There’s nothing quite like the warmth and coziness of a house that’s all decked out for the holidays, and it doesn’t take much to add a beautiful decorative flair to your home. 

Here are eight simple tips anyone can follow to achieve that picture-perfect holiday scene. 

Add extra light

The easiest way to add a little holiday cheer to your home is to add a few extra lights to your mantles, windows, railings, walkways or banisters. You can use votive candles, flameless LED candles or strings of mini LEDs. 

To avoid overdoing it, The Spruce recommends choosing a focal point, limiting your colors, and going easy on lights that flicker and blink.

Decorate with candy

Even if you’ve sworn off sugar, that doesn’t mean it can’t still be useful during the holidays. Decorate your tree with extra candy canes or fill glass dishes with red and green M&Ms. And of course, don’t forget about the gingerbread house. 

Recycle old Christmas cards 

If you have a large stack of greeting cards covering your fridge by the end of December, you might want to think twice before throwing them in the trash. Good Housekeeping recommends recycling these cards to create gift tags, garlands and other decorations.

Rework decorations 

In the spirit of not throwing things away, try to think outside of the box with some of your traditional decorations. Fill empty glass bowls and vases with those burnt out Christmas bulbs, extra ornaments or a few twigs from the tree. 

Buzzfeed also suggests using that extra wrapping paper to line your serving trays or create a number of other festive decorations. 

Swap cloth for paper

Here’s an idea that’s easy on the budget and your post-party cleanup duties. If you’re expecting large crowds at dinner time, swap your nice Christmas tablecloth for some simple butcher paper. Easily label your dishes, let your guests color on it and toss it in the trash when the meal is through!

Print off your own wall decor 

Those classic vintage holiday prints can be hard to find and often a bit pricey, but you can make your artistic visions for your home come true by doing a simple Google search of free Christmas printables. Print off a few and string them together to make a garland. If you want to take it one more step, you can buy an inexpensive frame at the dollar store and hang your printed pictures on the wall. 

DIY snowflakes 

Here’s one the kids can help with — it doesn’t get much more classic or simple than creating your own paper snowflakes to decorate your house. Whether there’s snow outside or not, you can hang them in your window to create the illusion of a white Christmas. Use the techniques you learned in elementary school to cut the folded paper. Open up the small square or triangle and see what design you created!

Go with natural beauty 

Some of the most beautiful decorations are supplied by nature. Make good use of berries, pinecones, citrus fruits, tree branches and plants to give your home a pop of color through the winter months. Don’t forget the poinsettias! 

Looking for a home?

If you’ve always wanted to deck the halls of your own house, you can make your Christmas wishes come true this year by letting Ivory Homes help you find the home of your dreams. 

With a variety of model homes, quick move-ins, and different locations available, Ivory Homes has something for everyone. Peruse the 2019 catalog and circle your wishlist for Santa today. 

Of course, you want to clean the whole house — and you probably should — but there are a few things that will significantly reduce your stress if you tackle them before the crowds come and the craziness sets in.

Kitchen 

No holiday celebration would be complete without delicious food, so a good place to begin your holiday cleaning is the kitchen. Make sure your cupboards and cabinets are organized in a way that won’t have you frantically fumbling through the dishes to find the storage containers for all of those leftovers. 

However, Popular Mechanics advises leaving the oven off of the cleaning list since the self-cleaning feature can be hard on the appliance. You don’t want to wear it out before all the baking begins. 

Toys and clutter 

The more items you have in your house the harder it is to keep clean. If you plan on making any purchases this holiday season, you might want to take a minute to clear out the stuff you no longer need.

Real Simple suggests letting go of things like old decorations, holiday cards, outgrown toys, unused gifts and clothing you’re not excited to wear during the winter.

Guest bedroom 

Even if no one has slept in the guest bedroom for a few months, you’ll want to throw those sheets in the wash.

According to Sleep Advisor, mattresses can accumulate between 100,000 to 10 million dust mites that may cause allergic symptoms such as hay fever, coughing, asthma, eczema and more. Wash the bed sheets at least weekly to keep everyone healthy for the holidays. 

Washing machine 

Speaking of keeping everyone healthy, before you throw those sheets in the wash, you’ll want to make sure your washing machine is clean — and this doesn’t just happen by washing clothes inside of it.

Since washing machines can be breeding grounds for bacteria, Good Housekeeping recommends running a hot wash without clothes or detergent once a month, wiping the drum seal with an antibacterial cloth, and leaving the door open between washes to prevent mold growth. 

Carpet 

You know you should vacuum regularly, but you might not know that that doesn’t mean your carpets are clean. Carpets can trap microscopic irritants and allergens, so having them professionally cleaned before you have a house full of company is a good idea. Healthline suggests getting them cleaned once a month, particularly if you have pets. 

Hard water stains

Those hard water stains in the shower have been embarrassing you long enough. Make your bathrooms, showers and sinks shine with one simple hack: lemon. Though it may seem too easy to be true, Care Cleaning says that simply cutting a lemon in half and rubbing it directly on hard water spots will remove the stains. 

The toilet 

Last but not least, don’t overlook the part of your house that gets a big workout during the holidays — your toilet. The last thing you want is for a plumbing issue, broken seat or flushing problem to cause some uncomfortable memories for your visitors, so Popular Mechanics recommends making sure that everything is in order before the parties begin.

Get your home ready for the holidays

If you’re looking for your dream home this holiday season, let Utah’s Number One Homebuilder® Ivory Homes help make your dreams a reality. Whether you’re in the market for something new or simply looking for inspiration for the holiday season, you can find ideas by browsing their selection of model homes today.

Planting trees

…like, lots of trees. Ivory Homes understands that everyone — builders particularly — is responsible for sustaining the environment. As an eco-friendly builder, Ivory Homes is committed to planting more than 30,000 trees across the state.

Working in conjunction with the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation, TreeUtah and UCAIR, Ivory Homes will gift 20,000 trees to communities across the state, with another 10,000 trees planted within Ivory Homes communities. This initiative not only makes Utah neighborhoods look nicer, but it helps the poor air quality as well. According to the National Wildlife Federation, trees trap air contaminants and release oxygen. This natural air cleaning is crucial for Utah’s visibly poor air quality.

Utahns can contact Ivory Homes if they would like their neighborhood to be included in this tree initiative. If you’d like to participate, fill out the request form at Ivory Homes.   

Housing community heroes

The Utah Housing Coalition says there are more people than housing units in the state of Utah, which is driving costs of living up. Those hit hardest are the workforce members of the state, such as police officers, veterans and military members, first responders, teachers, nurses, construction and trade professionals and public employees. Recognizing the problem, Ivory Homes has a program to help our local heroes.

Qualifying buyers who finance their purchase through Momentum Loans can receive $2,000 towards closing costs or options (like appliances and window coverings), full yard sod, two trees in front yard and an Ivory Homes-designed sprinkler system. Workforce Homes are available in various Ivory Homes communities, including Holbrook Farms in Lehi, Broadview Shores in Provo and Newport Village in Spanish Fork. For more information on the Workforce Housing program, visit Ivory Homes.

A greener state

When it comes to protecting the environment and improving air quality, Ivory Homes is seeing green — and saving their homeowners some green, too. That’s because Ivory Homes’ standards are high when it comes to building energy-efficient homes. So high, in fact, you’re unlikely to find new or existing homes rated better.

With an average home energy rating (HERS) of 53, one of the best in Utah, these homes help to leave the earth a cleaner place. According to the HERS Index, energy efficient homes, like Ivory Homes, decrease the amount of US carbon production. More than 200,000 homes in the US work to reduce more than 1 million tons of carbon annually.

On average, Ivory homeowners can save up to $1,200 per year on utilities. That’s a lot of green — and it’s helping to make Utah greener as well.

Affordable housing

If you feel like you just woke up to crazy real estate in the Beehive State, you’re probably not alone. In fact, Utah ranks second in the nation when it comes to rising home prices, which is problematic if you’re looking to make the American dream a reality on the Wasatch Front. That’s why Ivory Homes is committed to keeping Utah housing not only high quality, but also affordable to its hardworking residents. 

Along with its Workforce Housing program, Ivory Homes also created the “Ivory Prize,” a competition that awards new and innovative ideas to promote housing affordability in Utah. Additionally, Ivory Homes has donated more than $1 million to organizations working to make housing a reality for all of Utah — not just those in the top income brackets. 

Building homes

Sure, as a homebuilder, it’s what you’d expect from Ivory Homes. But building shelter is only part of what Ivory Homes has done in more than 20,000 instances. As new homeowners turn the key in their new front door, they’re gaining more than a roof over their heads; they’re creating a life for themselves and their families.

Ivory Homes is passionate about empowering that moment — and every moment after. From the memories you’ll make and share within those walls to the comfort you feel just walking in the door, Ivory Homes builds the structures that make you feel right at home. 

