Checking Account Archives - Page 2 of 6 - Homes For Sale In Local AFL

February 18, 2021

Best Cities for Women in Tech â 2021 Edition

Best Cities for Women in Tech – 2021 Edition – SmartAsset

Tap on the profile icon to edit
your financial details.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that computer and information technology jobs are expected to have grown by 11% from 2019 to 2029, adding 531,200 new jobs in cloud computing, big data storage and collection and information security. The median annual wage for those jobs in May 2019 was $88,240, which is $48,430 higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.

But while tech jobs continue to outpace other occupations nationwide, women still face gender discrimination in the workplace. The BLS says that full-time women workers in all occupations earned $202 less per week than their male counterparts in the third quarter of 2020. This not only makes it harder for women to advance in their careers, but it also adversely affects their ability to save for retirement and cover many day-to-day expenses like food or housing. The employment landscape, however, continues to change. With that in mind, SmartAsset analyzed data to identify the best cities for women tech workers.

We compared 63 U.S. cities for which full data was available and ranked them according to the following metrics: gender pay gap in the tech industry, income after housing, women as a percentage of tech workers and three-year growth in tech employment. For details on our data sources and how we put all the information together to create our final rankings, check out the Data and Methodology section below.

This is SmartAsset’s seventh annual study on the best cities for women in tech. Check out the 2020 version here.

Key Findings

Tech opportunities are moving outside of California. Silicon Valley is widely considered the premiere tech hub of America. However, our 2021 study shows that only two California cities rank in the top 15, and neither of those are located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Women can seize tech opportunities in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Colorado, Texas, Ohio, New Mexico, Florida, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia and Washington D.C.
Women in tech still face a relatively large pay gap. While tech is often considered a progressive industry, our study shows that women on average make 84 cents for every dollar that is earned by their male counterparts. The city with the worst pay gap is Salt Lake City, Utah where women make only 68% of what men get. By contrast, Long Beach, California is the only city in the study where women earn slightly more than men – making $1.01 for every dollar that their male tech peers get.

1. Arlington, VA

Arlington, Virginia is an “inside-the-beltway” suburb of Washington, D.C., and women make up 33.5% of their tech workforce, the sixth-largest on our list. Women tech workers in Arlington also have the eighth-largest income after housing, earning $64,620. Women in this city face the 12th-lowest pay gap in tech, earning 91 cents for every dollar that men make.

2. Washington, DC

Located just across the Potomac River from Arlington, the nation’s capital has a tech industry that is made up of 38.9% women workers, the second-largest percentage for this metric in our study. Women in Washington D.C. get 90 cents for every dollar that their male co-workers make, the 16th-lowest pay gap overall. Furthermore, they have the 12th-highest income, earning $61,083 after housing.

3. Baltimore, MD

Women in tech in Baltimore, Maryland face the second-smallest pay gap in the study, earning almost on par with their male counterparts – at 99 cents for every dollar that men make. The tech workforce in Baltimore is made up of 29.9% women, the 10th-largest overall, and they have the ninth-highest income – $63,203 after housing is deducted. Note, however, that the tech industry has grown only 15% in the three-year period from 2016 to 2019, placing Baltimore in the bottom half of the study for this metric.

4. Durham, NC

Durham, North Carolina is the home of Duke University and part of the famed Research Triangle. Tech women in Durham earn 91 cents for every dollar that their male co-workers make, the 11th-smallest pay gap in our study. The Durham tech industry has grown 30% in the three-year period from 2016 to 2019, the 12th-biggest increase overall for this metric. Women make up 28.6% of the city’s tech workforce, the 14th-largest in the study.

5. Chesapeake, VA

Chesapeake is located in southern Virginia. Women make up 37.4% of its tech workforce – the fourth-largest in our study. Women in this city make 91 cents for every dollar that their male tech peers get and have an income of $54,371 after housing. The Chesapeake tech industry has seen a 23% growth in the recent three-year period from 2016 to 2019.

6. Aurora, CO

Tech women in Aurora, Colorado get 97 cents for every dollar that men make, the third-smallest pay gap in our study. The tech industry in Aurora has grown 25% in three years, the 21st-biggest increase on our list. And women tech workers in this city earn $57,853 after housing, the 19th-biggest income across all 63 cities in the study.

7. Houston, TX

Women tech workers in Houston, Texas make 94 cents for every dollar that their male co-workers earn, the sixth-smallest pay gap in our study. The city’s tech workforce is made up of 27.2% women and has seen a 17% employment growth from 2016 to 2019. Women tech workers in Houston have an income of $61,016 after housing, the 13th-highest overall.

8. Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, Ohio has the fourth-smallest gender pay gap in tech – our study shows that women earn 95 cents for every dollar that men get. Women in the Queen City make up 30.7% of the tech workforce, the seventh-largest for this metric overall. Their income after housing – at $48,886 – ranks in the bottom half of the study. But the industry itself has seen a 21% growth in employment the three-year period from 2016 to 2019.

9. Albuquerque, NM

Tech women in Albuquerque, New Mexico make about 95 cents for every dollar that their male co-workers earn, the fifth-smallest gender pay gap in our study. While women make up 30.6% of the city’s tech workforce, the eighth-largest in the study, Albuquerque’s tech industry has experienced relatively slow growth. It has seen only 13% growth from 2016 to 2019.

10. Jacksonville, FL

Women in Jacksonville, Florida make up 29.4% of the tech workforce, the 11th-largest in our study. For every dollar that men make, these Florida tech women earn 93 cents – the ninth-smallest gender pay gap overall. Jacksonville, however, finishes in the bottom half of this study with a slower tech industry growth of 17% from 2016 to 2019.

11. Long Beach, CA

Long Beach, California is the only city in the entire study where women in tech make more money than men. They reversed the gender pay gap by earning $1.01 for every dollar that men earn. The tech industry in this California city has seen steady three-year growth, ranking 14th out of 63 with a 27% increase from 2016 to 2019. Long Beach women make up 25.4% of the city’s tech workforce and have an income of $55,640 after housing.

12. Sacramento, CA

Sacramento, California may not stand out as an obvious destination for tech workers, but women make up 37.8% of its tech workforce, the third-largest in our study. That said, pay equity isn’t as high, as women in the industry earn only 88 cents for every dollar that men make. The Sacramento tech workforce has grown 32% in the three years from 2016 to 2019, the ninth-highest increase across all 63 cities in the study. Women tech workers in the city have an income of $46,289 after housing.

13. Philadelphia, PA

Women in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania make up 28.5% of the city’s tech workforce, the 15th-largest rate for this metric in the study. Their income is $52,530 after housing, and they have the 13th-smallest pay gap overall, earning 91 cents for every dollar that their male peers make. The city’s tech workforce has seen a 23% increase in the three-year period from 2016 to 2019, ranking towards the middle of the study for this metric.

14. Chandler, AZ

While women in Chandler, Arizona make up 28.1% of the city’s tech workforce – the 18th-largest in the study – they rank towards the middle of the study for gender pay gap, earning 85 cents for every dollar that men make. Chandler’s tech industry has seen a 23% growth from 2016 to 2019. Women in the city have an income of $60,269 after housing.

