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The Guide to Gift Giving for the Holidays

In theory, holiday shopping should be easy. However, when you start looking at specific options, that’s where it can get difficult. That’s why we’ve got your back. With ideas to suit every interest and budget, you’re sure to find the perfect gift on our website for your loved ones.

We have just what you need to show the woman in your life some love this holiday season. Find her a gift as special as she is.

“I have enough jewelry,” said no woman ever. Whether her jewelry makes a statement or is simple and elegant, you’re sure to find something special in our extensive jewelry listings. You can get a variety of great deals on gorgeous jewelry on our website. She’ll love it!

Search for Jewelry now!

If your favorite lady loves clothes and accessories, but you aren’t quite sure where to shop, have no fear - you have come to the right place. From jeans to dresses, you’ll find a long list of brand name items at bargain prices. Better yet, you can round out her outfit with shoes and a purse that she’ll love.

Search for Clothing & Apparel now!

Can’t find just the right item for the special woman in your life? Forget stuff, give her an experience! Every girl craves the chance to sit back and indulge. Cement your reputation as the best gift-giver ever when you give her a relaxing spa day, the ultimate pampering experience.

Search for Health & Wellness Services now!

No matter his interest, we have just what you are looking for. For the guy who has everything: gadgets, gizmos and gear galore!

Does he need a new laptop or a better tablet? We have the latest upgrades available at affordable prices. Get headphones that will do justice to his favorite tunes, or buy a Go Pro so you can watch his crazy outdoor adventures from the comfort of your living room.

Search for Computers & Electronics now!

Saws, Drills, Hammers! Oh my! We’ve got the complete package for your guy. Whether DIY home improvement projects are his thing, or car grease is an accessory he rarely goes without, you can find just the tools he needs.

Search for Tools now!

Just because the weather outside is frightful, doesn’t mean you have to give up on fresh air! We have sports equipment for all seasons, from skis and snowboards to kayaks and golf clubs. These are gifts that will keep on giving all year round, giving you and your man a chance to have enjoyable and fun workouts in without spending hours at the gym.

Search for Sports Equipment now!

We made a list and checked it twice. Now you can find the perfect gift to make your kiddos smile this holiday season.

Give your child the gift of fun and adventure this holiday season. Whether your kid is a toddler who needs a strider or they’re advanced enough for a dirt jumper, a bicycle is an ideal gift for all ages. Just be sure to research first, as size really does matter. Is your kid a real daredevil? Opt for a skateboard instead. Either way, don’t forget the helmet!

Search for Bicycles now!

Gifts for your kids that encourage movement and exercise are always great, appreciated and in the generation of everything-tech, they’re necessary. But let’s face it: gaming systems are the greatest gifts, ever. See the shock and awe when your kids unwrap the latest gaming system, accessories and games while you sit back and relax, knowing you found it all at a great price. BONUS: Once your kids go to bed, you’ll have a new toy to play with!

Search for Computers & Electronics now!

Does your son excitedly ask to pet every dog he passes at the park? Does your daughter squeal any time she sees a fluffy kitty in the window? Skip the toys and consider a new furry addition to your family instead. It’s probably safe to say that no other gift can better guarantee a smile, or tears of joy, from your kids. Imagine how thrilled they’ll be when they find a four-legged friend sitting under the tree with a bow on its head! That’s a picture-worthy moment in the making.

Just be sure to do your research on the perfect breed before you adopt the newest member of your family.

Search for Pets now!

Wrap up this year’s gifts with a stocking full of surprises. This year’s top stocking stuffers include sunglasses and watches for him, perfume and make-up for her, and LEGOs, pens and stuffed animals for the kids. We have all these and more at prices that will make you a happy bargain shopper.

Search for Stocking Stuffers now!

Our deals may last everyday, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to get your holiday shopping done. We’re ready for you to get started today!

And remember, ClassifiedAds.com isn’t just a great place to buy gifts at affordable prices. We sell both new and used items on our website. If you receive unwanted gifts this year, you don’t have to start a family feud. Post an ad of your own, and find a new home for that doodad or whatsit. Then, buy that special something you really wanted instead!