For more information on Ivory Homes’ commitment to the community, visit their website.

Before you fall into a pit of never-ending renters despair, take heart — the process may be easier than you think.

What to do first

The first step in buying a home is to be financially prepared by prequalifying for a loan through a mortgage lender. Until you know exactly what your budget is, you could end up wasting valuable time exploring homes outside of your price range. 

While prequalifying will get your foot in the door, NerdWallet advises getting pre-approved if you want to show a seller that you’re a serious buyer. This means your lender has verified the amount of money you’re pre-approved to borrow. Showing a pre-approval letter to a seller who’s faced with multiple buyers could mean the difference between landing your dream home or settling for the next best thing.

How to qualify

Gone are the days of needing a 20% down payment to qualify for a home, according to The Lenders Network. Some loans require as little as 3% for a down payment, particularly if you’re a first-time homebuyer.

While the minimum credit score varies depending on the type of loan you’re pursuing, Forbes suggests a credit score of 700 or higher if you want the best interest rates. And if you’re thinking about purchasing a new home, now may be the perfect time while interest rates are at record lows. Contact a loan officer today to discuss your options. If your credit score isn’t where you want it to be, Momentum Loans can help with credit repair. Talk to one of their qualified agents to see how you can get your credit into a good range.

If you’re still not sure about the homebuying process or need a little guidance, you can reach out to the homebuilding experts at Ivory Homes. With 31 consecutive years of being Utah’s top homebuilder, Ivory Homes offers experience, design and quality you can count on when purchasing a new home.

Think you’re ready to buy? Take this quiz to see how much you know about the homebuying process.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling accounts for 48% of the average homeowner’s energy bill. If you’re looking to whittle your energy bill, there are several things you can do to save energy — and money — while heating and cooling your home.

Adjust the thermostat

Sometimes, saving money is a matter of a few degrees — literally. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save money heating and cooling your home just by adjusting your thermostat for eight hours each day. A change of just 7 to 10 degrees, either while you work or while you sleep, can save as much as 10% on your heating and cooling expenses.

For optimal savings, get comfortable living in lower temperatures during the winter and higher temperatures during the summer. For optimal energy savings, set your thermostat at 68 degrees during the day in the winter, and at 78 degrees during the day in the summer (and only when you’re at home and need cooling). That means letting your cozy sweaters and blankets play a part in the energy-savings game.

Choose a better builder

Saving money is always top of mind for potential homeowners as well — and the builder you choose can make a big impact on how efficiently your home operates in the long run. When you’re considering a builder, ask about features that can lower your energy bills going forward.

Top-of-the-line insulation, for example, will help your home either retain the hot or cold air as you run your HVAC system. Additionally, pay attention to the windows your builder uses. In a cold climate, you’ll want to opt for those with a UV factor between 0.17 to 0.39, according to Building Green.

Ivory Homes builds their new homes to be the best for families and the environment. They include smart home features, windows with a .28 UV factor, excellent insulation and more. If you’re building a home, talk to potential builders about the furnaces they typically use; you’ll want one as efficient as possible. Ivory Homes makes sure to give you the option of installing a 96% efficient furnace to save you money in the long run.

Get ‘smart’er HVAC

Most people know the annoyance of leaving for work — or worse, leaving town —without turning your heat or air conditioning off (or at least down). Installing a smart thermostat is a great way to make sure you’re always running your home efficiently, even when you’re gone.

Not only do smart thermostats allow you to control your HVAC settings from your mobile device, there are even models that incorporate sophisticated algorithms to learn your schedule and adjust temperatures based on whether you’re at home or away. With built-in motion sensors, these thermostats also know when you leave or come home unexpectedly, which means you’ll always be comfortable at home — without paying for warm or cool air you don’t need.

Give your AC some TLC

You probably know your car runs better when you’re on top of its scheduled maintenance. Similarly, your HVAC systems require some ongoing care to run at optimum efficiency. According to HVAC.com, the typical 1-inch disposable air filter in an air conditioning system should be replaced every one to three months. Higher-efficiency filters need changing every 6 to 12 months.

Of course, your specific system, along with your household use may impact the schedule. Dirty filters not only lead to dirty and clogged ducts (which are less efficient), they also reduce the air quality in your home.

Additionally, the National Air Duct Cleaners advises regular cleaning of your HVAC system, as “contaminants in the heating and cooling systems cause them to work harder and shorten the life of your system.” And when your HVAC systems are working harder, you can be sure you’re the one paying for it.

