Miami County Specialty Town Money Saver | February 2025
Home Improvement and Landscaping Tips!
A Complete Map of Show Vendors in the Centerfold!
O ers and Discounts from Local Businesses and Show Vendors!
Friday, February 14th, 2pm-6pm
Saturday, February 15th, 10am-6pm
Sunday, February 16th, 10am-4pm
Get Your Valentines Treats on Friday of the show from Altimate Outdoor AND Free Carnation to the First 100 Visitors from Trojan Florist!
n behalf of the Western Ohio Home Builders Association, we’re thrilled to welcome you to the Miami County Home and Outdoor Living Show! is event is all about connecting homeowners, future homeowners, and home enthusiasts with the local experts and resources needed to turn their visions into reality.
As you explore the show, you’ll discover a wide variety of exhibitors showcasing the latest trends, products, and services, for both inside and outside your home. Whether you’re looking to remodel your home, upgrade your energy e ciency, create the outdoor living space of your dreams, or nd nishing touches for your new build, you’re sure to leave with inspiration and practical solutions to t your needs.
Our goal is to make this event a valuable experience for everyone. Take the time to meet the talented professionals who are here to help you every step of the way, from planning to completion. Many of them are your neighbors and are deeply committed to making Miami County and the surrounding areas an incredible place to live and grow.
ank you for joining us! Enjoy the show, and don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our exhibitors or our team if you have questions or need assistance.
Your inspiration starts here!
UPGRADE YOUR HOME’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY:
SMART SOLUTIONS TO SAVE MONEY
Looking to make your home more energy-e cient? Upgrading to energy-saving technologies not only reduces your carbon footprint but also helps lower monthly utility bills. Here are some top tips and solutions to get started:
1. Install Energy-E cient Windows and Doors
Old windows and doors can be a signi cant source of energy loss. Consider upgrading to double or triplepane windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings to improve insulation. Ensure your doors are wellsealed and weatherproofed to prevent dra s.
2. Enhance Insulation
Proper insulation in attics, walls, and crawl spaces keeps your home comfortable year-round and reduces heating and cooling demands. Fiberglass, foam, and cellulose are popular insulation materials.
3. Upgrade to Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically, maximizing energy e ciency without sacri cing comfort. Many models allow remote control through smartphone apps.
4. Switch to LED Lighting
LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy and last signi cantly longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. ey’re available in a wide range of colors and brightness levels, making them a versatile choice for any room.
5. Optimize Heating and Cooling Systems
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system ensures it operates e ciently. When it’s time for an upgrade, consider energy-e cient models with high SEER (Seasonal Energy E ciency Ratio) ratings.
FINANCING YOUR HOME RENOVATION PROJECT: A Guide to the Best Options
When it comes to renovating your home, whether it’s updating a kitchen, finishing a basement, or adding a deck, financing your project is an essential part of the planning process. Fortunately, there are several options available to help fund your renovation. Understanding each of them can help you choose the best route for your needs.
HOME EQUITY LOAN
A home equity loan allows you to borrow against the equity you’ve built up in your home. It’s a fixed-rate loan, so you’ll know exactly what your monthly payments will be. With a home equity loan, you receive a lump sum of money, which can be ideal for larger renovation projects.
Pros:
• Fixed interest rates
• Predictable monthly payments
• Lower interest rates compared to personal loans
Cons:
• Your home serves as collateral
• Closing costs may apply
HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT (HELOC)
A HELOC is a line of credit that works like a credit card, but with a much lower interest rate. You can borrow and pay back money as needed for your renovation, which makes it a flexible option. Most HELOCs have a variable interest rate, meaning your monthly payments may change over time.
Pros:
• Flexible access to funds
• Interest is only paid on the amount borrowed
• Typically lower interest rates than credit cards or personal loans
Cons:
• Your home is still the collateral
• Variable interest rates may make budgeting harder
PERSONAL LOAN
If you prefer not to use your home as collateral, a personal loan could be a good option. These unsecured loans come with fixed interest rates and repayment terms. While personal loans may have higher interest rates than home equity options, they can be a good fit for smaller projects or if you don’t have significant equity in your home.
Pros:
• No collateral required
• Fast approval process
• Predictable monthly payments
Cons:
• Higher interest rates compared to home equity loans
• May require a good credit score to qualify for the best rates
CASH-OUT REFINANCE
A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new, larger mortgage. You take the difference between the two loans in cash, which you can use for your renovation. This option can work well if you’ve built significant equity in your home and want to take advantage of current mortgage rates.
