or a sconce. 

4. Revamp your vanity.

Replacing your vanity can instantly change the look of your bathroom while still saving some big bucks. But when your existing vanity already has a sturdy build and provides ample storage, repainting is a more budget-friendly solution while still achieving that bath refresh you need. Renew the look of your vanity with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Try to choose a bold color to create a playful focal point, especially in an otherwise neutral bathroom.

5. Swap out the shower head.

Changing that old, crusty shower head that's been in your bathroom forever can make a huge difference. It’s also a budget-friendly update that won’t take much of your time but will give your shower a luxury spa feel. Think about installing a dual model that features a rain head and a detachable handheld sprayer, which makes rinsing hair and cleaning the tub much easier. Many affordable models are readily available at home centers and thread easily onto existing plumbing. Modern shower heads also provide more control options for a more personalized bathing experience. 

6. Update your hardware and minor fixtures.

To fully revamp your space, consider updating your hardware and fixtures as well. Installing new faucets, shower rods, towel bars, cabinet knobs, and drawer pulls, among others, is relatively easy. Just remember to not get overboard as it could get a little pricier depending on your choice of design. 

While the ideal design is to match the hardware with major fixtures, you can introduce a second finish on knobs and accessories (such as using chrome and brass) that will add variety without overdoing it. Also, don't forget that the minor fixtures should not only be stylish but also durable and complement your bathroom's overall design theme.

7. Be creative with framed artwork.

Adding artwork and/or wall decor to utilitarian places like bathrooms may be the last thing on your mind. But if you think about it, it's a creative way to add personality and change the mood of the room. Of course, you’d want to avoid putting any valuable art because the moisture can cause damage over time.

Shift into thrift mode and frame items such as prints and photographs, printed fabric, and tapestries. Nature or plant-themed prints are also a popular choice. And if you’re crafty, you can even design an abstract piece on your own. You can often find inexpensive but unique vintage wall decors at thrift stores and flea markets to create a unique gallery wall that can be admired from the tub and soothe your nerves while relaxing into the night.