Using ClassifiedAds.com to Shop for a New Car

Today, finding a dealership is easier than ever -- but when it comes to finding a car, you may want to reference a source you can trust. ClassifiedAds.com is here to help you find the perfect car. Follow these simple steps to begin your search today:

To begin your car search on our site, simply follow these easy steps:

1. From the homepage, click the "Vehicles" category. This will take you to a list of all the cars currently on the site.

2. From there, use the drop-down menu under the "All Vehicles" tab navigate to any of the subcategories on the page, such as cars, trucks, classic cars or SUV's.

3. Input your preferences into the drop-down form, including make, model and year of the car you want.

4. Click "Search."

5. Browse your results. It's not uncommon for our results pages to feature dozens of car listings, so you'll have a variety of options.

Pets Rule Halloween: the Top 10 Pet Costumes that Put Them on Top!

Halloween is almost here and we can hardly wait! The spooky decorations, the candy and costumes surround us. But Halloween isn’t just for humans. In fact, dressing up isn’t just for us either, it’s for our pets too!

Perhaps the best thing about this spooktastic holiday is cute furry animals in costumes. Check out our countdown below of the Top 10 Halloween Costumes for Pets for ideas on how to dress your pets!

10) Where’s Waldo?

Looking for Waldo? You’ll probably find him bobbing for apples or mingling near the snack table. And by mingling we do mean hovering near your guests’ feet looking for scraps.

9) Doggie Martini

Cone of shame? No thanks. We’ll take a barktini with three olives instead. But please remember: shaken, not stirred.

8) Princess Snow White

Snow White, or Grumpy? Dress your cat as Snow White and the costume can double as one of the Seven Dwarfs!

7) Captain Jack Sparrow

Why are the bones always gone?! Dress your pooch up as Captain Jack Sparrow and he’ll live up to the name. Make sure you don’t leave the Halloween candy unattended, or that’ll disappear too! Yarrr Matey!

6) The Mad Hatter

Emphasis on mad. Your pup will be the hit of the party! Though don’t expect him to stay and sip tea too long, he’ll likely want to cut out early. After all, you don’t want him to be late for a very important date with the White Rabbit.

5) Ewok

Is your dog’s breed a Shih Tzu, Brussels Griffon or Pekingese? Just throw on the traditional hooded vest and your Ewok will be ready for trick-or-treating! It turns out you don’t need to travel the galaxy to the forest moon of Endor to find Ewoks.

4) Crayola Crayons

Get a group of your best pups together and coordinate for the party. Opt to brighten it up with a box of crayons with a built-in barker. Oops, we mean sharpener!

3) Spider

Resist the urge to burn your house down and use this costume to your benefit. Dress your pooch up as a “woof” spider and you’ll send your trick-or-treaters running for the hills. Grab a handful of candy, sit back, and watch the chaos ensue.

2) Taco

It might be safe to say cats and dogs alike don’t want to taco bout it.

1) Batman & Robin

Na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na….BATMAN! But don’t forget Robin! If your dog has a buddy, make sure they coordinate. There’s nothing more awkward than showing up to the dog park dressed as the same superhero.

Need more inspiration? Check out our Halloween listings. You really can’t go wrong when you dress your furry-friend for the holiday!

Plan a Spooky Fun “Halloweekend” using ClassifiedAds.com!

Halloween is on a Monday this year. Does that mean we get to celebrate the entire weekend leading up to the big day? There’s plenty of time to trick, treat, haunt, and spook, so make sure you have the weekend planned to perfection! What’s even better? We have plenty of events rounded up for you for Halloween, which are sure to spook you!

1) Haunted Houses

Halloween would not be complete without a heart-pumping haunted house experience. Do you have what it takes to get through without a scream? Dress up, grab a few close friends, and prepare to be scared! Find out where haunted houses are in your city.

2) Costume Parties

Already have your costume picked out? Go all-out with your outfit, makeup, and hair, and win that Halloween costume contest! Find out where costume parties and masquerade balls in your city are.

3) Fall Festivals

Still haven’t carved out a pumpkin for the front porch? Plan a daytime outing to a local pumpkin patch or a fall festival, and get going on that Jack-o-Lantern! Enjoy some yummy goodies and hot apple cider while you’re out enjoying the crisp autumn air. Find pumpkin patches and fall festivals in your city.