15. Atlanta, GA

Atlanta, Georgia rounds out the final place in our top 15. Tech employment has grown 33% over the three-year period from 2016 to 2019, the eighth-fastest in our study. Women in Atlanta tech earn 88 cents for every dollar that men make, placing it in about the top third of the study for that metric. Women in Atlanta make up 27.1% of the tech workforce and have an income of $52,594 after housing.

Data and Methodology

To find the best cities for women in tech, SmartAsset looked at data for cities that had at least 200,000 residents in 2019 according to Census Bureau data. We removed cities from our data set that did not have statistically reliable data (i.e. the margin of error for average earnings for women who work in tech or the number of women working in tech was greater than 20%). Those two constraints left us with 63 cities, which we compared across the following four metrics:

Gender pay gap in the tech industry. This is the average earnings for women who work in tech as a percentage of average earnings for men who work in tech. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 2019 5-year American Community Survey.
Earnings after housing. These are the median earnings for women who work in tech after subtracting the median housing costs. Data on earnings comes from the Census Bureau’s 2019 5-year American Community Survey. Data on housing costs comes from the Census Bureau’s 2019 1-year American Community Survey.
Women as a percentage of the tech workforce. This is the percentage of all tech jobs held by women. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 2019 5-year American Community Survey.
Three-year tech employment growth. This is the percentage change in tech jobs from 2016 through 2019. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 2016 and 2019 5-year American Community Surveys.

First, we ranked each city in each metric. We then found the average ranking, giving a double weight to the first three metrics and a single weight to the metric measuring job growth. We ranked the cities based on this average, giving the top city an index score of 100 and the bottom city an index score of 0.

Smart Money Moves for Tech Workers

Invest in expert advice. No matter your gender, consider finding a financial advisor to help manage your money. Finding the right financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with financial advisors in your area in five minutes. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that will help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Relocating for work? Build on a strong foundation. If you’re thinking of moving to one of these cities for a job, make sure you know how much house you can afford before you get started on your home search. This will help you tailor your hunt so you find the perfect home for you.
Make your workplace benefits work for you. Once you start, make sure to take advantage of your company’s 401(k) program, if offered. This is the easiest way to save for retirement.

Questions about our study? Contact press@smartasset.com.

Photo credit: iStock.com/alvarez

Ben Geier, CEPF® Ben Geier is an experienced financial writer currently serving as a retirement and investing expert at SmartAsset. His work has appeared on Fortune, Mic.com and CNNMoney. Ben is a graduate of Northwestern University and a part-time student at the City University of New York Graduate Center. He is a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing and a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®). When he isn’t helping people understand their finances, Ben likes watching hockey, listening to music and experimenting in the kitchen. Originally from Alexandria, VA, he now lives in Brooklyn with his wife.

Exclusive: Matt Paxton Has Something To Say to the ‘Hoarder’ Hiding in Us All

“Hoarders” host Matt Paxton may be best known for helping pack rats purge their possessions. But in his new show, “Legacy List with Matt Paxton,” he focuses on a far more common problem: What to do with all the stuff your parents and grandparents hang on to that might eventually end up with you.

“Legacy List with Matt Paxton,” which airs on PBS stations (check local listings for times/dates), follows Paxton and his team as they visit homeowners faced with downsizing attics and basements full of family belongings. Paxton helps his clients not only whittle this mountain down to a handful of valued mementos—aka their “legacy list”—he also helps them pinpoint surprising items worth thousands of dollars, from old baseball cards to antiques.

Yet Paxton is the first to admit that even he has struggled to unload family possessions. We at realtor.com® chatted with him to hear his best advice for handling the toughest clutter of all.

"Legacy List" team members Avi Hopkins, Mike Kelleher, Jaime Ebanks, and host Matt Paxton — “Legacy List” team members Avi Hopkins, Mike Kelleher, Jaime Ebanks, and host Matt Paxton

Jay Paul, Jay Paul Photography

You had a lot of responsibility when it came to your own family estate. How was that experience?

I don’t remember a lot. I was 25, I was a kid. My dad, stepdad, and both my grandfathers all died within about two years, so I was just going through all these houses. And when you’re grieving, it’s not really the best time to go through it. If you’re moving and that’s why you’re decluttering, usually that’s positive, so you can make the decisions easier.

What advice do you have for people who are purging stuff from family members who’ve passed away?

I always say, “Focus on the things you absolutely know you don’t want.” That’s an easy way to get started.

Paxton helps clients find their legacy list items in their home in Washington, DC.

Anna Conger

You recently packed up and moved. Did you have to purge beforehand?

My three sons and I had been in a house for about 15 years. And it’s funny, I do this on TV, been doing it with both “Hoarders” and “Legacy List” and for 20 years privately as well, but until you do it yourself, you forget how hard it is. I’ve helped thousands of families, but when you go through boxes of your parents’ stuff and your loved ones’ stuff, that’s when it gets hard.

Because stuff is memories—we keep it because they’re memories of people we care about. It’s not really the financial value; it’s the emotional value.

Did you find any surprising items during your move?

I did find a stick in a box that said “fragile” in my handwriting, so clearly I packed it. I don’t know what it was for. I don’t know why I saved it. But it obviously meant a lot to me at the time. Sometimes, if you don’t write down the stories, you don’t know why they meant so much to you. So, that I actually just threw away.

Paxton talks with clients about their most cherished items at their Rockland manor in Leesburg, VA.

Anna Conger

What tips do you have for people who want to get their home organized during the pandemic?

Try to do it now. Give yourself a box a week. You don’t have to do it all in one sitting. Bring one box down and do it while you’re watching TV. But give it the time that it deserves. If you try to cram it in a long weekend, you can’t get it done.

Many people have family heirlooms in their home that they don’t want, but feel guilty throwing out. What advice do you have for these people?

This is the hard part, when it matters emotionally to you but not enough to keep it. That’s when I tell people to call your family members and tell them about the item. If they don’t want it, it’s OK to donate, even if it’s something from someone you love.

I compare it to leftover pasta. You could say, “Do you want the pasta for dinner? Because if not, I’m throwing it away tomorrow.” Like, you don’t want it. Why are you pushing it on somebody else?

I really love those Facebook Buy Nothing groups. That’s a great way to empty your house quickly, and it doesn’t cost you anything. You know that those items will go to somebody in your community who can use them.

Paxton listens to clients' favorite family stories while looking through the items in their home. — Paxton listens to clients’ favorite family stories while looking through the items in their home.

Anna Conger

A lot of times people start going through boxes because it’s time for a parent or grandparent to move into a retirement home. What advice do you have for them?

Start small. I can’t ask my grandmother to work for 10 hours straight. Work for two hours every other Saturday. If I learned one thing from being on “Hoarders,” the worst way to clean out a house is five days straight, 10 hours a day. We do it that way on TV, and it’s the worst way we could possibly do it, but it’s the only way to knock out a job that big. At home, pace yourself.

I really challenge everybody that if you think you’re going to move in the next 10 years, now’s the time to start doing it. Give it an hour or two a week.

Your philosophy is to focus on keeping just five legacy list family mementos. Why five?

You have to have a limit. If you have more than five, it becomes 10, and then it becomes 30, and then you’re on “Hoarders.” It’s kind of like ice cream. If you eat it every night, it’s not really a treat. It’s just something you eat every day. The whole point of a legacy list item is that it’s special.

