5 House-Hunting Tips You Probably Didn’t Consider

Oct 21, 2018

Before selecting which comfy (and stylish) sleeper sofa to put in your common room or what DIY decor will dot your space comes the hard part — actually finding the place. With hundreds of house, condo, and apartment listings to sift through, simply scheduling the tours can be exhausting. And once you consider how many factors there are to take into account when making your decision (it’s not just cost and location), the process goes from tiring to straight-up overwhelming. To ensure your tours are as smooth and effective as possible, we’ve spoken with Cliff Stahl — national vice president of Meritage Homes, one of the largest homebuilders in the US — about the most surprisingly important details to pay attention to and tasks to take care of when hunting for a new home.

1. Check the temperature. If your potential house feels hot and cold, as with most things, that’s not a good sign. Temperatures changes throughout a house usually indicate that it’s poorly insulated. “You might be too hot to sleep upstairs during the summer and too cold to watch TV downstairs in the winter,” Stahl explains. “If the temperature is the same in all directions and between floors, it will be more comfortable year-round.” Plus, the better insulated a home is, the less likely it will be to succumb to the effects of humidity.

2. Listen for outside noise. The sun is shining, the bird are singing — you just don’t want to be able to hear them through closed windows. Pay particular attention to outside noises as you walk around your potential new pad. If nothing is going on outdoors, make some noise yourself. “Blast music, leave it outside, then close the door,” Stahl suggests. “Evaluate how much noise you can hear.” How the noise sounds can clue you into some of unexpected features of the house. “If it feels like you’re in a sound studio, the home has quality framing, insulation, and windows — and is a healthier home in general (especially for those with allergies).”

3. Feel the windows. Yes, reach your hand out and touch that window, girl: Its temperature can be a good indicator of its quality. If it feels cool to the touch, this can be understood to mean that the window is less likely to let heat or furniture-fading UV rays in from the outside. According to Stahl, there are two factors to a window: the U-factor, which measures heat transfer, and the reflectance, which determines how many UV rays it lets through. “A cool window is superior in both of these elements,” Stahl asserts. “If the window feels hot, it’s the opposite.”

4. Locate the air conditioning unit. Size, uh, matters — but not in the way you might expect. Stahl says that when it comes to air conditioning, a smaller unit is ideal; a big air conditioner implies worse interior insulation. “A small AC unit says, ‘This is all I need on the hottest day of the year to keep cool,'” Stahl points out. “A large — or multiple — AC units tell you that they house was poorly built, so big AC units were needed to compensate.” When a smaller AC unit can do the same job, it’s a good sign that you won’t be spending an arm and a leg to keep the temperature comfortable year-round.

5. Look for water-saving appliances. You have enough bills as it is, so a way to keep one of them — your water utility — down is by prioritizing water-saving appliances, especially WaterSense ones. WaterSense, a program established by the Environmental Protection Agency, certifies that a product uses 20 percent less water, saves energy, and performs as well as if not better than other comparable models. “WaterSense-certified homes can save a family of four up to $600 a year on their utility bills and save up to 50,000 gallons of water,” says Stahl. We like the sound of that!

How do you hunt for homes? Let us know @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon

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In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

Bethany Joy Lenz Finally Spoke On THOSE Hilarie Burton Feud Rumors

Haley James Scott and Peyton Sawyer might be best friends on One Tree Hill, but when fans realized actresses Bethany Joy Lenz and Hilarie Burton don't follow each other on social media, they speculated things weren't so friendly in the real world. And on the October 16 episode of Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast, while promoting her new book Dinner for Vampires Life on a Cult TV Show (While also in an Actual Cult!), Lenz seemingly confirmed that something had happened between the costars.

Amazon

"I love Hilarie,” she says. “I have always and will always and I don’t have any problem with her...There have been some bizarre misunderstandings that I really hope we can figure out one day, but I love that girl."