4) Spooktacular Scary Movie Fests

After a day of pumpkins, candy, and costumes, save some time for scary movies! Turn off the lights, pop in the DVD, and snuggle up with popcorn and blankets. Find scary movies near you.

Looking for a Halloween activity we didn’t mention? Continue your search for the perfect holiday event on ClassifiedAds.com and have a spooky but Happy Halloween!

The Ultimate Halloween Guide for 2016 - Costumes, Décor, and More!

The leaves are changing colors, the days getting shorter, and we know what this means! Halloween is near!

Do you have your decorations up? Are your kids already bugging you because they want to spook the neighbors with scary décor for the yard or on the house? Beat them to it, and use our guide below to get in the spirit!

Halloween Costumes

Boys’ Costumes – Find costumes close to home. Dress him up as Batman, Kylo Ren or a Ninja Turtle. That’s not all though! See other new, fun costumes listed on our website!

Girls’ Costumes – What’s new for girls this Halloween? Dress up as a Shopkin, a cat, or Wonder Woman. Find more inspiration on our website!

Baby Costumes – A princess, Dory, or Spiderman? The ideas are endless, and always cute, for your little ones!

Costume Accessories – Face paint, wigs, gloves, masks, or magic wands. You or your kids will need to accessorize to win those costume contests!

Halloween Services

Handyman Services – Need help with decorations? Need the leaves raked? Let us connect you to someone close to home who wants to help you.

Makeup Services – Make sure the little one’s get the best of the holiday. Help them stand out in the crowds by adding face paint or getting their hair done before trick or treating!

Cleaning Services – While your kids are bound to have a blast, Halloween can be extremely messy. Make sure you clean up glitter and dirt with a local cleaning service.

Halloween Décor

Pumpkins – Don’t stroll around town searching for the best pumpkin. Search our listings to find the best pumpkin patches and hand-select the one you want!

Inflatables – Kids will love stopping by your house, and nothing shows you care more for the Hallmark Holiday.

Halloween Events

Trick or Treat – Find out which community events your kids can attend in your neighborhood!

Halloween Parties – What’s happening near you? Masquerade Balls, Haunted House Parties, Pumpkin Patch Events, and more! Find local parties for both kids and adults.

Need more inspiration, check out our Halloween listings! Happy Halloween shopping!

Let's Throw a Party! Plan the Perfect Halloween Party with Help from ClassifiedAds.com

Let your next party be an unforgettable one with perfect planning. To host a successful event, consider the occasion, guest list and venue to create a party everyone enjoys. Follow these tips when you plan your next event, whether you're hosting a birthday bash, toasting a happy couple at a shower or ringing in a new year.

Choose a Theme that Inspires You

A theme serves as your inspiration for all aspects of your event, from the food and drink menu to the centerpieces and activities. Your party theme should speak to the type of event, honor the interests of the host or guest of honor and complement the venue's existing decor. For example, a birthday party at a pool fits well with a Hawaiian luau theme, while an engagement party at a rooftop bar suits a cocktail party theme. Browse ClassifiedAds.com to find a variety of collectibles that just might inspire a color scheme or theme for your big event.

Create a Dazzling Design and Decor

Assess your venue to determine the types of decor items you will need. Some potential areas for decoration include the following:

• Tables and chairs

• Buffet tables, shelves, mantles and cocktail tables

• Stage, dance floor and doorways

Peruse the household and furniture category, where you can find end tables and chairs to create a cozy lounge area at your party, as well as decor items such as vases and candlesticks to enhance the event space. For a unique art idea, look for inspiring books and magazines featuring intricate illustrations, from which you can cut out and frame as the backdrop of table numbers or place cards.

Get Creative with DIY Projects

Add a personal touch to your next celebration by tackling some do-it-yourself projects. The perfect way to inspire your DIY streak is the arts and crafts category, where you can find an array of supplies and projects. Check out the hobbies category, where you can find a variety of props for parties, from bird feeders you can paint to glass wine bottles that can double as festive vases. Other DIY projects to consider include:

• Filling vases with colorful ornaments, lighted branches or handwritten signs on dowel rods

• Framing photos of the guest of honor or inspirational quotes that nod to the event and placing them throughout the venue

• Using large canvases to create colorful abstract art to decorate the walls of spacious venues

Don't forget to pick up the tools you need to finish these DIY masterpieces. With a little help from ClassifiedAds.com, you can plan the perfect party.