Pros:
• Often lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards
• Potential to reduce your existing mortgage rate
• Large sums of money can be accessed for larger projects
Cons:
• Your home is used as collateral
• Closing costs and fees can be high
• Extending your mortgage could lead to a longer repayment period
CREDIT CARDS
For smaller home renovation projects, using a credit card may be an option. Credit cards can offer convenience and immediate access to funds, and if you qualify for a 0% APR introductory offer, you could save on interest for the first 12 to 18 months.
Pros:
• Fast and easy access to funds
• Potential 0% APR for an introductory period
• Convenient for smaller projects
Cons:
• High interest rates after the introductory period
• Can impact your credit score if not paid off quickly
GOVERNMENT LOAN PROGRAMS
Certain government-backed loan programs can help finance home renovations. For example, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a 203(k) loan, which is designed to help homeowners finance home repairs and renovations. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also offers home renovation loans for eligible veterans.
Pros:
• Lower interest rates
• Government-backed programs may have more flexible qualification requirements
Cons:
• May require specific eligibility criteria
• Can be time-consuming to apply
RENOVATION-SPECIFIC LENDERS
Some lenders specialize in providing financing for home renovations. These loans are specifically designed to help homeowners finance large renovations and often come with more flexible terms than traditional home equity loans or lines of credit.
Pros:
• Loans tailored for renovation projects
• Flexible terms
Cons:
• May not be available for all types of renovations
• Qualification requirements may be stricter
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE FINANCING YOUR RENOVATION
Before choosing a financing option, it’s important to take a few key factors into account:
• Your Budget: How much money do you need? Have you received quotes from contractors? Make sure to have a solid idea of the total cost before taking on a loan.
• Your Home Equity: If you have significant equity in your home, a home equity loan or HELOC may be the most cost-effective option.
• Your Credit Score: A strong credit score can help you secure a better interest rate, especially for unsecured loans like personal loans or credit cards.
• Repayment Terms: Understand how much your monthly payments will be and whether you can comfortably afford them in your budget.
Renovating your home is an exciting step, and understanding your financing options is a key part of making it happen. Take the time to explore all available options and choose the one that fits your financial situation and project goals. Whether you decide to tap into your home’s equity, take out a personal loan, or use a credit card, careful planning can help ensure your renovation is a success.
Bringing Comfort to Your Backyard
Transform your backyard into a comfortable oasis with these outdoor living trends:
Outdoor Living Trends for 2025:
1. MOTORIZED PERGOLAS
ese versatile structures provide shade when needed and allow sunlight through at the touch of a button. Many models come with integrated lighting and fans for added comfort.
2. COZY FIRE PITS
Fire pits remain popular for creating a warm gathering space. Choose from gas, wood-burning, or portable models to t your needs.
3. YEAR-ROUND FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES
Invest in weather-resistant furniture for all-season use. Add outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and blankets to extend the comfort of your living room outside.
4. FUNCTIONAL OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Complete your backyard setup with built-in grills, refrigerators, and prep areas. ese features make outdoor entertaining seamless.
5. STYLISH LIGHTING SOLUTIONS
String lights, lanterns, and solar-powered path lights add ambiance and safety to your outdoor space.
By incorporating these trends and ideas, your backyard will become the perfect place to relax, entertain, and enjoy nature year-round.
P ROFE SSIONA L
Do people really hire someone to clean their home windows?
windows and screens cleaned by a quality local company, you ’ ll wonder why you ever attempted to DIY in the past.
it is important to hire someone you
Check out reviews online and ask your friends and neighbors. Ask for an in-person estimate when you call (good companies will have no problem with that). Make sure you are comfortable with the the same person who will be doing the work.
and family that I was going to start a company specializing in there reall and for that? ” Honestly, I didn’t know the over the Miami Valley, the answer is quite clear
dows, but the main reason is TIME. Most people can clean their own windows, they just don’t want to What a professional can do in 2-3 hours would have taken your entire Saturday, at least.
ing chore to you, is just another morning for a professional. Nobody wants to spend their weekend struggling with exten-
Another great reason for hiring an expert is QUALIT Y Most people who clean their own windows use vinegar or other household cleaners- then ask me why their windows are always streaky. I’ll let you all in on the secret formula used by professional window cleaners: soap and water Sounds simple but the combination of skill, experience and attention to detail is what
Some people think this ser vice will be too expensive. Most window cleaning companies in this area charge between $80
though, these people work fast. A good company can take a typical ranch-style home, clean all windows inside and out, wipe out all tracks, and clean all screens for around $200. Better than losing your Saturday in my opinion. L