The "bizarre misunderstandings" in question could be related to political views and artistic differences. On February 29, the same day Lenz announced Dinner for Vampires, Hilarie Burton posted a graphic claiming "Imitation isn't the highest form of flattery," which some fans considered a reference to the similarities between their two book covers. Deuxmoi also claims the Tree Hill alums clash over LGBTQ+ views.

Warner Bros. Television

Rumors of a feud intensified when Burton announced she was stepping back from the One Tree Hill rewatch podcast Drama Queens (which she co-hosted with Lenz and Sophia Bush). “We have reached the end of my behind-the-scenes experience on the show, and so I really started to question what I brought to this, but also how we keep that storytelling alive and important,” Burton said on the July 8 episode.

This decision to leave the show, and be replaced by Robert Buckley, confused fans even further. "We already had to experience the heartbreak of Hilarie leaving/getting kicked off the show as a regular. And now the podcast?" one Instagram comment reads. "Hilarie adds WAY too much entertainment to the show, we need her."

"Hilarie was very much looking forward to watching season 7 through 9 way back at the start of the podcast," another adds. "Disappointing 😞"

Warner Bros. Television

While Bethany Joy Lenz' appearance on Call Her Daddy provides OTH fans with plenty of behind-the-scenes details (like the how the "most iconic" Nathan & Haley moment was that kiss in the rain), she also talks about being part of the Big House Family Cult — and how she basically "disappeared for 10 years."

While there was "nothing to be suspicious about" at first, her experience in the group morphed into something that left her isolated and dealing with the effects of PTSD.

"The stakes were so high," she tells People. "They were my only friends. I was married into this group. I had built my entire life around it. If I admitted that I was wrong...everything else would come crumbling down."

Warner Bros. Television

Despite the fact the group convinced her she couldn't trust her One Tree Hill costars, Bethany Joy Lenz has had plenty of opportunities to bond with them since the show wrapped in 2012. In addition to Drama Queens, the One Tree Hill cast recently reunited for OTH Day in Wilmington, North Carolina, where they shot the show.

"Dangit, I love spending time with my Tree Hill family!" Lenz said in an Instagram post. "THANK YOU to everyone who came out! It never gets old visiting Tree Hill and seeing the love you guys continue showing all of us."

And while news of a sequel series was leaked in September, both Hilarie Burton and Bethany Joy Lenz say it's "too early" to confirm who will be returning. Stay tuned for the latest news!

Warner Bros. Television

Can't get enough of One Tree Hill? Check out why This One Moment Proves Brooke Davis Is The Best Character.

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13 Cheap Dinner Ideas For Big Savings On Your Grocery Bill

Dinner doesn't have to break the bank to be delicious and satisfying. Imagine savoring a hearty bowl of veggie soup or twirling your fork through a plate of creamy lemon pasta – all without stretching your wallet. We're here to break it to you that it's entirely possible to create a variety of mouthwatering meals that are as kind to your budget as they are to your taste buds. Explore our 13 fave cheap dinner ideas that prove great flavor doesn’t have to come at a high price!

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Fried Rice

Leftover rice is the key to making some bomb fried rice. For the veggies, you can use frozen carrots, peas, and bell peppers, which is way more cost-effective than buying them fresh. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

These sheet pan fajitas only require a few ingredients, plus plenty of spices that you likely already have sitting in your kitchen. The one-pan aspect of this recipe also makes it super easy and quick, an ideal meal for busy weeknights. (via Brit + Co)

Rebecca Firsker

Citrusy Shakshuka

This savory, citrusy shaksuka only costs around $2 per serving. Using canned goods saves you heaps of money! (via Brit + Co)

Vikalinka

Easy Dan Dan Noodles

The limited ingredient list for this noodle recipe means spending less at the store. But just because you're spending less, doesn't mean that this dish isn't full of flavor! Plus, these noodles are totally on the same level as any costly takeout option. (via Vikalinka)

Averie Cooks

Easy 10-Minute Shrimp Scampi

This shirmp scampi is so worth it, but it doesn't break the bank at all. What's better is that it's packed with protein! (via Averie Cooks)