Do you mind sharing something from your own legacy list?

I have one of my dad’s old rings that he gave to me the night he died. I have my mom’s piano. I have a piece of art from my dad. I have a letter from my 9-year-old son.

When you come down to it, there isn’t a whole lot of stuff you really need. I think the older you get, the less you really need.

Paxton sifts through the David Hayes historic barn in Coventry, CT.

JR Delia

You’ve also seen people throw out things that are actually really valuable. Why does this happen?

People don’t go through the boxes. They’re, like, “Oh, this is china, this isn’t worth anything.” Put 10 minutes of research into everything. Google the value.

Now, don’t keep it just because you think it’s worth something. But it wouldn’t hurt to check, especially with things like baseball cards, coins, and stamps. The collections we’re finding now are often our grandparents’ collections, and those things can be a hundred years old.

What makes something financially valuable is scarcity. Beanie Babies? Not valuable, because there’s millions of them.

But the things coming out of your grandparents’ house, they may actually be financially valuable, even if you don’t want them. A lot of the midcentury modern furniture coming out of the ’50s is extremely valuable. I found a Picasso this year on “Legacy List” sitting in an attic.

What other advice do you have for sifting through family heirlooms?

With pictures, wear cotton or rubber gloves. You can ruin pictures and documents by not wearing gloves.

What has been one of your favorite finds from ‘Legacy List’ so far?

In the pilot episode while going through a client’s home, I actually found one of my dad’s paintings. My dad was an artist. We were filming the pilot, and there it was and I started crying. That was insanely special to me.

Of course, I had to buy it at auction because it was owned by a client, so I was just hoping no one would outbid me. I actually have that in my office now.

How do you let go of the items yet hold on to the memories?

Marie Kondo will tell everybody “What sparks joy?” Well, that doesn’t work for clients on “Hoarding” because everything sparks joy for them.

I just say, “Hey, tell those stories,” and document it. Either put it on camera, video, or audio. Somehow get those stories recorded and start sharing with your family. You spend 30, 40 years creating these memories, you’ve got to share the stories. Just get started an hour a week, and create your legacy list to share with your family. I think you’ll be amazed. You’ll hear the reaction of your family members; they’ll love the stories. And when you start to share those stories, you start to realize it’s not the items—it’s the people. You’ll find you’re able to let go of more items that way.

We need positivity right now in the world. This is a great way to just be happy.

Source: realtor.com

February 13, 2021

Former Schoolhouse Turned Winning Wedding Venue Needs a Buyer To Say ‘I Do’>

For just a few years in the late 1920s, the children of Malabar, FL, attended class in their schoolhouse on Marie Street.

Then the Great Depression forced the school to close. Over the decades, the former schoolhouse has served as apartments, a woodworking shop, a mill, and most recently, a wedding venue.

Now the 8,000-square-foot building, zoned both residential and commercial, is on the market for $1.1 million.

“We fell in love with the building, and we thought we could live here,” says the listing agent and current owner, Joanne Murdoch. She and her husband, Tom, bought the property in 2012 and had big plans to renovate it and make it their home.

However, the demand for quirky event venues intervened.

“Everybody was coming out with these barn venues, and we thought this building would make a great wedding venue. So that’s the direction we went into for a number of years,” Murdoch says.

Interior of former schoolhouse in Malabar, FL

(realtor.com)

It took a few years to renovate the property to make it ready for happy couples. The schoolhouse on the Sunshine State’s Atlantic Coast was in sore need of updated infrastructure.

___

Watch: Idaho Home Perched on a Lake Is a Storybook Fantasy Come to Life

___

“It was industrial-looking when we got it,” Murdoch explains. “We had to redo all the electrical, the plumbing, the heating, the septic, all the safety stuff throughout, the landscaping, the lighting. It was a complete restoration.”

Rechristened as the Banyan Estate, thanks to the banyan tree on the grounds, the venue has held weddings and other events for the past few years.

The main level has a large pavilion room and a smaller hall—each with new windows and vintage chandeliers. There are also several bathrooms throughout the venue space.

Upstairs, the loft area provides a more intimate setting for smaller gatherings. This was the space where the Murdochs initially planned to live.

It has a full bathroom and plenty of room to configure and carve out bedrooms and other living spaces.

Somebody coming in to use the building as a residence will have to tweak it a bit, Murdoch says. But with the home’s major systems in place, the work that’s left will require an eye for design.

Right now, the only kitchen in the space is designed for commercial prep, so anyone wanting to live in the building full-time will want to add a cooking space.

“We always saw the upstairs part being the loft, and the other two spaces could be any kind of business you wanted,” Murdoch says.

Before deciding to turn the property into a wedding venue, she and her husband imagined a business making cheese in part of the space and setting up a dance studio in the rest.

The building sits on almost 2.5 acres and abuts 350 acres of environmentally preserved land that will never be developed.

Finding a property with this kind of zoning, great location, and fascinating backstory is a big win.

Murdoch says she imagines the perfect buyer as “somebody who loves historic buildings, who can appreciate a beautiful and large piece of property.”

The property is co-listed with JJ Tippins at Pastermack Real Estate.

Source: realtor.com

February 9, 2021

U.S. Luxury Market Has Strong End of 2020, Especially in Suburban and Second-Home Areas>

The largest and most heavily populated cities across the U.S. continued their fall from grace at the tail end of 2020 as well-heeled home buyers directed their attention from metropolises to suburban living, according to Monday’s luxury market report from realtor.com.

The online property portal tracks the top 5% most expensive residential listings in 95 counties for its luxury index, and it was suburbs and secondary luxury markets that had the most prosperous fourth quarter in 2020.

Those increases are being underpinned by the seemingly insatiable appetite for more square footage, more privacy and more green space—amenities that are scarce in city centers.

Indicators point to a generally healthy high-end real estate market in the U.S., though some markets are outpacing others.

Of the 95 tracked locales, 83 saw price growth in the fourth quarter and luxury homes were selling in an average of 120 days, 15 days faster than the same time in 2019, according to the report.

“After slowing last spring, luxury home sales and prices outside urban city centers mostly rebounded last quarter, although not quite to their pre-pandemic levels,” Danielle Hale, realtor.com’s chief economist, said in the report.

“Suburbs and secondary markets in Colorado and California saw especially strong growth, which follows the widespread trend of buyers choosing the suburbs over urban life during the pandemic, while big city markets like the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Boston and Hawaii saw the largest luxury home price declines,” she added.

As the markets strengthen, buyers are now having to part with more money to be considered luxury homeowners. The entry point to qualify as a luxury listing or make the top 5% of homes on the market, reached $3.4 million in the fourth quarter, up 14% from 2019.

Jefferson County, a suburb of Denver, ranked as the fastest-growing luxury housing market of the fourth quarter with the entry point for luxury reached $2.97 million, up 81% year over year.

Nearby Arapahoe County, another Denver suburb, followed. The benchmark for a luxury listing hit $2.51 million in the fourth quarter, up 48.6% from the same time the year before.

California’s Riverside County rounded out the top three, where an annual price increase of 45.8% left the luxury entry point at $2.27 million.

