With spring being the busiest time for real estate, homeowners planning to put their homes on the market shouldn’t wait for flowers to bloom before getting ready to sell. Having a few months to prepare can make for a much smoother selling experience. If you’re a prospective home seller, here… read more →
There is something liberating about spending time outside on a deck. Whether you make it a private retreat shaded by vegetation or an energetic entertainment area complete with a built-in BBQ, this outdoor living space is often the most enjoyable area of a home. It also increases the value of… read more →
Holding an open house is an act of faith. You clean, declutter, and prepare your home to look its best, hoping at least one of the visitors will fall in love enough to make an offer, preferably all-cash. At the same time, open houses are invitations to strangers to walk among your… read more →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Few people look forward to tax season, and when you’re a new homeowner, filing can be even more daunting. Suddenly, you have new forms to fill out and more potential for making a mistake. But taxes aren’t all bad; homeowners get more tax benefits than renters. And if you can avoid… read more →