Southern Luxury Lifestyle at The American Realty

06/23/2026

Real Estate Is Still The Best Long-Term Investment

According to Bankrate’s latest Financial Security Index Poll, Americans who have money to set aside for the next 10 years would rather invest in real estate than any other type of investment. Bankrate asked Americans to answer the following question: “What is the best way to invest money you wouldn’t need for 10 years or more?” Real Estate came in as the top choice with 28% of all respondents (3% higher than last year), while cash investments – such as savings accounts and CD’s – came in second with 23% (the same as last year)....

According to Bankrate’s latest Financial Security Index Poll, Americans who have money to set aside for the next 10 years would rather invest in real estate than any other type of investment. Bankr…

06/22/2026

DIY Home Inspection Checklist Before Making An Offer

When buying a home, consider a DIY home inspection before making an offer. This gives you peace of mind that everything is in good shape before such a big investment. Depending on where you live, a professional inspection costs buyers, on average, $200 to $400. That can increase dramatically for large or older houses with complicated floor plans. That’s the kind of money you spend when you ...

When buying a home, consider a DIY home inspection before making an offer. This gives you peace of mind that everything is in good shape before such a big investment. Depending on where you live, a…

06/21/2026

12 Backyard Games to Play All Summer Long

The sun is shining, you’ve got hours of free time stretching out before you, and the backyard is beckoning. From supersize Scrabble to yard Yahtzee and disc golf, make the most of your summer weekends (or staycation) with one or more of these play-for-hours outdoor games. 1. Bean bag toss. This game is a backyard classic for a reason: It’s quick and easy to get started, works for all ages and doesn’t take up a lot of space....

The sun is shining, you’ve got hours of free time stretching out before you, and the backyard is beckoning. From supersize Scrabble to yard Yahtzee and disc golf, make the most of your summer weeke…

06/20/2026

10 Insights On Working With a Kitchen Designer

Enlisting an experienced pro can take your kitchen project to the next level. Here’s how to make the most of it. With the average major kitchen overhaul costing homeowners tens of thousands of dollars, it’s no wonder that 85 percent of kitchen renovators turn to a professional for help in ensuring that their money is well spent. In many cases, that professional is a kitchen designer....

Enlisting an experienced pro can take your kitchen project to the next level. Here’s how to make the most of it. With the average major kitchen overhaul costing homeowners tens of thousands of doll…

06/19/2026

Questions You May Have About Selling Your House

There’s no denying mortgage rates are having a big impact on today’s housing market. And that may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house and make a move. Here are three of the top questions you may be asking – and the data that helps answer them. 1. Should I Wait To Sell?...

There’s no denying mortgage rates are having a big impact on today’s housing market. And that may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house and make a move…

06/18/2026

4 Storage Ideas For Your Kitchen Island

A lot of attention goes into selecting the right storage for an island’s main base cabinetry. But don’t forget about the ends of the island. Depending on which way your island faces and how much space you’ve got in relation to the drawers and cabinets you select, you’ve got plenty of options for display and storage. Here are four ideas to get your creative juices flowing…...

A lot of attention goes into selecting the right storage for an island’s main base cabinetry. But don’t forget about the ends of the island. Depending on which way your island faces and how much sp…

06/17/2026

6 Trends From The Most Popular Sunrooms

It’s a nice time of year to enjoy your sunroom. And if you don’t have one, now is a good time to start making plans for one, as these window-lined rooms are a real treat to spend time in when warm summer days seem like a distant memory. Called “Florida rooms” by many, they are filled with sunlight and bring a piece of sunny vacationlands to our homes during the colder months....

It’s a nice time of year to enjoy your sunroom. And if you don’t have one, now is a good time to start making plans for one, as these window-lined rooms are a real treat to spend time in when warm …

06/16/2026

The Polite House To Hosting Guests

This is Part 2 of an answer to a question posed by a reader who lives in a popular vacation destination and wants to know how to properly set limits for the numerous houseguests she and her husband entertain throughout the year — often involving long stays, getting stuck driving guests around, visiting attractions numerous times per year, and guests not offering to cover gas or food costs....

06/15/2026

Knowledge Is Power on the Path to Homeownership

Homeownership is on the goal list for many young adults, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly how to get there. From understanding the homebuying process to pre-approval and down payment assistance options, uncertainty along the way can ultimately hold some buyers back. Today, there are over 75 million Millennials and 67 million Gen Z’ers in the U.S., making up a significant number of both current and soon-to-be homebuyers....

06/14/2026

Most Popular Kitchens From Around The World

Take a virtual trip to 12 countries, including India and Russia, to see the most popular kitchens. 1. Australia This home in Brisbane, on the country’s east coast, embodies the kind of lifestyle to which so many Australians aspire. Its mix of classic elements like the black-and-white color palette, marble counters and backsplash, and refined Hamptons style create a solid feel with a light look....