Just because you’re not rolling in the dough doesn’t mean you can’t have a luxurious living room with a theatre-like experience. Upgrade your living room with these high-end updates that won’t break your bank:

If your home doesn’t have a built-in fireplace you can still replicate the classic focal point with an electric fireplace. Whether you are looking for one with a stone mantle or framed in wood you’ll have plenty of options to choose from no matter the size you need. The best part is these fireplaces are just as much functional as they are decorative and will keep you warm all winter long.  

Here’s an upgrade the whole family will love - a new television. If it’s been a hot minute since you bought your television look for more up-to-date tech. A high definition and/or smart tv option will feel luxurious for certain. And of course, there is always the option to upgrade on size.

Install surround sound tv or a soundbar to bring your movie nights to a new level. Video games will feel more intense and movies immersive. With so many options on the market, it doesn’t have to be a huge hit to the wallet. For a true high end look for options that can either easily hide or blend in well with your existing decor.

Create a sleek tv center with a cord hider kit for your wall-mounted television. While this involves a little bit of tool know how to safely drill into the wall, it can be a quick weekend project. Alternatively, there are kits that allow you to hide the cords in a shallow tube without breaking out any power tools. With this option, you will want to make sure you have the paint color of your walls on hand to paint the tube to match.  

Frame your flat screen tv for a chic and unique look. You can DIY this upgrade with some crown molding for a completely custom product. You can also find many tv covers that are much like shutters for your television. When closed they look like a tidy cabinet display.

Add molding around a plain bookcase to bring depth and class to the piece. Molding allows you to easily create a built-in look for a large entertainment center or a window seat flanked by bookshelves. The final product is 100% unique and created for your families needs and preferences.

A coat of paint can make all the difference. Whether it be the walls or just your side tables. For a luxe, high-end look reach for neutrals. To make a statement a vibrant, pop of color will feel chic and stylish. Creating a radical color change can make you feel like you have a whole new room without changing out all your decor.  

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In the quest to find a new home that you love, there are two fundamental things you must know: how much you can realistically afford to spend and what you need to be happy.

Qualifying for a mortgage is one of the first hurdles on the road to home ownership, but loan approval doesn't necessarily mean you can comfortably afford a house you have your eye on.

There are other expenses to factor into the equation, such as closing costs, the down payment, school and property taxes, possible HOA fees, and maintenance costs.

If a house you're considering needs a lot of repairs, updating, and decorating, for instance, those projects could take a big bite out of your bank account and household budget. First-time home buyers and growing families moving into larger homes often have to consider the cost of furniture, new window treatments, and painting supplies. People moving from an apartment or condo to a house may also need to buy a lawnmower, tools, and property maintenance machinery (weed whackers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, etc.)

Once you've determined that you can absorb all those costs without being "house poor," the next step is creating a list of requirements, preferences, and lifestyle goals. For example, if privacy is important to you, you'll need to narrow your search to homes that have a sufficient amount of frontage and space between neighbors and streets. Fences, privacy hedges, and mature trees could also help provide you with the kind of living environment you're looking for.

While the emotional appeal of a house is an important aspect of home-buying decisions, the location of a property and the amount of living space it provides will play a central role in your level of satisfaction. In addition to having enough bedrooms, bathrooms, and storage space, you may also want to consider things like the home's architectural style and whether the floorplan is to your liking.

Many families prioritize the quality of the school district, the look and feel of the neighborhood, and the distance from shopping centers, recreation, and needed services. Also highly desirable is a daily commute to work that isn't too grueling or time consuming!

Since everyone has different goals and needs when it comes to finding the ideal home, there's no one-size-fits-all strategy for zeroing in on the house of your dreams. Although there are a lot of websites that provide great ideas on everything from flooring and countertops to cabinetry and room color, having your real estate agent show you houses that match your specifications is the most productive thing you can do.

Getting out there and physically viewing and walking through houses in your price range will eventually lead you to the home that's just right for you and your family. It's a process in which you need to immerse yourself, but with a little persistence and a clear idea of what you want, you're sure to find the home that checks off most (if not all) of the boxes on your priority and wish lists!

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