The Wrong Smoke DetectorsA recent “60 Minutes” report said some of Lumber Liquidators’ flooring products contained unsafe levels of formaldehyde, sending the company’s stock on a downward spiral. But it was also a reminder about some of the lesser-known dangers that lurk in many of your home’s materials and components.… read more →
Think you’re a savvy mortgage shopper? You might not be. A study by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that only about half of home buyers shopped around for a mortgage, meaning the other half considered only one lender or broker. That’s great—if you’re a lender. But you’re a borrower, which means… read more →
If you have renter’s insurance, you’re in the minority. According to a recent study, 6 in 10 Americans don’t have this form of coverage. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back—having any renter’s insurance is a smart choice. But is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Muted Bells and Whistles… read more →
When you’re searching for your perfect home, you have different types of houses to choose from. Each has its upsides and downsides. Depending on your needs, you might prefer one of the following: A single-family home A multifamily house A condo A duplex There are various things to consider when… read more →
What is the true purpose of an open house? If you said, “To sell my house,” then guess again. The real answer is not what you think—and the truth is one of the best-kept secrets in the real estate business. The real reason agents line up to do open houses is to recruit… read more →
Renovating your kitchen is an exciting project, but the various tasks involved can also make it a daunting one—especially for home improvement novices. While some projects can save money on the overall costs of a kitchen remodel you need to know when it’s safer to leave tasks to the professionals. Here… read more →
Preparing walls for painting is the most difficult part of the painting process. If you don’t put in the time to scrape, patch, sand, and prime the walls, your finished project will show it. To get beautiful, glass-smooth walls and baseboards, follow these simple preparation tips: Things you Need Vacuum… read more →
Homes cost money. Not just the mortgage and the taxes, or even the down payment, but all the myriad things—from the heating to the gutters—that sap your savings. Aside from careful money management, how can you reduce your daily home expenses? Think Big Your biggest regular expense is likely your mortgage. You may be able to… read more →