Houses for Rent: Find the Place for You

With the right resources, finding a rental home doesn't have to be confusing. Before you sign the lease, consider these tips for finding the perfect rental home. Then, browse ClassifiedAds.com to find your next home.

Set Your Budget

Before you go rental house hunting, you need to know how much you can afford to spend. When you establish a clear price range for your monthly rent, you can focus your housing search on those properties that are financially viable. Tally up your monthly expenses, excluding any current housing costs, as well as your monthly income. Determine the difference and decide what percentage of that money you're willing to put toward rent. For example, you might have $1,000 available per month for housing, but you want to set aside $300 a month to save for a down payment on a house. Account for those saving goals when setting your housing budget.

Search Your New City

Searching for a house to rent in a new city presents unique challenges. You don't know what neighborhood offers the right mix of convenience, accessibility, safety and culture that suits your preferences. Assessing these factors can narrow your neighborhood search:

• Commute time: How far are you willing to drive to work every day?

• Walkability: How pedestrian-friendly is the neighborhood?

• Schools: How are public schools rated in the area?

• Safety: What do the local police department's crime statistics say about the community?

• Convenience: How close are you to the local hotspots -- nightlife, dining, sports stadiums and parks?

In addition, before you rent, spend some time in the area, walking or driving around at different times of day to get a sense of traffic and soak in the local culture.

Find the Right Place

You've determined how much you can afford and focused your search on a few neighborhoods. Now you're ready to find your next home. First, find a reliable real estate agent or property management company that can show you each home and answer the following questions:

• What bills, if any, are included in the monthly rent?

• What bills is the tenant responsible for?

• What is the lease term, and is there a discount for a longer lease?

• Are pets allowed?

• Is the tenant responsible for lawn maintenance?

The answers to these questions can help to guide you to the right rental home. Naturally, pet owners will need a pet-friendly abode, while potential tenants looking for maintenance-free living might not want to mow the lawn.

A focused search and a thorough question-and-answer session about each property will help you find the right place to call home.

5 Ways ClassifiedAds.com Can Help You Find Work

ClassifiedAds.com is a great tool to help you find work as it's free to use and place an advert for jobs, community services and so much more. Quality listings and relevant searches are just two aspects of our site that we love, and you can make the most of your job search on our site with these five tips:

1. Use a Refined Search

Perhaps the classic way to use ClassifiedAds.com is to find jobs via the search tool. Several top companies post jobs daily for you to browse through, which you can refine by searching for keywords relevant to your job. You can also focus your search by location, making it easier to find something close to home or in the city you want to move to.

2. Advertise Yourself

In addition to perusing the jobs page, it helps to advertise that you're looking for work -- which is a free feature to use on our website. While you shouldn't post your entire resume online, you can include a strong cover letter to encourage companies to contact you.

3. Find Equipment

If it's a lack of equipment that's holding you back, consider finding the tools you need to get the job done on ClassifiedAds.com. You might find a cheap computer or second-hand equipment you can use for your business at a good price.

4. Build Contacts

If you want to give a little back and build contacts at the same time, check out the community section on our website. Networking and building contacts is a big part of finding a new job, and community service and volunteering looks good on resumes too.

5. Build Your Skills

Ongoing training and classes offer an opportunity to hone your skills in a particular area. If you're looking to learn a new skill or renew a certification, there may be a classified ad for you. Even a nationally recognized first aid certification can look great on a resume, and it might be the edge you need to land that job. You can even find career services who help you get where you need to go.

Finding the right job isn't just limited to clicking on a few ads. Be smart in your job search, use the tips above, and with a little persistence you'll be on your way to the first day of your next job.

Baby on the Way? Get Ready With ClassifiedAds.com!