A Virtual Vegan

Vegan Veggie Soup

This vegan soup is the tastiest excuse to clean out your fridge and freezer. You can easily use canned or frozen veggies in favor of fresh ones to save some coins. (via A Virtual Vegan)

The First Mess

Oven-Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Caper Raisin Relish

Any veggie-based dish is going to be a bit more budget-friendly, since you're not necessarily splurging on meaty proteins. These elevated roasted cabbage wedges hit all the flavor marks, and are ready in just 30 minutes. (via The First Mess)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Browned Butter Lemon Dill Pasta

Brown butter is a quick and easy way to elevate any sort of recipe from savory to sweet, but it really shines in this simple lemon-dill pasta dish, making the flavors more complex and well-rounded. This cheap dinner idea only requires 5 easy-to-find ingredients! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

The Fast Recipe

Easy Spam Eggs and Rice

Spam, eggs, and rice are all some of the cheapest items you can snag at the store. Combine all three for a deliciously easy meal to indulge in after a long day! (via The Fast Recipe)

Rachel Mansfield

Crispy Sweet Potato Chicken Taquitos

All you need is 6 simple ingredients to craft these extra-crunchy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside taquitos. You can even freeze the leftovers once they're done to make your cooking efforts stretch and save you money in the future. (via Rachel Mansfield)

The Girl on Bloor

Instant Pot Chana Masala

If you're willing to do a bit of prep work, this chana masala gets done in about 20 minutes. The most expensive components are likely the chickpeas, onion, and canned tomatoes – but they're not going to set you back too much, plus this recipe yields lots of servings to supply you with ample leftovers. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Earthly Provisions

Vegan Chickpea Broccoli Stir Fry

Toss some chickpeas and broccoli in a pan with this recipe's delicious stir fry sauce for a little bit, then serve over some freshly-made rice for a healthy, cost-effective dinner. (via Earthly Provisions)

Completely Delicious

Salmon Patties

This simple salmon patty dinner idea is easy to whip up and even easier to devour. Each one is seasoned to perfection with the help of lemon and herbs. The best part is you can use canned salmon or even leftover cooked salmon (way cheaper than fresh) to form each bite! (via Completely Delicious)

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The 20 Absolute Best TV Kisses Of All Time, Ranked

As a chronic binge-watcher and hopeless romantic, I've fallen in love with numerous TV show couples over the years. And while every couple I come across may not be end game, some of them have the all-time best kisses to grace our televisions. From a classic couple like Luke and Lorelai to my controversial take on Dan and Blair, there are just some kisses that are earth-shatteringly good. You know — the hand-in-the-hair, passionate kisses that you've waited for season after season? Yeah, those.

So, without further ado, this is my definitive ranking of the best TV show kisses of all time!

20th Century Fox Television

Nick and Jess from New Girl

My #1 favorite TV kiss of all time is Jess and Nick's first kiss. It's truly unbeatable! This will-they-won't-they situation left us all begging for them to finally get together — and boy, did they come through! The tension and chemistry between this pair had me truly convince they must be a couple in real life. This kiss had so much passion, and it made fans everywhere so happy that it FINALLY happened. Honorable mention for Cece and Schmidt, because they're also a fave TV couple!

Netflix

Joanne and Noah from Nobody Wants This

Joanne and the Hot Rabbi — I mean Noah — come in at #2 here. I haven't fallen in love with a show this hard in such a long time, and their first kiss made me feel the same way I did when I watched New Girl. It had all the same passion, pent-up chemistry, and even the whole going-in-for-seconds thing going for it. Let's hope we get even more of their amazing chemistry in season 2!

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Rachel and Ross from Friends

Rachel and Ross are a classic TV couple — and for good reason. We fell in love with their on-again-off-again relationship over so many seasons, but most of all we admired their ability to put the past behind them (ie: the "we were on a break" situation of it all). But I'm still not over their season 2 kiss in the coffee shop...itt was everything! Truly one of the best TV kisses ever.

