If you moved into your new construction dream home during the spring or summer and have school-aged children, odds are that they are a bit nervous about starting at their new school.  A positive attitude and some organization will help the transition go more smoothly.  Here are six steps to help your children adjust to their new school.

1. Punch up your positive attitude. Kids have wild imaginations which can sometimes cause them to focus on everything that could go wrong.  Starting at a new school can cause anxiety for children, however by reinforcing that other kids have the same feelings, hopes and expectations, you can help them feel more comfortable.  Focus on the fact that they will soon meet many new friends and learn lots of new things to help minimize their fears.

Choosing to build your new construction home is a major decision.  Here are three mistakes to avoid should you decide to make your dream home a reality. new homes for sale


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1. Building too big. Around the world, Americans are known for their belief that, ‘Bigger is better.’  As reported in a CNN article, homes between 3,000 and 4,000 square feet comprised 21.7% of new homes in 2014, compared to 15.6% a decade earlier.  Today, huge homes—4,000 square feet and up, are all the rage.  Before you choose the best model home for your family, consider your true needs for space.  Outline which rooms will be used for which purposes keeping in mind if any can be multi-purpose.

Is a 5,000 square foot home really better?  Probably not, especially since maintenance, utilities and other costs are commensurate with the home’s total square footage.  The median size of a new single-family home sold in 2015 was 2,520 square feet.  According to the National Association of Home Builders, a home costs an average of $105 per square foot to build. By eliminating even 500 square feet in a home, you’ll save over $50,000.”  Asses your needs to determine if it’s better to select a layout that is perhaps between 2,000 to 3,000 feet so as not to build too big.

Before the kids return to school, pack in family fun this Labor Day weekend!  Here are our top five picks for Labor Day events in Southeast Michigan.

1. Saline Community Fair is a week-long event on the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds that kicks off on Monday, Aug. 29th and runs through Labor Day.  This year’s theme is, ‘Proud of the Past, Poised for the Future,’ which means you and your family can enjoy traditional fair events like the car and tractor show; live animals on display and draft horse pulling as well as new activities like the Healthy Kids Fair and Ice Cream with a Hero.  View a schedule of events.  On Thursday, Sept. 1st, military and law enforcement members receive discounts on admission, and women and seniors receive a discount on Friday.

Today’s trending wallpaper is much different than what you may remember from your grandparents’ home or an outdated, tacky hotel.  According to the most recent trend forecast from Zillow Digs, which is a compilation of interior design experts’ survey responses and a home improvement database analysis, “2016 will bring a fresh modern vibe that beautifully mixes simplicity with bold accents reminiscent of the roaring 20’s.”

As you decorate your dream home, consider these four reasons to WOW any room with wallpaper.

1. Bring the outside in. Flowers, gardens and all foliage is abloom in Southeast Michigan, but once winter rolls around, the blanket of snow and clouds outside can dull the inside of your home.  Pretty floral prints are all of the rage right now, especially tropical prints.  Soft hues of flowers are an easy way to make a master, guest or nursery bedroom soothing and intimate.  Bold, bright floral patterns enliven small spaces such as a powder room, or a large space such as your new dream dining room.  Choose a few paper samples and then hang them for a few days or weeks to experience the impacts of natural light, and get a sense for how the wallpaper would complement the furnishings and other design elements in the room.