Babies sure do need a lot of equipment! If you have a baby on the way, you're probably wondering just what you need to prepare for the arrival of your bundle of joy (and just what can wait for later). Here's some insight into the basics to buy to get you started.

Before Baby Arrives

There are a number of things you'll need before baby makes his or her grand appearance, including a crib and bedding, blankets of various sizes, diapers, and such personal care items as baby lotion, shampoo, nail clippers, an infant-sized comb and brush, nursery monitor and an infant thermometer. Though you can pick up many of these things later, baby's transition to home will be smoother if you already have them in place.

At the Hospital

In most cases, the hospital or birthing center you choose will supply what you need for the baby right after birth, but it's a good idea to prepare for the trip home. You'll need a car seat, and you may want a car seat cover to keep baby comfortable in bad weather. You'll also need a diaper bag stocked with diapers, wipes, and a change of clothing. Of course, you'll need a season-appropriate outfit to bring baby home in. Opt for something cute, for all of those photo ops, but comfortable for baby and easy to put on and take off. Don't forget a few things for the parents too, such as a book to pass the time, lip gloss, and a comfortable change of clothing.

Clothing

Babies grow out of clothing surprisingly quickly, so don't break the bank on newborn sizes. Instead, limit yourself to the following:

• Onsies (several)

• Pajamas (several)

• Socks (several)

• Hats (one or two)

• Outfits (a few)

• A sweater

• A winter coat or snowsuit (depending on the climate and the season)

Getting Around With Baby

Besides the car seat that you already have covered for the ride home, you'll need a stroller for walks with baby. Keep in mind that there are some stroller/car seat combination options that allow you to lift the car seat out and attach it to the stroller instead of removing baby from the car seat. This can prove particularly handy when you're dealing with a sleepy or cranky infant or bad weather. You may also need a sling or other type of baby carrier and a jogging stroller if you plan to be active with baby.

Fortunately, there's no need to search high and low for the items you need for your new baby. Search the Items for Sale section of ClassifiedAds.com for everything from cribs to strollers.

How to Purchase a Car from a Dealership

If you choose to purchase your new car from a dealership, be prepared for a bit of a wait. Most experts estimate that buyers spend an average of four hours in a dealership during the purchasing process. The time can be even longer if you include the time savvy buyers spend browsing cars, contacting different dealerships, test driving, obtaining needed financial information, and finally signing the paperwork.

Click here to find cars for sale near you.

If you’re looking to trade in your old car for some money toward the new one, this purchasing process could take even longer. This is due to the fact that you will need to have the title to your old car and possibly service records if you want the best price.

Click here to see which cars are currently on sale in your city.

If you have all your paperwork straightened out ahead of time and you’ve already chosen the car you want to purchase, it should only take about two hours to actually sign the documents and drive off with your new car. In order to expedite this process and get behind the wheel of your new car even quicker, use a financing platform like Detroit Trading Company’s Finance Direct service to get your funding squared away fast.

Although buying a car from a dealership is typically an extensive process, you can make it much quicker with expert financial services help. Nobody wants to spend all day in a dealership, but being a smart shopper who plans ahead can help you hit the road in no time.

Take some time and start your search for a new car on ClassifiedAds.com now!

How to Stand Out as a Job Candidate

Whether you’re changing careers or looking for a new job within your industry, you’ll excel in the application and interview process with these tips.

Application Tips: How to Get that Interview

Before you begin dusting off your resume and cover letter, you need to find a job opening. ClassifiedAds.com offers a variety of opportunities for dozens of different industries. You’re sure to find something whether you’re looking for construction work, IT jobs, or anything in between.

When you’ve located a job opening you want to apply to, it’s time to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific posting. Be sure to arrange the language in your cover letter and the points in your resume to showcase your skills that relate directly to the job for which you’re applying. For example, if you’re changing careers from journalism to marketing, you may want to focus on the communication aspects of your previous job experience.

You should also showcase what you can do for the company when writing your cover letter. Future employers care less about what you can gain from the job than what you can bring to the table. How can you solve their problems? How can you increase their traffic, revenue or service? Be sure to present yourself in a way that shows how you can make the company a better place.

The final step is to follow up after you’ve applied for each job. If you haven’t heard back after a week, send a quick note to the employer to express your continued interest.