Mansion Global is owned by Dow Jones. Both Dow Jones and realtor.com are owned by News Corp.

Source: realtor.com

February 9, 2021

Best Cities for Budget-Friendly Dating â 2021 Edition

Best Cities for Budget-Friendly Dating 2021 – SmartAsset

Tap on the profile icon to edit
your financial details.

Dating in the time of COVID-19 isn’t easy. The pandemic has impacted Americans and the economy unevenly. And cities have shutdown and reopened at different rates. So depending on where you live, it can be complicated for a couple to find a good restaurant, see a movie, visit a museum or enjoy any other romantic activity together. One small upside is that dates during COVID-19 may be cheaper than usual. Many COVID-friendly dates such as picnics and takeout are less expensive than typical activities, so wooers won’t have to dig as deep into their savings accounts to make Cupid strike.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, SmartAsset investigated the best U.S. cities for budget-friendly dating in 2021. We compared 96 cities across three categories and nine metrics. The categories include date affordability (cost of two cappuccinos, cost of takeout and a bottle of wine, average monthly internet cost), date access (coffee and snack shop density, restaurant density, percentage of households with internet access, percentage of city made up of parkland) and economic favorability (housing costs and unemployment rate). For more details on how we created this study, read the Data and Methodology section below.

Key Findings

$40 night in. The average cost of takeout and a bottle of wine across the cities we studied was $40.44. Without the restaurant mark-up on that vino and all the streaming options available right in your living room, a dinner-and-a-movie date at home is easier on your wallet than a night on the town.
Romance is more affordable in the South and Midwest. Six of the top 10 cities in this study are located in the South, and three are in the Midwest. The Midwestern city Madison, Wisconsin ranks as the best city for budget-friendly dating in the country, while Texas is the southern state with the most cities in the top 10 – Plano, Irving and Austin. Ninth-ranked Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the only top 10 budget-friendly dating city outside the South and Midwest.

1. Madison, WI

Madison, Wisconsin is a college town with the most budget-friendly dating opportunities in the country. With relatively inexpensive internet, it is easy and affordable to connect with a date on a video call and stream a movie or binge a TV show together. Residents here average $56.99 in monthly internet costs, ranking ninth-best for this metric. If instead you prefer a casual date outside, two cappuccinos will cost you $7.78 on average, the 19th-cheapest amount on our list. Madison also had the third-lowest unemployment rate in November 2020, at 3.5%, so your date is likelier to have a stable budget for dating.

2. Arlington, VA

Arlington, Virginia ranks at the top of our study for economic favorability, which means that your date in this D.C. a suburb is likely employed and has a decent disposable income. In November 2020, the unemployment rate was 3.8%, the fourth-lowest in our study, and on average, residents pay only 26.14% of their income on housing costs, the second-lowest for this metric. Those looking to share a special meal with a significant other also have a vast variety of options: Arlington ranks 15th for the greatest density of restaurants, with almost 230 for every 100,000 residents in the city.

3. St. Petersburg, FL

Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, St. Petersburg claims third place in our study for the most budget-friendly dating city. The average cost of two cappuccinos is $6.64, the third-most affordable place on our list to go on a coffee date. A takeout date night here with a bottle of wine would cost $37 on average, and if you prefer to go on a romantic outdoor picnic, 15.63% of the city is reserved for parkland. Relative to other cities in our study, that is the 23rd-lowest average cost of takeout for two and a bottle of wine and 18th-highest percentage of the city that is parkland.

4. Plano, TX

Census data shows that more than 95% of households in Plano, Texas have interest access, the third-highest rate in our study. This may make it easier to speak with a date on a video call or enjoy a movie night together at home. Takeout for two with a bottle of wine costs $31.50 – sixth-lowest in our study – and a coffee date with two cappuccinos costs $7.48 – 14th-lowest overall.

5. Raleigh, NC

The average resident in Raleigh, North Carolina spends only 29.29% of income on housing, the 11th-lowest percentage in our study. The leaves plenty of disposal income for dating. The average cost of two cappuccinos is $8.58, and a takeout date with a bottle of wine will cost you $41.50 — 37th and 18th in this study, respectively. Speaking to your date on a video call and binging a TV show together can also be affordable, with monthly internet costing $57.05 – 10th-lowest across all 96 cities.

6. Cincinnati, OH

The average cost of monthly internet in Cincinnati, Ohio is an affordable $55.57, sixth-lowest in our study. And the price of ordering takeout for two with a bottle of wine is just $36, while a coffee date with two cappuccinos will run you $8.30. But if you prefer to go out on a romantic picnic, Cincinnati has the 26th-highest percentage of city area that is parkland, at 14.17%.

7. Irving, TX

Irving, another suburb of Dallas, ranks in the top 20 for all three date affordability metrics we considered. A coffee date here will cost you an average of $7 for two cappuccinos, the 4th lowest cost we found. If you prefer to watch a movie at home, your monthly internet service will cost $56.89 on average, ranking 8th. And if you want to treat yourself to a takeout date with a bottle of wine, it will average $35.99 — 17th in this study.

8. Austin, TX

Austin is the third Texan city to rank in the top 10 cities for budget-friendly dating. Your date here might spend only about 30% of income on housing, which means that that person will likely have more money to spend on dates with you. Austin has more than 27 coffee and snack shops for every 100,000 people – a top-25 rate – and a coffee date will run you $7.90 for two cappuccinos, 23rd-lowest overall.

9. Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the only Northeastern city in our top 10. The odds of finding a solvent romantic partner in the Steel City are good: The average individual spends just 28.65% of income on housing. And dates that meet the parameters of the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic are affordable: The average cost of two cappuccinos is 13th-lowest in our study, at $7.46, and takeout for two with a bottle of wine is 29th-lowest, at $38.

10. St. Louis, MI

St. Louis, Missouri rounds out the top 10 in our study with the ninth-highest number of restaurants per 100,000 residents, at 246. Inviting your date for takeout with a bottle of wine will cost you roughly $33, ninth-cheapest in our study. And the average cost of monthly internet is $59.67 – the 16th-lowest across all 96 cities.

Data and Methodology

To find the best cities for budget-friendly dating in 2021, we compared 96 cities across the following categories and metrics:

Date Affordability

Average cost of two cappuccinos. Data comes from Numbeo and was pulled in January 2021.
Average cost of takeout for two and a bottle of wine. Data comes from Numbeo and was pulled in January 2021.
Average monthly internet cost. Data comes from Numbeo and was pulled in January 2021.

Date Access

Coffee and snack shops per 100,000 residents. Data comes from the 2018 County Business Patterns Survey and is at the county level.
Restaurants per 100,000 residents. Data comes from the 2018 County Business Patterns Survey and is at the county level.
Percentage of households with internet access. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 2019 1-year American Community Survey.
Percentage of the city that is parkland. Data is from the 2020 Acreage & Park System Highlights from the Trust for Public Land.

Economic Favorability

Housing costs as a percentage of income. This is median annual housing costs divided by median income for an individual. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 2019 1-year American Community Survey.
November 2020 unemployment rate. Data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

First, we ranked each city in each metric, assigning equal weight to each metric. Then we averaged the rankings across the three categories listed above. For each category, the city with the highest average ranking received a score of 100. The city with the lowest average ranking received a score of 0. We created our final ranking by calculating each city’s average score for all three categories.

