It’s that time of year again when unwanted weather patterns like severe thunderstorms, rainstorms, and tornadoes can wreak havoc on homes and businesses. While certain areas of the country are more apt to face tornadoes, virtually everyone is at risk for heavy rain, winds, and hail, which can cause flooding, power outages and structural damage. Whether you’re in the Midwest, the Southwest, the Great Plains or any other part of the country, it’s important to be prepared for the upcoming Continue Reading ...

Whether you are buying a home for the first time or you are just looking for an upgrade, it is never a bad idea to arm yourself with tips that can make your search go from overwhelming to enjoyable. Rather than learning the hard way about hidden expenses and difficult neighbors, there are things you can do to feel more confident as you begin your search. With a seller’s market in many parts of the country, these tips are even more important as you battle other buyers for the home of your Continue Reading ...

Create indoor sliding doors as a decorative piece in your home. A sliding barn door would be a space-efficient option for a small room, regardless of its use or function. Barn doors moved out of the farmyard and into the house a long time ago. Recently, however, they have become an even more popular and useful feature in the residential design. It’s not hard to see why. “Many homeowners hear the term ‘barn door’ and think of reclaimed, rustic wood, which may not be a look Continue Reading ...

Buying a home is a major financial commitment. It’s exciting, but can also be confusing and overwhelming. Choosing the best mortgage that fits your needs is an important first step and first-time homebuyers in particular should research the many options and know the right questions to ask. Here are some questions to ask a lender that will help you make an informed mortgage decision: * How much can I afford? A home affordability calculator can help you get an idea of what you may be able to Continue Reading ...

Launching your pad: 7 savvy tips for newlyweds planning a move If you’re planning a wedding or you’ve just tied the knot, congratulations! Getting ready to start the next chapter of your life with the one you love can be an exciting time, filled with anticipation about your future together. That said, combining two households can take considerable planning and preparation, especially if both parties own troves of treasured possessions. As you are getting ready to make the transition Continue Reading ...

Whether you're a millennial looking to buy your first home or a boomer thinking about downsizing your empty nest, you're probably aware that it's a seller's market out there. Homes are selling at lightning speed, bidding wars are commonplace, buyers often have little to no room for negotiation and the price of those homes keeps rising. But don't worry! Just because it's a seller's market doesn't mean you can't get a good deal on the home of your dreams. Here are some insider tips and Continue Reading ...

Pests can be hiding just about everywhere — whether you can see them or not. When you know where to look, there are preventative measures you can take to help avoid a pest infestation problem in your home. Terminix shares details on the unexpected, “secret” places pests can be hiding. Sinks and drains One often overlooked area is the kitchen sink. When not properly sanitized, drains can become a breeding ground for pests like cockroaches, drain beetles and fruit flies. Cockroaches are Continue Reading ...

Outdoor hardscape projects add resale value to a home as well as bring extra enjoyment to homeowners while they are living in the home, according to the “Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features” by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). The report confirms that investing in landscaping and hardscaping is a win-win, whether you plan to stay in your home or prepare it for market. “This report validates that outdoor Continue Reading ...

The value of homeowners insurance is often thrust into the national spotlight when natural disasters happen. The devastation and financial loss they can cause reinforces the importance of making sure you have adequate insurance coverage to rebuild if disaster strikes your home. In 2017 alone, the U.S. was struck by 16 separate billion-dollar disaster events, resulting in a record-breaking $300 billion in damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Thankfully, Continue Reading ...

There are many reasons that termites have gained the nickname "silent destroyers." Five billion reasons, in fact. Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage in the U.S. each year. If left unchecked, they can silently chew through the structural stability of a home, eating away at wood, flooring and even wallpaper. To make matters worse, the damage they leave behind is not typically covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies. How to spot termites (Termite Continue Reading ...