Interviewing Tips: How to Stand Out as a Strong Candidate

There are a few great ways to ace an interview.

Prepare

You need to know the ins and outs of the company interviewing you. You want to be able to talk about the role in an informed way, and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company.

Showcase Your Skills

When the employers ask you about your background or experience, this is your opportunity to show them exactly how qualified you are. Just like you did with your cover letter, cater your experience to fit the skills needed in the open position.

Ask Questions

When the interview is wrapping up, it’s your turn to ask questions. It’s best to prepare a few beforehand. You can ask about anything from mentoring programs to company goals.

Follow Up

After your interview, it is vital for you to follow up. Send a thank you note the next day to every person who interviewed you. If you haven’t heard back after a week, feel free to send another note asking about next steps and expressing your continued interest.

Ready to land the perfect job? Search the jobs listed on ClassifiedAds.com today, and use the tips above to secure an offer!

What Are You Looking For? We Can Help!

Navigating through all the goods and services available in your neighborhood can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. With some smart and targeted search strategies, you can find precisely what you're looking for -- and probably much more -- on ClassifiedAds.com.

Get Specific

If you're searching for a specific item or event, start with a specific search term. For example, if you're interested in purchasing a particular make or model of a car, type the full car name in the search bar. If your search doesn't turn up any results, gradually broaden your search terms to find what you're looking for. Using this narrow-to-broad search method can help you avoid wading through dozens, if not hundreds, of ads that aren't relevant for your search.

Jump into Subcategories

Subcategories allow you to narrow your search, which can lead to online shopping success. So if it's a gently used lawn mower you're after, rather than choosing the very broad Items for Sale category, jump right into the Lawn & Garden subcategory for more specific results. If you're looking for a new place to live, conduct a more targeted search for the type of home you're looking for, whether it's a condo, a townhome or an apartment, rather than sifting through countless listings in the For Rent category.

Do Some Comparison Shopping

Once you narrow the field of what you're looking for, you can comparison shop to find the best deal. For instance, if you're on the search for a reliable childcare provider, visit the Caregivers & Babysitting category, where you'll see dozens of posts. Once you find a few ads that you like, open each ad in a separate tab in your browser so you can review them together with a few easy clicks. You'll be able to compare rates, experience and availability, which will help you decide who to contact for potential childcare services.

Broaden Your Location

ClassifiedAds.com will automatically pull up listings within your local area. However, if you live near another large metropolis, search those listings as well to see what's available within driving distance. Simply click the city on the search bar and broaden your search to a different zip code or city. You'll pull up more listings, and if you find the right item, it'll be worth the drive to bring it home.

Smart searching pays off. With these helpful search strategies, you can best utilize ClassifiedAds.com to connect you with the product or service you need.

Find the Perfect Vehicle for You

Are you looking for a replacement for your current car or is it time to add a second vehicle to your garage? Finding the perfect vehicle for you requires carefully considering a few key points before you make your final decision.

Main Usage

What is the primary purpose of your car? The right vehicle choice for a daily driver is different from a classic car you take out for the occasional Sunday drive. You should also consider the main driver's experience level. If this is the first car for your teenager, look for a sedan that is easy to handle and that can take some dents and dings. Keep parking in mind when you think about typical usage patterns for your perfect vehicle as well. You don't want to squeeze an SUV into a street parking space every day, and a small car makes parallel parking easier.

Passenger Capacity

Are you flying solo or is the entire family piling into the car? Look at your vehicle choices to make sure everyone can fit. A cross-country road trip is a lot more comfortable in an RV as opposed to squeezing everyone into a sedan.

Loading and Towing

Work vehicles, such as vans and trucks, need a high load capacity for moving furniture, construction materials, and essential equipment. Look at the vehicle's weight and towing capacity and check for extras such as trailer hitches. Some vehicles may have useful aftermarket parts designed for specific trades, such as landscaping or contracting.

Maintenance Requirements

Used cars come in many models and conditions, from the practically brand new sports car to the 30-year-old work van. In general, you deal with more maintenance on an older vehicle with high mileage. Some vehicles, such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Yaris, are known for being relatively low maintenance even when they have a lot of miles on the engine. Get maintenance records for used vehicles if possible, especially if the vehicle has had major parts replaced.

