"I frequently tell new clients, if you have $10 to spend on your renovation or new construction, spend $9 on lighting and $1 on paint."

It's not too late. There are many ways to reduce heating and electric bills without making expensive renovations.

Paint, small bathroom updates, entryway enhancements, and (the big one) adding a deck can not only make huge improvements to your home, but can also add value.

Instead of watching plants shrivel up and die, why not move some indoors to brighten the house during the winter months?

Cruise Instagram or Pinterest, and you'll find numerous examples of warm, cushy reading areas decked out with twinkling string lights and endless built-in shelves. How do you evoke the feeling of having your own library in a small space with a small budget? We surveyed some experts for advice.

With cold weather not far away, many homeowners scramble to replenish their firewood, clean out their wood stoves and inspect their chimneys. For basic information about burning wood, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has expert advice at maine.gov/dacf.

“Because there are more buyers than sellers and houses are moving quickly, buyers must be more aggressive in looking for a home. They need to keep on top of what’s coming on the market and get out and look. They need to act quickly.”