(StatePoint) The recent economic downturn has caused many Americans to worry about their money, but there is at least one potential bright spot: lower interest rates. For homeowners, this means that it may be time to consider refinancing your mortgage. Refinancing can give you an opportunity to lower your monthly mortgage payments and save money by paying less interest over the term of the loan.

(StatePoint) While real estate agents report that far fewer people than normal have been moving during the COVID-19 pandemic, that may soon change. A recent Harris Poll found that nearly a third of U.S. adults living in urban areas are considering a move to less densely populated cities in the wake of the pandemic. Others may not be fleeing the pandemic but simply want or need to move, either for a job change or other reason.

(StatePoint) Summer living can make your family’s clothing vulnerable to stains, splatters and more, even if you are spending more time at home these days. But it’s possible to restore your family’s clothing to like-new condition every time laundry day rolls around with these tips and strategies:

(StatePoint) Extended time at home is making many families more aware of what products they simply can’t do without. While you may have predicted what some of these essentials would be -- ahem, toilet paper -- other, not-so-obvious items are helping to make quarantines more comfortable nationwide.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re at home relaxing or an adventure, you can use your technology to optimize the experience. Here are five ways to harness your gadgets, apps and more to improve your life:

(StatePoint) Do you spend summer days outdoors mowing the lawn, tending to the garden and working on the house? Here are a few steps you can take to help you care for and protect your skin as you complete your seasonal chores:

(StatePoint) Besides a great looking lawn, nothing showcases the backyard quite like a cookout. But anything worth doing is worth doing right. So when it comes to grilling your next ribeye steak, take a cue from world class chefs who are all turning up the heat.

(StatePoint) If you’re a homeowner who already has a nice lawn but you are looking to take its appearance to the next level, striping is a quick and easy way to do it, according to experts.

(StatePoint) Whether building a home from scratch, doing a complete renovation or simply refreshing a room or two, you can take your project to the next level with some design inspiration.

(StatePoint) When it comes to the essentials that families use and replenish most often, some smart shopping strategies can allow you to stretch your dollar and keep your household budget on track.

(StatePoint) With many events canceled and public venues closed, the backyard is likely going to be the new hot spot destination for families nationwide. But staying home doesn’t have to be boring. Using these tips, you can put together an afternoon of sunshine and fun, right in your own backyard.

(StatePoint) Natural disasters are increasing in severity and frequency. However, studies show that advance planning can keep individuals healthier and safer and support faster recovery for communities. And one of the most effective ways to prepare is by enforcing up-to-date building codes.

(StatePoint) You’ve finally found the perfect home. Now comes the hard part: moving. But don’t let misconceptions complicate the process. To keep frustrations to a minimum and make your move more manageable, here are five common moving myths, debunked.

(StatePoint) There’s a lot of uncertainty about some aspects of life today. However, the importance of proper heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) installation and maintenance is a constant for homeowners, especially for those who have been spending a lot more time at home lately.

(StatePoint) Staying at home and practicing social distancing can feel more challenging as the weather warms and the itch for family fun at the beach becomes stronger. However, being socially responsible does not mean you need to put the fun on hold.

(StatePoint) Unfortunately, during times of hardship, families are often targeted by fraud artists attempting to take advantage of those needing assistance. The COVID-19 crisis is no exception, with many scammers pretending to extend a critical lifeline to struggling homeowners through so-called “foreclosure rescue fraud.”

(StatePoint) Want to go green while practicing social distancing? Here are a few ideas to consider:

(StatePoint) Thanks to an unusually warm, wet winter, experts predict that Americans will face an extra buggy summer.

(StatePoint) The weather is warming up which means you’re probably chipping away at your cleaning to-do list.

(StatePoint) Container gardens are a viable and popular cultivation option, especially for those who have limited sun-exposed spaces or are looking to start small and learn the basics of gardening.

(StatePoint) With stay-at-home measures in place, you may find yourself with extra time for getting a jumpstart on outdoor seasonal chores.

(StatePoint) Upgrading your lifestyle doesn’t have to mean undergoing a major home renovation. By simply introducing a few technologies around the home, you can boost the style, efficiency and comfort of your living spaces. Consider these five ideas for five areas of your home:

(StatePoint) With many kids out of school and spending more time at home, finding ways to fill the time is essential. As most parents know, it can be tempting to allow children to pass some of the extra hours using digital devices, however, research shows that managing screen time is vital for developing minds.

(StatePoint) Many people have found themselves working from home. Whether setting up shop at the kitchen table or creating a complete home office, here are simple hacks to make your new work environment comfortable and productive.

(StatePoint) Whether you want to customize and enhance your living spaces for your own enjoyment or you need to prepare to stand out in a buyer’s market, creating that wow factor is easy to achieve, if you know where to focus your attention. You’re likely already familiar with the importance of exterior curb appeal. According to experienced realtors, it’s just as important to continue that concept after walking through the front door.

(StatePoint) On rainy days, it can be tempting to hand children devices and let them fall down a YouTube rabbit hole. After all, there can be a lot of hours to fill when the weather isn’t cooperating with your weekend plans.

(StatePoint) Many people underestimate the power of lighting to set the mood and introduce different design elements into their home’s interiors. As a result, they often make the mistake of relying solely only overhead fixtures to light their homes.

(StatePoint) Financial decisions can have a big impact on your future and the future of your loved ones. Good financial decisions you make on your own can save thousands of dollars, but according to experts, there are some decisions that may be better left to the professionals.

(StatePoint) You may not think about it often, but wild birds use your lawn as a rest stop and place to call home. As you spruce up your lawn and garden for the season, there are simple steps you can take to protect them and help them thrive.

(StatePoint) If you are like most homeowners, you need to prune trees, shrubs, bushes and other plants in your yard from time to time. But do you know which tool is best suited for each particular job? Experts say that choosing tools wisely is key to maximizing beauty, and minimizing damage to plants.

(StatePoint) When warmer weather arrives, it’s all about spending time in your home’s outdoor spaces. Here are a few new ideas for transforming your porch, deck or yard into an oasis of relaxation.

(StatePoint) Whether you want to boost the beauty of your home for your own enjoyment or you’re looking to sell in the near future, experts recommend taking a top-down approach to evaluate the outside of your home.

(StatePoint) People are heading outdoors to prep lawns and gardens for the season and get their families ready for warmer weather. What’s the key common denominator for most of these activities?

(StatePoint) Taking steps to boost curb appeal makes good sense for any homeowner. Not only does it help make a great first impression on guests and neighbors, but certain updates can actually increase your home’s resale value when it comes time to put your property on the market.

(StatePoint) While lighting is an essential piece of new home design; it’s often selected and installed at the end of the building process. What’s more, statement-making decorative lighting is often not part of the initial design at all. 

(StatePoint) If you’re like most people, you’ve spent more time than you’re willing to admit troubleshooting a technology issue with any one of the many devices in your connected home. Did you know that the average person owns at least 10 connected devices from Macs and PCs, smartphones, tablets and printers, to voice assistants, video doorbells and even home automation systems? 

(StatePoint) Thinking about refreshing the look of your home? “Cozy” and “warm” are trending keywords for interior design, according to experts, with luxurious textiles, inviting color palettes, and warm mixed metals found across all design styles.

(StatePoint) If buying a home is on your near-future to-do list, experts say that 2020 may be a good year to make it happen. Mortgage interest rates are near historic lows, providing you with the opportunity to finance a new home purchase at a much lower cost.

(StatePoint) Love hosting viewing parties and movie nights? Here is how to upgrade the viewing experience for you and your guests: