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THE HOMEBUYER’S CORNER

Insights, updates, and tips for homebuyers and homeowners for all things home life. Learn more about design trends, Smart home tech, new communities, and more.

Picture of Justin McCurdy of Customize Your Home.

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Home Design and DIY

Here I talk about all things related to home design.

A picture of the inside of a bonus room in a home with words on the image that says bonus room.

A picture of the inside of a bonus room in a home with words on the image that says bonus room.

What Is a Bonus Room and How Can You Use It?

Wondering what is a bonus room? Discover how this versatile space can become your dream home office, gym, or playroom and add value to your Maryland home.

Home Buying and Selling

2 days ago13 min read

Samples of ceramic tile laying next to a yellow tape measure on a wood table.

Samples of ceramic tile laying next to a yellow tape measure on a wood table.

How to Choose Shower Tile for a Look You'll Love

Struggling with how to choose shower tile? This guide breaks down materials, sizes, and grout to help you design a beautiful, long-lasting bathroom.

Home Design and DIY

3 days ago13 min read

Color samples of cabinets in a kitchen with words on the image that says top cabinet brands.

Color samples of cabinets in a kitchen with words on the image that says top cabinet brands.

Finding the Best Kitchen Cabinet Brands for Your Home

Explore our guide to the best kitchen cabinet brands. We compare top options like Aristokraft and KraftMaid to help you find the perfect fit for your style.

Home Design and DIY

4 days ago17 min read

An electrician working on an electrical panel on a home with words on the image that says panel upgrade.

An electrician working on an electrical panel on a home with words on the image that says panel upgrade.

How to Upgrade Electrical Panel: A Homeowner's Clear Guide

Discover how to upgrade electrical panel with this practical guide—signs you need one, cost considerations, and step-by-step process for your Maryland home.

Jan 2616 min read

A picture of a tank water heater next to a tankless water heater with words on the image that say tank vs tankless.

A picture of a tank water heater next to a tankless water heater with words on the image that say tank vs tankless.

Tankless Water Heater Vs Tank Which Is Right for Your Maryland Home

Deciding on a tankless water heater vs tank? This guide breaks down cost, performance, and reliability to help Maryland homeowners make the smartest choice.

Home Design and DIY

Jan 2515 min read

The exterior of a single family home with a large glass sliding door with words on the image that says open concept homes.

The exterior of a single family home with a large glass sliding door with words on the image that says open concept homes.

Best: best open concept floor plans for modern living

Discover the best open concept floor plans for modern living with kitchen-centric, great room, and flex-space ideas.

Home Design and DIY

Jan 2416 min read

A single family home outside on a sunny day with words on the picture that says add home value.

A single family home outside on a sunny day with words on the picture that says add home value.

How to Add Value to Your Home: A Maryland Homeowner's Guide

Discover how to add value to home with our guide to smart renovations. Learn the best high-ROI strategies for Maryland homeowners.

Home Design and DIY

Jan 2316 min read

A kitchen showcasing appliances and a quartz island with a yellow tape measure on top and words on a blue rectangle that say kitchen appliance tips.

A kitchen showcasing appliances and a quartz island with a yellow tape measure on top and words on a blue rectangle that say kitchen appliance tips.

How to Choose Kitchen Appliances for Your Maryland Home

A practical guide on how to choose kitchen appliances for your Maryland home. Learn to balance budget, style, and features for a kitchen you'll love.

Home Design and DIY

Jan 2015 min read

Color swatches on a table next to home interior selection samples with words on the image that says grout color guide.

Color swatches on a table next to home interior selection samples with words on the image that says grout color guide.

How to Choose Grout Color for a Flawless Tile Finish

Learn how to choose grout color with this expert guide. Discover pro tips on matching, contrasting, and testing colors for a perfect look.

Home Design and DIY

Jan 1713 min read

A picture of the inside of a home showcasing recessed lights with words on the image that says install recessed lights.

A picture of the inside of a home showcasing recessed lights with words on the image that says install recessed lights.

