The housing market is always changing, so it can be hard to determine exactly when to buy — and when to wait it out. What if home prices or interest rates rise? What if lower costs are just around the corner? No crystal ball can give us these answers, but there are some factors you […]

Winter is fast approaching, and if you’re a homeowner, that usually means now’s the time to tackle key maintenance tasks: at least if you want to ensure a warm and comfortable season. There are appliances to check, inspections to complete and exterior tasks to do.  Are you ready for the incoming colder months? Want to […]

Winter weather, especially in northern parts of the country, can cause major damage to homes. Roof leaks, lack of insulation or foundation issues can all have a massive impact on your quality of life and the ability to resell the home in the future. So how can you winterize your home? Here are a few […]

Homes often get a lot of water exposure in the back half of the year due to storms and winter weather. And that doesn’t even include the internal issues that can cause water damage, like undetected plumbing problems. It’s important to consider how that water could threaten your property: It can damage your roof, cause […]

Garages can serve a multitude of purposes. Sure, they’re earmarked for cars but the added square footage always makes them an enticing zone for extra storage. It also doubles as a dumping ground for holiday decorations, old furniture, toys, you name it. Naturally, integrating an organizational system can be the difference between a cluttered area […]

Your home is a huge investment, an investment you’ll want to protect for the long haul. That means proper maintenance is key. Completing a few seasonal chores can help you extend the life span of your home while also cutting down on repair and renovation costs. Want to make sure you’re keeping your home in […]

When you tour a house for sale, it’s often staged, complete with appliances, window dressings, furniture and decor. These items can certainly make a place look appealing, but the reality is that most of them won’t come with the house if you decide to buy. So, what exactly do you get when you purchase a […]

Buying a home can be stressful (especially in a hot market).  But you’re in luck: There are ways to combat any worries you have and make home-buying a more enjoyable journey. Are you getting ready to purchase a home? Want to ease the stress of it all? Here are four strategies that could help. Prep […]

Home equity is a powerful thing. As you pay off your mortgage, your equity or the stake in the home you actually own increases. And the more equity you build, the more you stand to gain when you sell. But even if you aren’t planning to sell your property, equity can be used in a […]

When the market is competitive, many homeowners opt to renovate their properties rather than sell or buy. This can be a smart move for many reasons, but as you know, home projects can often end up being expensive and time-consuming. Don’t want to make a costly mistake or even regret a renovation altogether? Take a […]

From taxes and insurance to maintenance and repairs, homeowner-ship comes with a variety of costs.  But don’t worry: These expenses don’t have to break the bank. With a strategy (and maybe a few key home updates), you can reduce your costs in the long run. You may even make your home safer and less prone […]

As a homeowner, your house is likely your biggest asset. It can help you build wealth and improve your finances — and in retirement, it might serve as a much-needed source of financial support. That last part is important. Whether you’re 25 or 55, having a plan is critical to an enjoyable and worry-free retirement. […]