Bells and Whistles

Do you love the idea of a smart car that allows playlists stored on your phone to sync directly with your stereo, or headrests that are more sophisticated than your home computer? Make a list of your must-have bells and whistles, such as a leather interior, upgraded sound system, or heated seats.

When you create a list of must-haves based on these criteria, it's easy to narrow down your car choices. The perfect vehicle is out there for you; you simply need to establish your priorities when you look through listings.

How to Make Your Home Look More Expensive

A major renovation isn't always necessary to upgrade the value of your home. Make your home look more expensive -- inside and out -- with these do-it-yourself tips.

Customize the Kitchen

Kitchen upgrades go a long way in enhancing the value and appearance of your home. A more visually pleasing space is a few upgrades away.

• Paint the cabinets. If your cabinets are an outdated hue, update them with paint. Invest in a sturdy sander, plenty of primer, and some patience as you give those cabinets new life.

• Update cabinet and drawer hardware. Replace the hardware on your cabinets and drawers for a more on-trend and modern feel. For example, try ditching the classic knobs and replacing them with a nickel or chrome pulls, which will spruce up the space. In the Household Items category of ClassifiedAds.com, you might even find new-to-you hardware that suits your style.

Add a Pop of Color

Identify a small space in your home that could use a face lift, and give it new life with color.

• Paint a powder room or office a brighter shade than the rest of your home, or add some geometric print wallpaper for a bold design.

• Paint your front door a surprising shade of aqua or yellow to stand out on your street.

When you're looking for painting supplies, try the Free Stuff category on ClassifiedAds.com.

Create an Outdoor Respite

You might not be ready to renovate your entire house, but you can create a relaxing retreat by upgrading your outdoor space. A few simple changes will add a luxurious feel to your backyard.

• Improve the landscaping. Whether you're cleaning up existing planting beds or adding new ones, a well-cared-for lawn creates a welcoming outdoor space. Identify the tools you have on hand to maintain and improve your lawn, and purchase any tools you might need.

• Create a serene retreat in your yard. You might choose to hang a hammock between two towering trees for a reading spot. Perhaps you want to set up a fire pit surrounded by cozy Adirondack chairs for relaxing nights under the stars. Whatever your outdoor addition, this upgrade will help you create a resort-style back yard, which upgrades the value of your home.

If you're looking for some inspiration for your outdoor upgrade, consider browsing nearby vacation homes offering quiet outdoor retreats. A rejuvenated home is possible, even if you're working with a limited budget. Choosing realistic and affordable projects allows you to enhance your space without breaking the bank. Start by checking out the Items for Sale on ClassifiedAds.com, where you can discover plenty of high-end treasures to upgrade your home.

The Best Types of Homes for Rent on ClassifiedAds.com

Whether you're looking for an apartment, a large, stand-alone home or something in between, there's something perfect for you on ClassifiedAds.com. Here are a few of the types of homes featured on the site.

The Urban Apartment

Big-city folks can find the perfect apartment to rent in the Big Apple, San Francisco, or any major metro area. There are many one-bedroom apartments in New York City that are perfect for a young couple or a single working professional. While the units may have a single bedroom, bathroom and a small, separate area for the kitchen, many of them feature brand new stainless steel appliances. Most urban apartments also a small living room, and while the apartments lack size, they make up for this shortcoming with a prime location. Whether in the middle of New York City, Chicago, L.A., or any other major metro area, you can find the perfect apartment on ClassifiedAds.com.

The Single Family Home

Young couples and new parents can find cozy small homes for rent on ClassifiedAds.com as well. There are many one- and two-bedroom homes to choose from in cute, quiet neighborhoods. The best part: They're almost always listed at a very affordable price. Many include recent kitchen updates and a garage. Plus, they're usually located in safe neighborhoods across the country. While these homes may not come with gigantic yards and tons of bedrooms, the small, safe communities in which they are placed make up for the lack of splendor. The perfect renter for a place like this is a young couple with or without children. Does this sound like you? Find a similar place in your area.

