ATLANTA, July 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Are you planning to nest in a home that may not be at its best? If so, you're not alone. According to a recent LightStream survey [https://blog.lightstream.com/2019-home-improvement-trends/] conducted by The Harris Poll, 59% of homeowners intend to live in their current place for at least 10 years (or never move!). In fact, 73% of survey participants said they'll be spending money on home improvement projects in 2019. 

To help people renovate in ways that are both smart and stylish, HGTV host and real estate expert Egypt Sherrod is sharing home improvement tips in partnership with LightStream, the nation's premier online consumer lender.

Highlights of Egypt's Tips to "Invest in Your Nest"

• Good bones add the most value 
  While personalization is important in creating your dream home, don't overlook the less glamorous—but essential—elements. You may not get as excited about upgrading your HVAC units as you do about making over a bathroom. However, tending to projects that improve the functionality and systems in your house often lead to a higher ROI compared to aesthetic-focused ones.
   
• Choose "timeless" over "trendy" 
  It's easy to be tempted into the latest trends during home renovations, like shiplap walls and waterfall countertops. They may be hot right now, but could become dated very quickly. Remember how cool wood paneling and shag carpets used to be? Choose timeless, classic styles and easily updatable accessories that won't cost a fortune to replace down the road.
   
• Invest in your nest…without depleting your nest egg 
  Home improvements can be a smart investment that dramatically improve your quality of life.  The key, however, is to stay within a budget that doesn't become a financial burden. Many homeowners mistakenly use their entire savings to pay for a renovation, which can leave them without a financial emergency safety net. 
   
• Consider your financing options
  Homeowners may opt to use credit cards for their projects, which can become expensive quickly, as balances with high-interest rates carry over from month to month.  While a home equity line of credit can be a solution for some, these often take time to arrange, and many homes haven't accrued equity to tap. But there is an option that can provide needed funds without sacrificing your financial well-being—a fixed rate, unsecured home improvement loan.

"The best part of my job is helping make clients' dreams come true, which is why I'm excited to partner with LightStream," said Egypt. "Their fast, unsecured home improvement loans are a smart financial tool, giving people with good credit access to the funds they need to turn dreams into reality at low interest rates—and with no fees."

Enjoy more Egypt Sherrod "Invest in your Nest" Home Renovations Tips in her new video, presented by LightStream. [https://youtu.be/N_OwQV5XORU] You can also receive additional information by visiting The LightStream Blog [https://blog.lightstream.com/egypt-sherrods-5-best-home-renovation-tips/?cid=PR-HIL-HIC2019-TIPSFROMEGYPT] or LightStream.com/TipsFromEgypt [LightStream.com/TipsFromEgypt]

About LightStream, a division of SunTrust Bank 
LightStream is a national online lending division of SunTrust Bank. LightStream delivers financial confidence by delivering unsecured loans to good-credit customers for practically any purpose, including home improvements. Financing is available in all 50 states; people need not have a SunTrust account in order to apply. Through a simple online application process, funds can be provided with no fees, on the same day. Click here [ www.lightstream.com/disclosures ] for important disclosures, including a payment example as well as information on same day funding, LightStream's Rate Beat Program and its $100 Loan Experience Guarantee.

About SunTrust Banks, Inc. 
SunTrust Banks, Inc. is a purpose-driven company dedicated to Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being for the people, businesses, and communities it serves. SunTrust leads onUp, a national movement inspiring Americans to build financial confidence. Headquartered in Atlanta, the Company has two business segments: Consumer and Wholesale. Its flagship subsidiary, SunTrust Bank, operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high-growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states, along with 24-hour digital access. Certain business lines serve consumer, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients nationally. As of June 30, 2019, SunTrust had total assets of $222 billion and total deposits of $161 billion. The Company provides deposit, credit, trust, investment, mortgage, asset management, securities brokerage, and capital market services. Learn more at suntrust.com.

Survey Methodology 
Surveys were conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of LightStream. The 2019 survey was fielded from January 8 – 10, 2019 among 1,258 homeowners, of whom 877 are planning to spend money on home improvement projects in 2019. Year over year comparisons derived from a survey January 26 – 30, 2018, among 1,413 homeowners, of whom 795 were planning to spend money on home improvement projects. These online surveys are not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodologies, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, contact MediaRelations@lightstream.com.  

SunTrust Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. © 2019 SunTrust Banks, Inc. All rights reserved. SunTrust and LightStream are federally registered service marks of SunTrust Banks, Inc. 

SOURCE SunTrust Banks, Inc.