Kitchen counters today play a demanding role: They’re expected to withstand the rigors of daily food preparation as well as scrutiny as the showpiece of an open-concept home. How do you select the right counter material for your home that is beautiful and can take a beating? As you contemplate… read more →
VA appraisals are a critical part of the 70-year-old VA loans benefit program. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. VA appraisals help ensure veterans purchase homes that are safe, structurally sound and salable. There are two elements: a valuation of the property and an assessment of property conditions. We’ll take a… read more →
When involved in the sale of a home, it’s crucial for the buyer and seller to understand the details of the real estate contract before it’s signed and, in particular, to recognize the points at which the contract can be cancelled without penalty. A real estate contract, once signed by… read more →
Before purchasing a house, it’s important to hire a home inspector to evaluate the home from bottom to top—including the attic. This often-overlooked storage space can provide visual cues to potential problems in the safety and structural integrity of a home. If there is damage present, the inspection can help you determine… read more →
Finding an apartment is easy but what about after you move in? There are roommates to deal with, neighborhoods to explore and people to meet. Start by using the right renter technology to make your life streamlined and enjoyable. Here are 5 new apps that can help make your renting experience… read more →
When you apply for a loan,you need to submit a ton of documentation and answer a bunch of questions from your lender. Turning over all this information about your personal finances and financial history may seem intrusive, but it makes sense: The lender needs to gather all the information they can to decide on the… read more →
There’s plenty to worry about when you’re ready to purchase a home. From concerns over possible leaks in the roof, to worrying about the age of the pipes in the bathroom—or whether a crack in the wall is a sign of a larger issue—there are plenty of items to fret about. With the structure… read more →
Choosing color palettes can strike fear in the hearts of even the most confident homeowner. Many people struggle to decide which color scheme will best complement the inside of their homes. They don’t trust their ability to match complementary shades. Others fear they may quickly tire of the color palette they… read more →
Every year, throngs of people—maybe even you—choose a list of resolutions for the next year. Generally, these are habits they will try to do every day, or habits they will try to avoid for as long as they can. Unfortunately, many of these resolutions are forgotten by March. A major… read more →
Many New Year customs that we take for granted actually date from ancient times. This year, ring out the old and ring in the new with a New Year tradition—or two! Make Some Noise – In ancient Thailand, guns were fired to frighten off demons. – In China, firecrackers routed the forces… read more →