How to Install Recessed Lighting: A DIY Guide

Learn how to install recessed lighting with our friendly DIY guide. We cover everything from layout planning and tools to wiring and trim selection.

Home Design and DIY

Jan 1616 min read

A paint roller next to paint swatches in front of a single family home outside on a sunny day with words on a blue rectangular sheet that say exterior color guide.

A paint roller next to paint swatches in front of a single family home outside on a sunny day with words on a blue rectangular sheet that say exterior color guide.

How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors: Practical Tips for Curb Appeal

Learn how to choose exterior paint colors with practical tips on palettes, samples, and trends to boost your Maryland home's curb appeal.

Home Design and DIY

Jan 1215 min read

Blueprints on a wood table outside with a ruler, compass and protractor on top of it in front of a single family home outside on a sunny day with words on the image that say blueprint mastery.

Blueprints on a wood table outside with a ruler, compass and protractor on top of it in front of a single family home outside on a sunny day with words on the image that say blueprint mastery.

How to Read Construction Drawings A Practical Guide for Homeowners

Feeling lost in blueprints? Learn how to read construction drawings with our practical guide, making your home customization process clear and confident.

Home Design and DIY

Jan 1112 min read

A picture of a house and doors on the home with words on the image that say interior doors guide.

A picture of a house and doors on the home with words on the image that say interior doors guide.

How to Choose Interior Doors for a Cohesive Home Design

Learn how to choose interior doors that elevate your home's style. Our guide covers materials, styles, and hardware to help you make the perfect choice.

Home Design and DIY

Jan 612 min read

A picture of a kitchen with lighting.

A picture of a kitchen with lighting.

Best Light Fixtures for Kitchen: Elevate Your Space

Best light fixtures for kitchen: Learn how to layer ambient, task, and accent lighting for a stylish, functional kitchen.

Home Design and DIY

Jan 512 min read

A kitchen showing the tile backsplash with words on the image that say backsplash tile guide.

A kitchen showing the tile backsplash with words on the image that say backsplash tile guide.

Best Backsplash Tile for Kitchen: How to Choose the Right Option

Discover the best backsplash tile for kitchen in our guide: compare materials, styles, and price to design a space you'll love.

Home Design and DIY

Jan 416 min read

Quartz countertops in a kitchen of a home with words on the image that say quartz benefits.

Quartz countertops in a kitchen of a home with words on the image that say quartz benefits.

Benefits of quartz countertops: Durable, stylish, low-maintenance

Discover the benefits of quartz countertops: unbeatable durability, low maintenance, and versatile style for any kitchen.

Home Design and DIY

Jan 315 min read

A picture of a kitchen with words on the image that say plan your kitchen.

A picture of a kitchen with words on the image that say plan your kitchen.

How to Plan Your Kitchen Layout: A Friendly Guide

Learn how to plan kitchen layout with practical tips for workflow, storage, and design trends. Create a beautiful, functional space you'll love.

Home Design and DIY

Dec 3115 min read

A person measuring a window with a yellow tape measure while holding a pencil to measure for window treatments.

A person measuring a window with a yellow tape measure while holding a pencil to measure for window treatments.

How to Measure for Window Treatments: Pro Tips for a Perfect Fit

Learn how to measure for window treatments like a pro with simple steps for curtains, blinds, and shades—achieve a flawless, custom look at home.

Home Design and DIY

Dec 28, 202512 min read

A home's exterior walls opened up showing insulation.

A home's exterior walls opened up showing insulation.

What Is R Value In Insulation And Why It Actually Matters

Confused about what is R value in insulation? Our guide makes it simple, explaining how it impacts your home's comfort and energy bills. Find out what you need.

Home Design and DIY

Dec 19, 202513 min read

A single family home being framed outside on a sunny day with words on the image that say framing guide.

A single family home being framed outside on a sunny day with words on the image that say framing guide.

What Is Framing In Construction And Why It Matters

Learn what is framing in construction and explore major framing types, processes, codes, and customization tips for Maryland homeowners.

Home Design and DIY

Dec 18, 20259 min read

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