Get to know HERS

Would-be homebuyers should keep in mind that building codes approved in 2016 now offer homebuyers energy ratings for new homes. The HERS index, which rates a home’s efficiency, is an important number — and the lower it is, the better.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average resale home in the United States has a HERS rating of 130, with a new home averaging 100. A home with a lower score means better efficiency and — you guessed it — less money spent heating and cooling it.

Ivory Homes, Utah’s top homebuilder, has a HERS rating of 60 — one of the best in Utah. That means a home built by Ivory Homes is 40% more energy efficient than the average newly constructed home.

If you’re interested in saving energy and money while heating and cooling your home, visit Ivory Homes. They can help you or learn more about smart, energy-efficient home construction. 

This story is sponsored by Ivory Homes. Learn more about Ivory Homes.

For many people, buying a home is a rite of passage into adulthood and a vital component of the American dream. However, if you’re trying to buy a home into today’s market, it may feel like more of a nightmare.

Utah ranks No. 1 in the nation for home growth, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, and competing with the thousands of others in the house hunt can make prospective first-time homebuyers feel like they’ll be trapped in their parents’ basements or be forced to rent for the rest of their lives.

The good news is that with University of Utah researchers predicting a more stable market in the near future and with new programs emerging to make homebuying more affordable, there’s hope for aspiring homeowners in the beehive state.

Here are five ways first-time Utah homebuyers can find a home in this seller’s market.

Get preapproved

Buying a home requires money – and if you’re like most Americans, you’re going to need a little help to foot the bill.

Getting preapproved for a home loan will give you more confidence in the home buying process because you’ll be secure in the amount you know you can offer. Your mortgage lender can give you a preapproval letter, which is appealing to sellers who don’t want to waste their time negotiating with people who can’t afford to buy their home.

Just be sure to act quickly because most preapprovals are only valid for 60 to 90 days. It's also important to note that even with a home loan, you'll want to have some money saved up for a down payment.

Research different homebuyer programs

One advantage you have as a first-time homebuyer is access to special national and local programs that make buying a home easier for those who have low credit scores or may struggle to make a down payment.

This year, Ivory Homes announced the Workforce Housing Priority Initiative, which is focused on assisting professions that provide a public service to first-time homebuyers. The program, taking place outside any government obligation, reserves the most affordable homes for critical members of Utah’s workforce.

“In a climate of increasing housing prices and affordability challenges, we have a duty to those serving our communities and to assist them in becoming homeowners,” said Clark Ivory, CEO of Ivory Homes. “We are committed to helping address Utah’s housing affordability challenges by supporting our educators, public safety professionals, veterans, members of our military, and the construction tradespeople that build our homes.”

First-time homebuyers and Utahans whose careers focus on public service can sign up on the priority list online.

Decide on a down payment

Many potential homebuyers incorrectly assume they need a significant down payment, but according to an article in Building Utah, that isn't always the case. In today’s stable housing market, there are many low-down and zero-down programs. For example, one of the best zero-down options is a Rural Housing Loan offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Set alerts

In a seller’s market, you have to be prepared to make quick decisions. This means being aware of listings and making offers as soon as possible.

One thing you can do to stay ahead of the game is to put technology to use. Most websites offer email alerts and notifications, but real estate apps can streamline the process even further.

If you want to know the best apps to help you find a home, check out The Balance’s list of The 8 Best Real Estate Apps of 2019.

Think outside the box

If you’re hoping to beat other first-time homebuyers to the punch, keep in mind that many of them will be employing the same tactics in their home search as you, so relying on online listings and Google alerts may not be enough.

For the best chance at finding a home, consider what sets you apart from the hundreds or thousands of others looking to buy in the same area. Trulia offers tips for writing an offer letter to the seller explaining why you’re the perfect buyer for their home.

Another good idea is to keep an eye on the areas and homes you’re interested in before they’re even listed. Perhaps a friend or neighbor knows someone ready to sell? As with many things, word of mouth is often the most effective method for finding what you want. (And if you have a rich uncle, now might be the perfect time to start buttering him up.)

Ready to buy?

After you’ve done the work of getting preapproved, learned the ins and outs of the first-time home buying process and made the decision to buy, you’ll want to make sure it’s a home you can be proud of and comfortable in for years to come.

In 2019, Ivory Homes is celebrating 31 years as Utah’s No. 1 homebuilder with the completion of 20,000 new homes and counting. Ivory Homes offers experience, design and quality you can count on when purchasing a new home.

For more information about the Workforce Housing Priority Initiative or to learn about different housing options, visit the Ivory Homes website.