Financial Tips for Couples

Whether you’re dating or married (or happily single), let us be your matchmaker for another important partnership. Making smarter financial decisions to be in better control of your money is easier with a financial advisor. Finding the right one, though, is a lot easier than in dating. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with financial advisors in your area in five minutes. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors, get started now.
Try mapping out your date expenses. If you need to keep your dating affordable, SmartAsset’s budget tool will help you break down your monthly spending so you can set money aside for entertainment, including dates.
Thinking about moving in with someone? If you want to move in with someone that you are dating, our rent or buy calculator can help you figure out the best financial option for living together.

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/Hiraman

What Is Japandi? Ellen DeGeneres and Kimye’s Favorite Decor Style, Explained

Ever wonder what gives the homes of Ellen DeGeneres, soon to be ex-couple Kimye, and other stars their chic, Zen-like charm? The answer is often “Japandi,” a mashup of Japanese and Scandinavian styles that’s calmly infiltrating homes today.

In fact, Pinterest searches for Japandi doubled year over year, according to the decor site’s 2021 predictions report, so much so that it dubbed Japandi “the new modern” of the year.

Simple, uncluttered, neutral, and natural, the “Japandi design concept showcases minimalism and a low-key color palette,” says designer Marty Basher.

Ana Cummings of the eponymous design firm says that DeGeneres’ Montecito, CA, mansion is a perfect example of Japandi style, with its focus on natural materials (glass walls, bamboo ceilings), earth tones, and clean furniture lines.

Or look to the marble-clad, nearly all-white Hidden Hills, CA, estate of Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West.

“Japandi was adopted by the couple throughout the home,” says Basher.

If you’re looking to make a clean break from 2020 (and frankly, who isn’t?), embracing this fresh look is just the ticket. Here’s more on the history of Japandi style, and how to incorporate it into your own home.

The history of ‘Japandi’ style

Photo by Ward 5 Design

Japandi home design traces it origin to long-standing cultural ties between Denmark and Japan.

“It’s a relationship that began more than 150 years ago, when Danish artists and designers began traveling to Japan in search of new inspiration,” says Basher.

These seemingly disparate nations already had similar design philosophies, so a marriage of the two was inevitable.

“The wabi-sabi movement in Japan, which highlights imperfections and the use of natural, handcrafted materials, has a lot of similarities to traditional Scandinavian hygge designs,” says Cummings.

From ceramics and textiles to quiet colors and natural fabrics, the Danish and Japanese cherish a time-worn appearance and the rich traditions of crafting.

“People in both countries appreciate minimalist interiors, and the look has certainly gained a much bigger following during this past home-bound year,” Cummings says.

Make furniture functional

Photo by Rowland+Broughton Architecture & Urban Design

Clutter is extremely forbidden in a Japandi home as it clashes with the decor’s principles that emphasize a function-driven space with statement pieces rather than an abundance of items, says Karen Gray-Plaisted of Design Solutions KGP.

To that end, a dining room like this one fits the bill with furniture that features clean lines and practicality.

“Accessories have lesser importance in this design style, but the ones that do show up lean toward natural elements like plants and wooden bowls that add warmth to the entire room,” she says.

Choose quiet shades

Photo by IDF Studio

Whites, off-whites, and all manner of beige are typical in a Japandi home, but this doesn’t mean a little brightness can’t also be introduced.

“Japandi colors also include softer tones such as light grays, pinks, blues, and greens,” says Basher.

And natural light is key to this home style, so throw back the curtains (or remove them completely) in order to flood your interiors with sunlight.

Lean on wood and stone

Photo by Design Build 4U Chicago

A spare—or even bare—aesthetic is another Japandi calling card. Extra stuff has no place in this baby nursery nor does it rule supreme on kitchen counters or your bedside table. Instead, choose just a single accessory or two and showcase it.

“Minimalism is an essential feature here, which applies to every piece of furniture and also means zero clutter,” says Basher.

Nix busy patterns

Photo by EightyTwo

You don’t need to go full-on stark with white walls and plain linens, but know that patterns should be sparse in a Japandi home.

“Stay away from textiles with a lot of lines, curves, and checks, as these are overpowering and defeat the purpose of this simplified style,” says Basher.

Shop related brands

Photo by BoConcept Pennsylvania

Estate sales and antiques shops can yield stunning one-of-a-kind pieces, but more cost-conscious homeowners can look to Ikea and even Target for Japandi pieces.

“These big-box brands are hopping onto this trend and fabricating items with this particular aesthetic in mind,” says Cummings.

Basher recommends Maruni, a Japanese brand that crafts mass-market options as well as BoConcept, a Danish company with stores in dozens of countries that’s known for modern furniture, accessories, and lighting with Scandinavian flair.

Source: realtor.com

February 5, 2021

New Rams QB Matthew Stafford’s Michigan Mansion Is the Week’s Most Popular Home>

The sale of Matthew Stafford‘s waterfront mansion in Michigan is back on—with a new sense of urgency. Following news of the star quarterback’s blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Rams, fans flocked to see the place Stafford is ready to part with. The stampede of clicks turned into a rout: The Bloomfield Hills residence was the most popular home for sale on realtor.com® this week by a wide margin.

Stafford’s mansion came back on the market a couple of weeks ago and is now explicitly marketed as the home of the former Lions‘ field general. The listing for the $6.5 million home states, “Detroit is sad to say goodbye to Kelly and Matthew Stafford, but Michigan’s most magnificent estate is awaiting the ultimate entertainer!”

When the mansion was initially listed in May 2020, the marketing was much more discreet. That said, it wasn’t difficult to discern it was the home of a big baller. Features like a basketball court, glass elevator, and what the listing says is the largest infinity pool in the state made it clear this was a place fit for a star athlete.

Along with the Stafford mansion, you also clicked on the homes of a slew of notable names. Plenty of clicks rolled in for the $110 million mansion of casino mogul Steve Wynn. The oceanfront Florida compound of PGA legend Greg Norman was also a big winner. And interest in the Puerto Rico hideaway of the late astrologer Walter Mercado soared into the stars.

We won’t ask for your star sign, but we will ask you to scroll down and peruse this week’s 10 most popular homes on the market.

Price: $875,000
Why it’s here: A jaw-dropping conversion, this airy charmer was once a bank barn built in 1798. Today, the four-bedroom, 6,200-square-foot residence is a winning blend of vintage charm and modern convenience. The 5-acre wooded lot in Chester County also includes an in-ground pool, spa, and patio for entertaining.

———

Price: $799,000
Why it’s here: Just two blocks from the French Quarter, this four-bedroom home is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. And it’s had quite a face-lift to keep up with the times.

According to the listing, the NOLA charmer has been rebuilt from the ground up. It’s now filled with modern upgrades like heated cement floors, handmade cabinets, built-ins, pine floors, and custom shutters. Outside, there’s gated parking, plus a brick patio with a grill.

———

Price: $2,246,100
Why it’s here: It’s not Tuscany; it’s Illinois! This classical Italianate structure highlighted by a five-story tower was originally designed as the coach house for the original estate on the property.

