As we wrapped up 2016, we had a chance to stop and look at the numbers and realized that, with the help of our partners, we have been able to help nearly 10,000 Nevadans into homes of their own through our Home Is Possible program. To be precise, the actual number is 9,654 between when we started the program September 22, 2014 through December 31, 2016.

Last week, we shared some indoor home improvement project ideas perfect for our northern Nevada peeps—indoor because of the cold, wet weather that February and March bring. This week, we are turning our attention to outdoor home improvement projects for our southern Nevada friends—outdoor because it’s not blazing hot yet. 

We set out to share easy, affordable home improvement projects to do during the winter months for our friends in Nevada. There was just one problem: the climate varies throughout the Silver State. A lot. While northern Nevadans are still in the throes of snow, rain and cold—which beg for indoor projects, southern Nevadans would be wise to start doing outdoor projects before the scorching heat of summer.

Las Vegas real estate agent Alison Rachiell was a teacher for 10 years in Las Vegas and she’s also a native Nevadan, so she’s especially excited about NHD’s new Home Is Possible (HIP) For Teachers program.

“I think it’s great when somebody is dedicating their energy and time to teaching,” Rachiell said. “So being able to put them into a home they might have otherwise been unable to get is incredibly rewarding.”

Have you dreamed of owning your own home one day? Well, today’s that day. We don’t mean to alarm you. We just want to help you prepare so you get the best deal possible. That’s how we roll.

Below are three reasons to get this house party started sooner rather than later. (Spoiler alert: thousands in money from Nevada Housing Division is one darn good reason.)

1.Interest rates are on the rise.

Whether you’re a long time homeowner, a soon-to-be homebuyer or just someone who cares about not running out of money, budgeting is uber important. (That won’t be that last time you hear us say that, by the way.) Budgeting ensures you can pay the bills you incur, it helps you plan for at least some of the things you want (versus need), and it ensures you address your financial responsibilities. (Trust us, your credit score will reward you for it.)

As you may have heard, the Federal Reserve (aka the Fed) bumped up its benchmark interest rate in December 2016—something that’s only happened twice since the financial crisis began in 2008. Granted, it’s only a quarter of one percent, but it’s an increase that can be felt in many ways.

‘Tis the season to be merry—and to host houseguests. If you’re planning to put up family or friends in your home, why not make sure it goes as smoothly as possible? We have a host of great tips to help you do just that. (See what we did there?)

5 Hosting Tips

Tip #1: Plan for success.

Holiday traditions don’t just happen—they’re created. If you’ve recently experienced a change like moving into a new home (yay!) or welcoming a new family member into the fold (double yay!), there’s no time like the present to add to your holiday traditions. Are you game for building a caroling group? Baking signature holiday treats?

We are creatures of habit, especially around the holidays. So when the decoration boxes come out, the silver bells and candles tend to end up on the mantle, as they were last year; the menorah takes center stage — again; and the tree winds up where it always does.

However, if you’ve moved since the last holiday season, your decorations need to find a home in your new home. We’ve collected some holiday decorating ideas to help you feel truly at home, whether you’re in new digs or just looking to up the ante when it comes to holiday cheer.