20th Century Fox Television

Luke and Lorelai from Gilmore Girls

Hello, the friends-to-lovers arc has officially entered the chat! Being a romantic doesn't just mean you want the whole "love at first sight" thing. It can also be romantic to have the foundation of a friendship over years and years, because that creates the ultimate compatibility, IMO! These two are the perfect example of that, and their first kiss was well worth the wait.

ABC Entertainment

Fitz and Olivia from Scandal

These two quite literally invented the word chemistry, and since it's about time for my annual re-watch of the show, of course I had to add Fitz and Olivia to the list. While their first kiss occurred before the first episode technically, their first on-screen kiss was one of the most memorable ever! I rewatch this literally every single year — and their fiery relationship has everything to do with it. If you haven't watched it yet... consider it time.

Netflix

Charlotte and George from Queen Charlotte

Often dubbed as the best story in the Bridgerton world, Queen Charlotte has one of the best kisses, too! In this show, you truly see how compassion, respect, loyalty, and kindness come together to create a fierce passion for one another that translates so beautifully into Charlotte and George's first kiss. You want to root for them, episode after episode. Can we get another season of this please?!

Warner Bros. Television

Dan and Blair from Gossip Girl

Okay hear me out on this...while I love Chuck and Blair (and I really, really do), I happen to think Blair and Dan's relationship is one of the most romantic of the series. Like I said before, I love a good friends-to-lovers arc, and these two are the epitome of that. Well...maybe enemies-to-friends-to-lovers... but still! Their kiss was so unexpectedly romantic.

BTW, you can't even try to convince me that Dan loves Serena as much as he loved Blair — it's not even close.

CBS

Fran and Mr. Sheffield from The Nanny

An oldie, but definitely a goodie. With so many seasons of their banter, jealousy, and back-and-forth, Fran and Mr. Sheffield finally get together with a phenomenal first kiss. This was honestly a defining memory for my younger self — these two really showed so much passion, admiration, and love. I just love these two!

Peacock

Leslie and Ben from Parks and Recreation

I love a grumpy/sunshine trope, and Leslie and Ben deliver all that and then some. I rooted so hard for these two when Ben first entered the scene, but I was totally unsure if they would end up together, because of Leslie's, well...insanely positive attitude and outlook on life. But when they finally kissed and got together? It just made sense! Tiny park forever! (Also fully obsessed with April and Andy in this show too — talk about a slow burn!)

Netflix

Colin and Penelope from Bridgerton

I couldn't forget yet another classic Bridgertoncouple — especially given that season 3 was one of the most popular yet! While I had mixed feelings on the season as a whole (season 1 really is so hard to beat!), I truly loved Polin's dynamic and how pure the love confessions were. While the first kiss wasn't truly love-filled, it was indeed filled with chemistry — and lots of it!

Peacock

Pam and Jim from The Office

Oh Jim and Pam. They're a couple that will always be in the history books as one of the best and most romantic TV couples. You can tell from day one how obsessed they are with each other, not just as romantic interests but as besties too. Which is what everyone hopes for in a relationship! As a gal who married her best friend, myself, their first kiss has always been one of my favorites!

Peacock

Damon and Elena from The Vampire Diaries

One of the most passionate first kisses? It has to be Damon and Elena. Their chemistry was all about passion and lust and love, all at once. Their chemistry was truly undeniable — so much so, that the actors even dated in real life for quite some time! This show definitely did such a good job with this couple, making sure they exuded passion, mystery, and romance at every kiss. Plus, the soundtracks were always 10/10 during those moments, too!

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Chandler and Monica from Friends

Gimme all the friends-to-lovers moments, and I'll eat them up every single time! These two were seemingly inevitable — the epitome of end game. We were all convicted it was going to happen at some time, which is why it's so funny to see how shocked all of their friends were when they finally got together. As you can see, this kiss was truly...everything. You can just sense the longing and anticipation between them — so romantic! Needless to say, we miss Matthew Perry big time.