Today, the former coach house is elegant and fully restored and renovated. The five-bedroom marvel features magical spaces, including the tower’s fourth floor—known as the byzantine room—which showcases a mural painted by artist Nikolai Remisoff. For true romantics, the tower features a rooftop deck with views of Chicago city lights.

———

Price: $399,900
Why it’s here: This Colonial Revival dates to 1910 and is filled to the brim with vintage charm. Sitting on more than a half-acre, the five-bedroom brick house features 14-inch-thick walls, 11-foot ceilings, and wide staircases. It’s also stuffed with modern conveniences like a security system, a new kitchen, and four master suites.

———

Price: $949,000
Why it’s here: Known as Smithfield Lodge, this custom-built estate is rooted in a Scottish aesthetic, complete with a stone turret.

The five-bedroom home also boasts a large deck out back, which overlooks the in-ground pool. For those who work from home, the residence comes with a designated office space complete with a reception area and separate entrance.

———

Price: $110,000,000
Why it’s here: Gaming magnate Steve Wynn is hoping to land a whale who doesn’t mind this mansion’s nine-digit price tag. The gated property in the 90210 includes a 27,150-square-foot home with over-the-top amenities, including a spa suite, elevator, two security team bedrooms with kitchenette, an air-conditioned lanai, and pro-quality tennis court with kitchenette.

———

Price: $59,900,000
Why it’s here: Golf legend Greg Norman is ready to part with his enormous compound on Jupiter Island. The multistructure property features 31,820 square feet of living space, including a main house, coach house, pool house, tennis house, boat house, carriage house, and beach house.

The property also comes with a dock for a 150-foot yacht, a tennis court, fitness center, home theater, elevator, spa, and wine cellar.

———

Price: $377,000
Why it’s here: A storybook home for the ages, this adorable two-bedroom cottage possesses personality to spare. Built by the owner, the whimsical dwelling features such highlights as a workshop, a wood furnace, and flexible interior space intended to be configured as a retreat from the stress of the real world.

———

Price: $395,000
Why it’s here: There was mucho, mucho amor for this colorful home in Puerto Rico’s capital.

It was the residence of the legendary astrologer Walter Mercado and played a starring role in the Netflix documentary on the late reader of the stars. The six-bedroom home is located in the Villas de Cupey neighborhood and features a foyer on the first level, two terraces, plus a backyard patio with gazebo.

———

Price: $6,500,000
Why it’s here: Quarterback Matthew Stafford bids farewell to the Detroit Lions and—unsurprisingly—his marvelous mansion has reappeared on the market.

As the Lions’ longtime signal caller prepares for a fresh start in Southern California, he leaves behind this five-bedroom home built to take in maximum water views. Highlights include a glass elevator, indoor basketball court (built with pieces of flooring from the former home court of the Detroit Pistons), and the largest infinity pool in the state.

Source: realtor.com

February 4, 2021

NFL Cribs: Checking Back In on the Homes of the Kansas City Chiefs>

They’re back. The Kansas City Chiefs smashed the hopes of the Buffalo Bills to reach Super Bowl LV. Now they’re looking for an elusive repeat in the big game.

And because the Chiefs are return visitors to the spectacle of a Super Bowl, we’ve chronicled their housing histories—right around this time last year, in fact.

This isn’t to say there wasn’t more housing dirt to unearth when it comes to the reigning champs. Some team members stayed put, but plenty of others made key moves in the Kansas City metro area—which is exactly the subject we love to tackle.

So while you’re plowing down nachos and wondering whether Patrick Mahomes can vanquish the seemingly unstoppable Tom Brady, we’re pondering exactly when Mahomes’ grand new mansion will be finished.

Here’s the latest on the homes of the defending champs.

Patrick Mahomes dials up big baller homes

He’s the undisputed star of the show in Kansas City.

The young quarterback with the golden arm hasn’t moved away from his deluxe home in the city’s Country Club District—yet.

But coming off last year’s Super Bowl victory, Mahomes inked the league’s largest contract: a 10-year, $503 million deal, which would make most people reassess their real estate situation.

So it wasn’t a huge surprise when he let a bit of housing news slip when he spoke with radio host Dan Patrick last week.

Mahomes told Patrick that he had purchased a plot of land in the Kansas City area with plans to build a home with a number of amenities—including a half-football field.

Following this nugget of information, we tracked down an 8-acre lot purchased in the gated country club community of Loch Lloyd. The private community is centered around a lake and a Tom Watson–designed golf course.

An LLC connected to the signal caller purchased a large, undeveloped parcel in Loch Lloyd in September 2020 for $400,000. Although the land was relatively cheap, we can only imagine what the construction costs will be for a custom-built mansion fit for the NFL’s brightest young star.

The acreage will easily accommodate a 60-yard patch of greenery in the backyard. For the man with football’s fattest contract, the cost of a groundskeeper and lawn maintenance is just a rounding error.

This land grab wasn’t Mahomes’ only purchase in 2020. According to GQ magazine, the quarterback also snagged a place in the Dallas metroplex during the coronavirus lockdown.

The same LLC purchased a four-bedroom home in Westlake, TX, in May 2020. Listed for $4,259,750 last March, the “stunning modern estate” measures 7,844 square feet and is part of the gated Vaquero community. The enclave is what D magazine called “a bubble for new money.”

Patrick Mahomes' Westlake, TX, home — Patrick Mahomes’ Westlake, TX, home

realtor.com

Naturally, there’s a private golf course for residents. In the offseason the quarterback was teeing off every day at 3 p.m. The club membership fee? A reported $150,000 with annual dues of $17,000.

———

Tyreek Hill may be leveling up

One of the speedsters on the receiving end of many of Mahomes’ passes, All-Pro wideout Tyreek Hill has made his home in Lee’s Summit, MO, over the past year.

In late 2019, Hill purchased a five-bedroom home on nearly 4 acres in the suburb east of Kansas City.

While we weren’t able to deduce what Hill paid for the place, he put the 7,562-square-foot residence on the market in December 2020 for $1.3 million.

It looks to be an entertainer’s delight. There’s a heated saltwater pool out back and a sport court and home gym inside—ideal for an athlete or wannabe athlete.

Hill’s signed with the Chiefs through the 2022 season, so perhaps he’s looking to follow in Mahomes’ giant footsteps and level up his housing situation.

Tyreek Hill's home in Lee's Summit, MO — Tyreek Hill’s home in Lee’s Summit, MO

realtor.com

———

Travis Kelce settles down in Kansas City

Another Chiefs star who’s pulled down his fair share of passes from Mahomes is the longtime tight end. Travis Kelce has been a fixture for the Chiefs since 2014.

The three-time All-Pro has a four-bedroom home in Kansas City’s Briarcliff West neighborhood that he purchased in March 2019. The 4,164-square-foot split-level was listed in December 2017 for $1.2 million. Kelce bagged it a year and a half later for $995,000.

Sitting on an acre lot, the home is equipped with a gym, a wine cellar, and a large pool out back. The master suite is on the main floor, and there’s also a dedicated office.

Travis Kelce's Kansas City, MO, Home — Travis Kelce’s Kansas City, MO, Home

realtor.com

———

Honey Badger finds a home in Kansas City

After being unceremoniously dumped in the desert by the Arizona Cardinals after the 2017 season, veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu has rebounded into All-Pro form for the Chiefs.

