If the thought of investing your money into brick and mortar—or perhaps some stylishly-painted siding—excites you, join the club. Investing in real estate has long been one of Americans' favorite ways to grow their wealth. In fact, over 70% of single-family rental...

To avoid buyer's remorse, be sure to consider your future self when shopping for a home. Most new homebuyers don't regret becoming homeowners. In fact, according to a survey by LendingTree, 80% of recent buyers who successfully overcame a challenging housing market...

Does your current home no longer serve your needs? If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a difficult choice, and there’s a lot to consider—including potential costs, long-term financial implications, and...

Home Tasks Clean and seal decks. Ideally, you’ll need three consecutive warm, sunny days. On day one, dry out the deck. Apply deck cleaner and scrub the deck on the second day and let it dry 24 hours. On the third day, apply deck sealer. Hire a certified chimney sweep...

It's not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.1 Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, but especially for...

Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks. The effort is worthwhile, however. A sanitary environment...

The number of households with children declined over the last decade, but the share of households with pets increased: NAR The U.S. now has more households with pets than with children, according to a recent analysis by the National Association with Realtors (NAR)....

When it comes to listing their home, most home sellers want three things: 1) to make a lot of money, 2) to put in minimal time and effort, and 3) to sell quickly. But the reality is, selling a home is rarely that simple. And homeowners who try to do it themselves—or...

Over the past few years, many of us have spent extra time at home—and that means we appreciate the personal design touches that make a house cozy and comfortable more than ever. Some of us have adapted our dwellings in new ways, from creating functional home offices...

Home Tasks Organize your improvement files. Review warranties and product manuals to check on recommended maintenance for furnace, equipment, appliances and tools. Mark your calendar to track scheduled upkeep and service. Inspect furniture, cabinets and vanities for...

Over the past few years, a real estate buying frenzy bid up home prices to eye-popping amounts. However, as mortgage rates have risen, buyer demand has cooled. 1 Consequently, home sellers who enter the market today may need to reset their expectations. The reality...

Home Tasks Detached hoses in case of freezing temperatures. Remove all paints, caulks and liquid materials from garage or garden sheds. Check the operation of all ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets by pushing the "test" button. The "reset" button should pop out,...

Deciding whether to jump into the housing market or rent instead is rarely an easy decision – especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. But in today’s whirlwind market, you may find it particularly challenging to pinpoint the best time to start exploring...

Home Tasks When setting clocks back to Standard Time, change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Inspect automatic garage door opener and lubricate according to the manufacturer's directions. Make sure all bolts and screws are properly tightened and...

Home Tasks Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows and repair or replace if necessary. Set thermostats and automatic sprinklers for winter. Clean gutters after leaves have fallen. Make sure downspouts are in good repair. Check gauges on home fire...

Home Tasks Check heating system including filters, pilot lights, and burners, and have the system serviced by a qualified professional. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns. Remove window air-conditioning units and store them. If...