FOX

Kurt and Blaine from Glee

I think we all remember exactly where we were when we witnessed the oh-so-romantic first kiss between Blaine and Kurt. From the love confession to the romance, it was all so sweet — a total 10/10 kiss. BRB...going to rewatch every season of Glee immediately just so I can relive this touching moment!

The CW

Summer and Seth from The O.C.

Adam Brody making this list twice...ICONIC of him. I shouldn't be surprised though — that man has always oozed charisma and romance since his Gilmore Girlsdays. Seriously though, of course I had to add him to the list for Seth and Summer's first kiss! They'll always be our faves.

Amazon Studios

Fleabag and Hot Priest from Fleabag

Hot Priest walked so Hot Rabbi could fly... I don't think there is a hotter TV kiss than this one right here! I truly devoured this show, loving every minute of the Hot Priest Fleabag graced us with. When these two kissed, it was so forbidden, so truly insane — and I freaking loved it. I can't even talk about it for too long, because the ending just rips my heart out every time.

Warner Bros. Television

Chuck and Blair from Gossip Girl

Since we talked about Dan and Blair, I have to redeem myself and also mention Chuck and Blair — because I really do love them, I swear! Every kiss they shared was so good, and I stand by the fact that no one loved each other as much as these two did. And although I feel bad for Dan, ultimately Chuck and Blair were the best match and they exude pure romance every episode. A 10/10 for me, all around.

Amazon Studios

Ruby and James from Maxton Hall

I just binged Maxton Hall in one sitting with my husband and OMG...it's so good. Ruby and James' first kiss was one of my favorites I've seen in a while, and it has me dying for a season 2 already! They're already filming, so fingers crossed we get more of their enemies-to-lovers romance soon!

Amazon Studios

Jane and Guildford from My Lady Jane

This show quickly became an obsession of mine, bringing back true yearning on TV! It's giving "Mr. Darcy hand touch" — and that kiss?! I'll never forgive Amazon Prime for canceling this show. Their romance was widely loved by the masses, so fingers crossed another network will pick up this wildly romantic show ASAP!

20th Century Fox Television

Scully and Mulder from The X Files

There's not many shows that you have to wait 7 whole seasons for the main characters to finally get together, but this one really tests your patience in that regard. I mean, talk about a slow burn! This was the longest burn to have ever burned! But when these two finally kissed, it was well worth it to say the least.

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14 Scary Chic Halloween Costumes That Are Frightfully Perfect

You’re a Disney princess at heart, but you’re looking to take it to the dark side for Halloween. But not too freaky. Or gross. You still want to look, well, sort of pretty and chic. It’s a tall order for sure, but we’re always up to the challenge. We’re sharing 14 spooky-light ideas that will make you the belle of the Halloween ball.

Brit + Co

Spooky Witch

Feeling the astrological effects of the October Theory that's floating around Tiktok? You may be ready to don this chic witch costume.

Brit + Co

Pretty Zombie

Not only is this a sweet take on the classic zombie costume, but it’s an easy look to execute on a budget and to wear to work.

Ruby Tanjarine

Burton’s Doll

We gotta give it up for Tim Burton and his out-of-this-world imagination. This one will require really taking those false lashes to the next level.

Dominique Wesson

Wicked Witch

Why not try your hand at a classic villain by going as one seriously scary Wicked Witch? Broomstick not included.

Target

The Corpse Bride

Talk about the perfect ratio of gore and gorge! Plus the blue hair is totally on trend.

Brit + Co

Ursula From The Little Mermaid

Ursula may have been evil, but she made it look oh so good!

- YouTube

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- YouTube

Creepy Doll

All it takes to scare the living daylights out of your friends are some contact lenses and a bit of makeup. But seriously, this creepy doll is downright terrifying. (via Miss Ellen Melon)

www.instagram.com

Lady Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! We’re loving the feminine touch to this classic Beetlejuice costume.

- YouTube

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- YouTube

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