The defensive star, who’s known as the Honey Badger, has also burrowed into a home in the Midwest—indicating he might patrol the Chiefs’ backfield for a few more seasons. His contract does run out after the 2021 season, so we’ll keep an eye on this luxe home located in Overland Park, KS.

Mathieu bought the six-bedroom residence in the Farm at Garnet Hill development in April 2019. While the purchase price wasn’t disclosed, the place was on the market for $1,285,000 before the Badger sealed the deal.

Located on the southern edge of the Kansas City metro, the 6,044-square-foot home sits on an acre of land.

Highlights include a deluxe kitchen with a large island, Wolf appliances, and a walk-in pantry. The backyard features a covered patio with a fireplace, and the home’s lower level is outfitted with a bar, media room, and extra bedroom.

Tyrann Mathieu's home in Overland Park, KS — Tyrann Mathieu’s home in Overland Park, KS

realtor.com

———

Overland Park proves popular

The Honey Badger isn’t alone in Overland Park. We spotted both backup quarterback Chad Henne and wide receiver Sammy Watkins as renters in the Kansas City suburb.

When not backing up Mahomes, Henne makes his main home at a rural 5-acre residence about 70 miles to the east of Philadelphia, near Reading, PA. And the well-traveled QB can pump his fist all summer long if the Chiefs win again—or even if they don’t.

In May 2019, he splurged on a brand-new $2,795,000, six-bedroom home on the Jersey Shore in the town of Avalon, NJ.

Chad Henne's house in Avalon, NJ — Chad Henne’s house in Avalon, NJ

realtor.com

Fellow Overland Park renter Watkins has also scored off the field. In July 2020, he sold his four-bedroom starter home in Winter Garden, FL, for $664,000 just a month and a half after listing it for $689,900. The speedy sale follows a big purchase the receiver made in January 2020. Right as the team was prepping for last season’s Super Bowl, the Florida native closed on the purchase of a six-bedroom mansion in Windermere, FL, for $2.28 million.

Anthony Hitchens has put down more permanent stakes in Overland Park. In addition to the homes he owns in Frisco, TX, the inside linebacker bought a brand-new four-bedroom home in the Wyngate neighborhood in April 2018.

Defensive lineman Chris Jones closed on the purchase of a huge home—also in Overland Park—just as the 2020 season was getting underway. The Pro Bowler bought a brand-new, 9,163-square-foot mansion for an undisclosed amount last September. The six-bedroom home was on the market for $1.85 million and features a six-car garage as well as a finished basement that was marketed as “the ultimate man cave.”

Chris Jones' home in Overland Park, KS — Chris Jones’ home in Overland Park, KS

realtor.com

———

Andy Reid and his bosses stay put

Coming off a Super Bowl season, there was no reason for the nonplaying personnel to shake things up. Owner Clark Hunt, general manager Brett Veach, and head coach Andy Reid all stayed put in 2020. However, if the Chiefs manage to win another title, we have a feeling these guys might treat themselves to a not-so-little real estate splurge this offseason.

Source: realtor.com

February 4, 2021

The Property Brothers Reveal 5 Fun Ways To Bling Up a Ho-Hum Home

Drew and Jonathan Scott renovate a lot of homes in Las Vegas (after all, they have a house there), but on the latest “Property Brothers: Forever Home,” they’re given the rare opportunity to upgrade a home with true Strip-style glamour!

In the Season 5 episode “A Bit of Vegas Glam,” empty nesters Lisa and Jay ask Drew and Jonathan to take their $125,000 budget and give their home a Vegas lounge feel. This sounds fun, but the brothers know they need to be careful not to go overboard. After all, too much glam can end up looking gaudy.

In the end, the Scott brothers find a balance that makes this house perfect for both a dazzling party or a casual night in. Here’s how they bling up even the most mundane areas of this home, which might inspire a few changes around your own abode, too.

1. Frame your fireplace with molding

This room needed to connect to the backyard.

Discovery+

When Drew and Jonathan first see Jay and Lisa’s house, they’re unimpressed by the fireplace, which is off-center and sharing the wall with a dated TV nook. Unfortunately, the arrangement throws off the balance of the room and makes the whole living area feel uneven.

So Drew and Jonathan simplify the space by removing the TV nook, centering the fireplace, and mounting the TV. With a centered fireplace, the room already looks much improved.

The molding helps make this fireplace more of a feature.

Discovery+

However, the Scotts want to make this wall even more of a feature, so they add molding on either side of the new fireplace. This molding is an inexpensive but elegant way to pull more attention to this wall, adding extra style to the space.

As Drew and Jonathan install this molding, Jonathan points out how easy it is to add this feature.

“The cool thing, too, is once we caulk all the edges, fill all the corners, it’ll be perfectly seamless and—boom! All of a sudden, we’ve just widened the whole statement,” Jonathan says.

2. Add subtle animal prints

Lisa loves wild animal prints like these.

Discovery+

When the Scott brothers first meet Lisa, she tells them that she loves animal prints. In fact, she already has a collection of them in the form of a zebra-print chair and cheetah-print rug. While animal prints can give off an old Las Vegas vibe, they can also overwhelm a space.

“I did warn her that we can’t go overboard with all the wild patterns, textures, color, or bling,” Drew says. “Because if we do, then it’s just going to look overbearing. It’s not going to feel like a home.”

This carpet is a subtle alternative to cheetah print.

Discovery+

Drew and Jonathan end up using a spotted area rug to satisfy Lisa’s love for animal prints, and luckily, the rug works in the space. The spots add visual texture to the room while the subdued black and gray color keeps the room looking sophisticated.

3. Sliding doors can make a room sparkle

With sliding doors, this home looks more open.

Discovery+

When Drew and Jonathan start the renovation, they offer to remove the windows and put in large, collapsable doors that lead out to their fabulous pool. Lisa and Jay decide to skip the folding doors (and spend their money on other parts of the renovation), but they do decide to install sliders.

Once installed, the doors end up adding lots of Vegas glam to the living room. Not only do these doors let in the sun, making sure all the living room finishes sparkle, but they also provide some fabulous indoor-outdoor living.

“They had already put so much money into their backyard, but the access to it was a little bit limited, kind of closed off,” Jonathan explains. “Now, with this beautiful big slider, you’ve got more light, you’ve got more flow, and you can actually see that beautiful yard and all the work that they did.”

4. Add mirrors in an unexpected place

The dark cabinets dated this kitchen.

Discovery+

Drew and Jonathan want to add lots of chic style to the kitchen, but they still want to be careful not to go overboard with shiny finishes or bright colors. Luckily, Jonathan comes up with the idea to use mirrored panels.

“What if we do, like, some panels? We could do it on, like, the pantry, or we could do it on the fridge,” Jonathan tells Drew as they look at design samples. “Aged glass panels [will feel] like some of these really beautiful lounge makeovers that you’re seeing in a lot of the really nice resorts in Vegas.”

These mirrored doors add an extra element of glamour.

Discovery+

Drew knows that Lisa will love this look, so they install aged mirrors with gold veining on the fridge doors.

