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There are so many things to consider when buying a new home, but none are more important than location. The mantra, “location, location, location!” has been drilled into buyers’ brains for so long, but what’s all the fuss about location anyway?

It’s a sure bet that the location of your home will coincide with your quality of life. This will affect the resale value of the home in the future. Maybe you’re not thinking of going through the motions of selling the house you’re just now thinking of purchasing, but look at it as an investment.

Ask yourself if the home is within a reasonable distance of your work. Is it in a good school district? How nice is the community and what are the crime statistics? Are the sidewalks in good condition? Are there emergency services nearby? Drive around the neighborhood, even down streets you may not normally use on your daily commute, and get a feel for the place.

Consider a property with a good-sized lot or even acreage. The land on which the home sits is often more important and of more value than the actual house. It’s even a good idea to buy premium land and build your own home. Having high-quality land will give you a bigger return on your investment.

Be aware of any community developments. You want to live in a growing community, not one that sits stagnant. Regardless of whether the neighborhood is popular for historic reasons or for its progressiveness, a popular community will always thrive.

Remember, there is no perfect place to live and most people choose the house that fits their family more suitably than all others. Find the location that fits your family.

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Furniture updating or restoration is a great way to change the look of your home without breaking the bank. Before you rack up bills buying brand new furniture, consider hitting the thrift stores for solid pieces that are sure to shine with just a little tender loving care.

For most projects, all you need is a sander and a good coat of paint. Strip the old coat from the wood furniture and sand it down gently. If you like the distressed look, whack the wood a few times with a hammer, a screwdriver, or a chain. This is one step where you wouldn’t mind getting the kids involved.

After distressing, apply your primer, undercoat, and topcoat according to how you want the finished product to look. Consider the overall color palate of the room before deciding on a paint scheme for the furniture piece. To maximize a distressed look, you may want to utilize a wax rub or rag painting technique.

To change the look of the furniture you already have, buy some translucent color glaze. Using an old, dry paint brush, apply the glaze to the surface and wipe it gently with a rag. This doesn’t give you the distressed finish of an antique look, but it will add interest to an otherwise boring piece of furniture.

The simplest way to update furniture is by getting rid of that outdated hardware. You can either replace old handles and knobs or use a metal primer to change the color yourself. It’s an inexpensive solution that can update the entire look of your home.

Image by A&A Design Build Remodeling, Inc. via Flickr

Renovating your home can be a daunting task, especially when you want to stay under budget. Before you so much as spend money on a hammer, sit down and figure up the cost so you get a good idea of how much your project will cost.

Whether you’re determining the cost of your remodel for yourself or to give the bank an estimate, you need to know what you can work with. Your limit will be as much as your savings or the total amount of your renovation loan. Be aware that some renovation loans require a minimum down payment, so it may be a good idea to use any savings toward that. Some loans also require you to borrow a minimum amount and you must be well-qualified.

Determining the cost of the remodel isn’t limited to supplies. You need to account for labor, time, all of the materials, and the region in which you live. Some locations will carry a higher market price than others. Don’t settle on your first estimate—get several. In a downturned economy, most contractors and builders are willing to negotiate and work for a price less than they normally would. You may want to use a renovation calculator to get an idea of the project cost before seeking estimates.

Consider which renovations will maximize your home’s value. Completely adding a second bathroom tops the list, while a bathroom remodel and kitchen update come in at a close second. You’ll also want to think about curb appeal—is your siding appealing? Does your landscaping need a little care?

Plan and re-plan at every stage of the renovation to ensure you’re under budget and getting the exact look you want.