When you’re searching for—and ultimately settling into—a new house, it’s all about prioritizing the to-do list. And in these days of do-it-all-from-home, one of the very first steps for movers is to install ultra-fast, reliable internet and TV services. To get up and running as soon as possible, you can look to Optimum.

Moving or searching for a new internet or television provider? Now is a great time to explore all that Optimum has to offer. With Optimum set up in your new home, you can kick back from a full day of moving and enjoy your favorite TV channels and more.

Moving into a new home is an opportunity for a fresh start, and that includes your internet and TV service providers. Whether you are moving from a region with different providers or are searching for better service, Optimum is well worth your consideration—the company strives to make moving simple. (When it comes to setting up internet and TV service, at least! Hanging up pictures and arranging furniture is up to you.)

As any mover knows, being able to unwind and recharge is essential—and Optimum can help make that happen ASAP. With free installation available when you order online and a streamlined process for getting you connected to the internet, you can have reliable, fast, and whole-home WiFi coverage set up before you even find the box with your silverware.

With more dining room tables serving as remote offices these days, it’s essential to get back online with high-speed, reliable internet before your next workday. Optimum offers award-winning internet services with speeds up to 1 Gig, 99.9% reliability, no data caps, built-in internet security and Smart WiFi 6 that helps your connection reach the far corners of the house.

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through real estate listings in search of that “hidden gem,” chances are you’ve noticed terms like “cozy” or “charming” popping up again and again. If you’ve taken your search a step further and done an in-person walk through, you may have been disappointed by the reality.

The truth? Listing agents sometimes use the term cozy and other listing lingo to distract buyers from unwanted features, whether that’s a tiny footprint, cramped bedrooms, or outdated features. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes, cozy means what it sounds like: a comfy space that’s just right for all the R&R you can dream of. The important thing is to be able to tell the difference.

We asked Realtors what they really mean when they say cozy, and how to see beyond the lingo and make the best possible decision on a home.

Cozy

One of the most common real estate terms out there is cozy—and as you can guess, it’s often a euphemism for “short on square footage.” “You rarely hear someone say a large room is cozy, so this can tend to be an optimistic and affectionate way to focus on the endearing qualities and potential of a smaller room or space,” says Arizona-based Realtor John Gluch.

But it’s not always about space (or lack thereof). Sometimes, Gluch says, the term can actually refer to positive elements, like a home’s ambiance. Maybe the house has features that make it feel especially conducive to relaxation, such as a fireplace or mood lighting. A Realtor may also call a home cozy to help potential buyers visualize themselves doing something, well, cozy. “This usually means comfy and inviting furniture or architecture in a small nook, alcove, or room that invites intimate conversations, reading, or just looking out the window,” he says.

Some of the biggest decisions about homeownership come after you’ve closed the deal. Should you renovate that dated kitchen? Will adding an additional bathroom increase the value of your home? But also: How many place settings do you actually need? Should you ever buy anything at full-price? And what’s the deal with renting furniture? Is It Worth It addresses your questions big and small.

The ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, is an increasingly popular solution to a variety of real estate problems. Need a separate space for your studio or home office? A flat for your in-laws or adult kids to live in, nearby but under a separate roof? A rental unit to supplement your income? An ADU may be the answer. Relatively affordable, extremely adaptable, these mini-homes are popping up everywhere — especially in California, which has aggressively changed their laws on ADUs to help alleviate housing shortages, and especially since COVID, which transformed our work-from-home needs.

But, is adding an ADU actually worth it? As with most things, the answer is, it depends. We talked to real estate agents and homeowners to get their insights. Here’s what to know if you’re thinking of adding an accessory dwelling unit to your home.

But First: What Is an ADU?

If you’re wondering what exactly an ADU is, you’re not alone; few buyers and many real estate agents, especially those who don’t specialize in investment purchases, know the term. But you probably have heard the term “mother-in-law suite” or, perhaps, “granny flat.” They are one and the same. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, ADUs are “additional living quarters on single-family lots that are independent of the primary dwelling unit.” They can be attached or detached and may have separate kitchens and bathrooms, but they cannot be sold separately. They’ve been around since the early 20th century, and they’ve been on the rise in the last few years.

So: Is Adding an ADU Worth It?

Here, we look at the pros and cons of adding an ADU to your home.

Melanie Gnau and her husband spent 5 years living in an Airstream in order to save up for their first home, a fixer-upper in Asheville, North Carolina. They used the proceeds from their Airstream to fund the renovations, which were extensive. They spent most of their funds on a complete overhaul of their home before they officially moved in. “When we bought our home, it needed new electrical and the drywall was in bad shape, so we decided to tear it all out and replace it. We did all of the demo work ourselves, but hired out the electrical and the drywall installation.” They also refinished the floors and added new doors and trim throughout the home.

When they were finished, their remaining budget was very (very) tight – which meant they had to get creative when it came to finally fixing up their guest room. Here’s how they did it, how much it cost, and their best advice for making the most of your just-moved-in budget.

What was your vision for the guest room?

“Guest room” is kind of a loose term. We use it to store stuff for our business, pack orders and take pictures. So, it needed it to be light and bright, have good storage, and function as a room for the rare guest.

Originally, when I had been trying to work in my husband’s office, we had a dresser in the room, but I really like to be alone to work and so does he. So I switched out the dresser for a “desk” – two thrifted filing cabinets with a piece of wood on top.

How do you convert the room from office to bedroom?

When I turn this room into a guest bedroom, I change out the linens and leave out my fluffiest towels for my guests. I realize that this might not be as comfortable as a hotel, but I try to make it welcoming. I light a candle and if it’s in season, I’ll cut some flowers from my garden. I’ll also clear my workstuff off the desk so they can have space to unpack or set things.