It’s a unique choice, but the panels end up looking beautiful. It brings that fun Vegas look into the kitchen without taking attention away from the elegant white cabinets or the brass hardware.

5. Use brass to make a space shine

Jay and Lisa want to find a way to use this space wisely.

Discovery+

When the Scotts first tour this kitchen, they realize one corner of the room is underused. Lisa and Jay have placed a cabinet in the corner by the window, but Drew and Jonathan know this space could have more functionality.

“Keep in mind, too, this is going to be a statement kitchen,” Jonathan tells Drew during a design meeting. “So why don’t we do brass shelving over the top of the window here? And I do think we need to go brass ’cause then we can match it up with the hardware.”

Sure enough, they add brass hanging shelves that really pull the kitchen’s design together.

These custom shelves fit in this space perfectly.

Discovery+

Source: realtor.com

February 3, 2021

Staying Home for the Super Bowl? 9 Items To Give Your Place a Sports Bar Vibe on Game Day

Truth: Some folks were just fine with the fact that Thanksgiving and other holidays had to be scaled back last year due to the coronavirus. Frankly, less exposure to Aunt Martha meant you could avoid her gloppy casserole and prying questions about your love life.

But we’ll admit that watching the Super Bowl at home—when you’d rather be at your favorite sports bar tossing down hot wings and yelling at the screen—is just a wee bit depressing.

Alas, we still shouldn’t gather indoors as the pandemic hangs on. But the game (and the halftime show!) must go on—and there’s no reason we shouldn’t enjoy it in style. So why not transform your den into your own mini sports arena? For some help, here’s what the pros would include for maximum fun on game day.

1. TV trays

Tuck this slender piece along your couch end when the game is over.

Wayfair

“The Super Bowl is all about the snacks, so I’d pick these retro TV trays, especially since you can also use them as a mini desk after game day,” says Darla DeMorrow, author of “Organizing Your Home With SORT and SUCCEED.”

This wheeled pick can be slid into place easily, plus the lower shelves neatly hold remotes, books, and other den gear ($105, Wayfair).

2. TV wall mount

Swivel this device for the right angles in your TV room.

Amazon

Among the best parts of sitting in a sports bar are the multiple screens and replays, which means you’ll never miss a single fumble. At home, you can up your game with a sturdy wall mount so your flat-screen TV is perfectly tilted.

You can mount the bracket on wood, brick, or concrete and then relax, knowing the 10-year warranty has you covered ($27, Amazon).

___

Watch: Rent vs. Buy: Yes, Even NFL Players Should Run the Numbers

___

3. Cozy seating

Compact chairs are smart for small spaces,

Crate & Barrel

Comfy recliners or—better yet—smart-looking swivel chairs are the ultimate in seating in front of your big-screen TV, says Karen Gray-Plaisted of Design Solutions KGP.

This barrel shape sports a ’70s vibe as well as durable boucle upholstery that’ll help hide black bean dip drips ($1,199, Crate & Barrel).

4. Themed tumblers

Steel-lined, splash-proof mugs are a must during touchdowns.

Macy’s

Real fans feature their favorite team’s colors and logo at Super Bowl time, whether it’s a jersey hung on the wall or a set of cool containers for serving drinks.

If your money’s on Tom Brady to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the championship this year, outfit your den with these bright tumblers. Beverages stay cold for a full 24 hours thanks to double-wall insulation ($30, Macy’s).

5. Air fryer

A toaster oven and air fryer in one sleek device

Kohl’s

Homemade mac and cheese balls are cheaper (and possibly even more delicious) if you prep them yourself. But the best home cooking perk comes from using an air fryer, which yields healthier results.

If you can swing it, this high-end appliance is a workhorse that air-fries, bakes, broils, and toasts all of your snacks and breakfast foods in a stylish, stainless-steel package ($250, Kohl’s).

6. Floor pillows

Choose from 10 shades and striped combinations

Wayfair

“Since this year is all about staying safe at home, I think football fans should get cozy with big floor pillows, and this way, everyone has a direct line-of-sight seat for the game,” says DeMorrow.

This twill fabric features a simple color palette that’ll mesh with most decor schemes ($97, Wayfair).

7. Mini fridge

Smart door storage keeps soda cans secure.

Wayfair

What’s the one thing you can’t run out of during the Super Bowl? That’s right, cold beer. To ensure easy access to your suds, consider a mini fridge (especially in this sea-foam shade) for your den or rec room. This little guy pulls its weight as it also includes a freezer compartment ($180, Wayfair).

8. Panini press

A press that comes in chrome, red, or stainless-steel finishes

Amazon

Wonder why those subs taste so good at the bar? They’re crisped on the outside and melty between the layers—and you can achieve this same hoagie nirvana in a panini press.

“I love to lay out cold cuts, bread, and condiments, and then each person can make their own hot sandwich at halftime,” says Gray-Plaisted.

Thick paninis are no challenge for this nonstick press, which is also aces at griddling quesadillas ($50, Amazon).

9. Cheese tray

Perfect for charcuterie or a pile of brownies and whoopie pies

Wayfair

Aww, did you think we wouldn’t give the Kansas City Chiefs equal time? They’re in it to win it, too, this year. Plus you can’t have too many trays and serving platters during the Super Bowl.

This well-priced choice comes with its own nifty cheese knife with a handy pick at the end for spearing the fattest piece of brie ($53, Wayfair).

Source: realtor.com

Key Findings

Data and Methodology

Smart Money Moves for Tech Workers

Categories

Related Articles

You had a lot of responsibility when it came to your own family estate. How was that experience?

What advice do you have for people who are purging stuff from family members who’ve passed away?

You recently packed up and moved. Did you have to purge beforehand?

Did you find any surprising items during your move?

What tips do you have for people who want to get their home organized during the pandemic?

Many people have family heirlooms in their home that they don’t want, but feel guilty throwing out. What advice do you have for these people?

A lot of times people start going through boxes because it’s time for a parent or grandparent to move into a retirement home. What advice do you have for them?

Your philosophy is to focus on keeping just five legacy list family mementos. Why five?

Do you mind sharing something from your own legacy list?

You’ve also seen people throw out things that are actually really valuable. Why does this happen?

What other advice do you have for sifting through family heirlooms?

What has been one of your favorite finds from ‘Legacy List’ so far?

How do you let go of the items yet hold on to the memories?

Related Articles

Key Findings

Data and Methodology

Financial Tips for Couples

Categories

Related Articles

The history of ‘Japandi’ style

Make furniture functional

Choose quiet shades

Lean on wood and stone

Nix busy patterns

Shop related brands

Related Articles

Related Articles

Patrick Mahomes dials up big baller homes

Tyreek Hill may be leveling up

Travis Kelce settles down in Kansas City

Honey Badger finds a home in Kansas City

Overland Park proves popular

Andy Reid and his bosses stay put

Related Articles

1. Frame your fireplace with molding

2. Add subtle animal prints

3. Sliding doors can make a room sparkle

4. Add mirrors in an unexpected place

5. Use brass to make a space shine

Related Articles

1. TV trays

2. TV wall mount

3. Cozy seating

4. Themed tumblers

5. Air fryer

6. Floor pillows

7. Mini fridge

8. Panini press

9. Cheese tray