When you first hear how much a base home inspection costs, you may not think it sounds like very much money — especially if you're at the start of your home search process. Of course the problem is that when you hear all the additional options of the home inspection, plus factor in the amount of money you'll spend during the buying process, it can feel like a knife twist. Part of the problem can be solved by being prepared, but part of it is thinking about the situation the right way. We'll Continue Reading ...

When your family outgrows your home's available space, moving to bigger digs isn't always the best option. Maybe you really love your current home. Perhaps you can't find a bigger home in your price range in the area of your choice. Whatever your reason for staying in place, expanding the home you already have can be a cost-effective option when your family needs more room. Converting an unused attic into usable living area is a reliable, cost-effective way to gain more space in a home. It's Continue Reading ...

Finally! The economy is improving, interest rates are low and many consumers now find themselves in a great position financially to become a first-time homeowner. There's a small problem though for some locations around the country - the booming real estate market is resulting in rising home prices and increased competition for the most desirable properties. The S&P/Case-Shiller national home-price index recently estimated that 2016 prices are within four percent of the peak in 2006. In Continue Reading ...

Sponsored Ad Content by Clayton Homes Most Americans want an energy-efficient home, and they're willing to make the necessary changes to help improve efficiency, whether it's changing their habits or buying more energy-efficient appliances. But reducing energy bills and making your home more efficient doesn't just begin with remembering to switch off lights in empty rooms or paying top-dollar for newer appliances. "Energy efficiency has to start when a home is being built," says Kevin Continue Reading ...

6 home improvement trends to update your stale space When you're in the process of buying or building a home, you're constantly researching trends and technology that will set your home apart. Fast forward a few years and you probably don't have your finger on the pulse of home advancements like before. It's good you've settled in to your home, but a lot can change in just a handful of years. If you're finally thinking about finishing the basement, updating the kitchen or investing in Continue Reading ...

It's time to replace your old, energy-guzzling water heater, boiler, dehumidifier or furnace and you've done your homework. You're going to save energy and money in the long run by switching to a high-efficiency condensing heater or boiler. It's important to know the nuances of proper installation - even if you're relying on a professional to do the job. A growing number of homeowners are turning to boilers, HVAC systems and water heaters that rely on condensing to maximize the unit's Continue Reading ...

With temperatures - and therefore, electric bills - on the rise, American homeowners are looking for the most effective ways to make the biggest dent in their energy bills; however, many may be overlooking some of the most important energy-saving strategies. Homeowners are more likely to do simple things around the house to conserve energy, according to the Lennox Home Energy Report Card Survey. Those simple things may include changing air filters in a heating and cooling system on a regular Continue Reading ...

Gardening is a peaceful activity that eases tension, reduces overall stress and promotes longevity. One long-term study found that daily gardening reduces the risk for both dementia and Alzheimer's disease. With all of these benefits, there are ample reasons why people of all ages and lifestyles should start digging in the dirt. You don't need a big yard or lots of room to enjoy a beautiful garden. With so many options for indoor and outdoor container gardening, there's no limit on the Continue Reading ...

Apple computers, the rock band U2, "Rocky" and two national football teams - of all the things that turn 40 in 2016, none have transformed the American landscape as definitively and beautifully as the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA program. Since its inception with partners from the National Association of State Foresters and the United States Forest Service in 1976, the program has supported and recognized tree sustainability programs in more than 3,400 American cities, inhabited by more Continue Reading ...

If you're a part of the nearly 90 percent of Americans who believe it's important to have a well-maintained yard, you and your backyard will appreciate these seven simple steps for tending to your natural turf lawn with minimal effort. According to Grass Seed USA, a coalition of American grass seed farmers and academics, investing a little repair time in early spring and a small amount of maintenance time in summer will pay off with a lush lawn ready for all your summer activities. 1. Test Continue Reading ...