Replacing an aging or damaged roof is an important step in providing crucial protection from the damage the elements can dish out — from heat, wind, and rain, to snow, sleet and hail. But homeowners may not realize that the type of roof shingle they choose can make a big difference, not only in the protection it offers to the home, but also in the cost of their homeowners’ insurance. Here are a few things homeowners should keep in mind when looking to save money with a new roof. Roof Continue Reading ...

Itching for summer to arrive, when you can get out and enjoy your yard? Why not plan a DIY project to improve your outdoor space, while encouraging everyone in the family to get outside and have fun together? Here are some projects to consider, and the prep work involved. Check your deck Does your existing deck need repair? Check for loose balusters, rocky railing or other issues needing attention. If you want to resurface your deck or build a new deck, measure the area and research how much Continue Reading ...

Home inspectors not only figure out the problems a property has but they can also assist the buyers with information that will help them with the upkeep. This means that home inspection is paramount for anyone who is buying a new home. There are several cases where a buyer pays for a property only to regret later when he/she realizes some mistakes that would have been avoided before the whole process. It is advisable to understand home inspection tips for buyers before commencing the whole Continue Reading ...

Many people think that home improvement is a complex process best left to professionals, but there are many jobs you can do yourself if you know the process. The home improvement tips provided in this article are meant to help you understand how to get started on a home improvement project. Repainting a porch may be something you need to do. If so, lean on a quality exterior paint. You want to make sure you use paint that will work over the old paint. Use oil paints over oil paints and Continue Reading ...

Investing in real estate is a great way for a lot of people to earn extra money. Some people do it as their career, while others like to do it as a hobby. No matter the reason why you want to invest in real estate, there are great tips that anyone can use in the following article. Keep reading below to better your knowledge about real estate investing. Make sure that you create a game plan for what you desire to accomplish. Figure out how much time the process will take and if it will be Continue Reading ...

It is a common misconception that a 20 percent down payment is required to buy a home. Advice to wait and save a large down payment is often based on the theory that the cost of mortgage insurance (MI), which is required when you buy with a smaller down payment, should be avoided. This may not be the best advice and is, in fact, not in line with market trends, considering the median down payment for first-time homebuyers is 7 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors. Yes, Continue Reading ...

Getting married means a whole lot of changes, including combining households, not the least of which could be moving to a new house or apartment. Whether you’re getting a brand-new place for the both of you or one of you is shifting all your earthly possessions to join your spouse, it’s a good idea to take proactive steps to make crossing that new threshold is a little easier. Here are a few tips for taking some of the stress out of moving day — for both of you. * Continue Reading ...

Today’s tile trends extend so far beyond their traditional use as a staple of bathroom design that you may not recognize them. While once the most attractive and innovative tiles had to be imported, contemporary handcrafted tile and stone products for home design are now being made right here in the United States. Homeowners and interior designers alike are always seeking distinctive visual touches to make each home special. Here are five ways tile design can enhance a room. Elevate small Continue Reading ...

If your new home is among the one million or so being built in the U.S. this year, congratulations! You’ll have the chance to customize it to your dream home preferences. One feature that should be at the top of your priority list is the best possible fire protection for yourself and your loved ones: home fire sprinklers. While choosing household systems may not be as fun as picking paint colors and carpeting, it’s even more important. And asking for fire sprinklers could literally save Continue Reading ...

The homebuying process is exciting, but can also seem fraught with added costs, like a home inspection, title insurance, and closing costs. And if you can’t afford a full 20 percent down payment on a conventional home loan, then you will most likely pay for private mortgage insurance (MI). Some people consider private MI yet another added cost, but it helps creditworthy middle-income homebuyers qualify for home financing sooner with a low down payment. Is it really an added cost if it saves Continue Reading ...