The Beach House

Renters after life in a beach town can also find the home of their dreams on ClassifiedAds.com. There are many homes with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms to choose from, located just outside of many beaches on either coast. When it's a short drive, or even a walk, to the beach, who can complain? Many beach homes sit in a gated community, which is a major plus for families with children. The biggest downside of true beach homes is their distance from downtown metro areas, which may present difficulties for commuters. Residents will need to hop on the freeway, which means dealing with a lot of rush hour traffic. However, the deck or patio or even a fenced-in yard, not to mention the proximity to the beach, provide renters the perfect oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. Looking for a place like this? You can find your perfect match on ClassifiedAds.com.

How to Build Your Very Own Man Cave!

If you're tired of not having your own space in your own home, you're in serious need of a man cave. Whether you rent or own your home, creating an area that's all your own is simple. Here's what you need to know to build your very own man cave.

Remodel the Space

First, you need to find a space to claim as your very own. Renters should avoid serious renovation without first checking with their landlord. For home owners, basements and garages work great for this, but many times these rooms are unfinished and in need to major repairs, including insulation, heating, lighting and, sometimes, plumbing. Luckily, you can hire handymen to help with the construction or remodeling of your man cave.

If you have a knack for home improvement projects, you can cut costs significantly by taking on the remodeling yourself. Customize your space by installing electricity, insulation and a surround sound audio system. You'll also want to pick out the perfect flooring, preferably a surface that can stand a spilled beer or two. Just be sure to invest in insurance first in case anything goes wrong!

Furnish With Style

After you've created a space to call your own, it's time to add the furniture. How you furnish your man cave depends on what kind of space you're after.

• If you're into a quieter space, opt for a comfortable reading chair and a big bookshelf that features all of your favorite novels.

• If you're after a work space, you'll want to install plenty of cabinets and storage for all of your tools or gadgets. Plus, make sure to feature enough counter space to spread out your projects.

• If you're more into an entertainment area, go for a couch that's soft and comfortable, perfect for sprawling out while you catch the game. Remember to arrange plenty of seating around the TV so that all the guys can hang out too. If you're looking to save, you can refinish any old chairs you have lying around to better suit the style of your man cave.

Put in the Personal Touches

If you went through the trouble of wiring for sound during the remodeling process, now is the time to splurge on electronics. Remember, this is your space, so adding cool collectibles to personalize your man cave is a must. How about a baseball hat or football jersey display? If you're into music, think about investing in a record player and record collection, perfect for entertaining. No matter what you choose to add to your area, make sure that it represents you.

5 Tips for Finding Employment Quickly

Optimize Your Resume

The resume you used five years ago won't make it through today's electronic applicant screening process. These systems pick out keywords that are relevant to the position being advertised, and resumes with certain formatting are more likely to be forwarded for review by a person. If digital resumes are outside your expertise, leave this task to resume specialists.

Use Social Media to Expand Your Network

Letting your Facebook friends and Twitter followers know you are in the market for new opportunities is a good start, but the real action is on LinkedIn. Upload a professional photograph, solicit written recommendations from current and former colleagues, and establish yourself as an expert in your field through regular business-related posts.

Stand Out From the Crowd

While applying for jobs online is a critical part of your search, there is something to be said for old-fashioned calls and visits. When you see a help-wanted sign, stop in and say hello to the manager. If a contact number is listed for the position, call and introduce yourself. In today's job market, the personal touch has been lost, so when you bring it back, you'll quickly outshine your competition.

Talk Yourself Up

You never know who is hiring, and any number of people are aware of job openings in their own place of employment. Tell every person you talk to, from friends and family to the local bartender, that you are in search of a job. Attend business-related events and social gatherings to boost your chances of coming into contact with the right person at the right time.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Getting called for an interview is a massive compliment. With so many applicants applying to each position, recruiters are very selective about taking candidates to the next step. Don't blow it. Ask friends and family to interview you, and get used to keeping a cheerful, confident demeanor no matter how nervous you are. If you can, hire a professional to work with you on fine-tuning your interview skills.

The job search process can feel like a roller coaster, but the bottom line is this: There are more positions available than there are qualified workers. Play your cards right, and you are sure to land a fantastic opportunity.

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