6 New Year’s Resolutions for New Homeowners
We all make New Year’s resolutions, but let’s be honest: Most are wishful thinking. By February, that “lose 20 pounds” or “learn Spanish” resolution has gone right out the window. But not for you, new homeowner. This year is different. Your first 12 months of homeownership set the tone for the entire journey. With just a few smart decisions, you can save money now and get more out of your investment later. So make room on that list between “run a 5K” and “travel more.” Here a
Generation Z is Already Saving Up for Homeownership
While more millennials are gradually becoming homeowners, Generation Z isn’t far behind and is already preparing to jump into the market in the near future. A poll conducted by realtor.com revealed Gen Z-ers are excited about the prospect of homeownership, and some are starting to save up to afford one. The study surveyed more than 3,300 Americans across Generation X (ages 35-50), millennials/Generation Y (ages 25-34) and Generation Z (ages 18-24). Nearly 80 percent of Gen Z
How do I use a wood-burning fireplace?
Ready for the snap, crackle and pop of a roaring fire? Here's everything you need to know. Fireplaces are one of the most sought-after home features, but using one can be intimidating, and you’ve probably got questions. Here’s a quick guide to get you and your fire started this fall. How do I use a wood-burning fireplace? If a cave man can start a fire, so can you. 1. Get your chimney inspected Safety is your first priority! Have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a lice
10 Tips for Moving an Elderly Parent
From leaving a home filled with memories to losing a sense of independence, moving an elderly parent can be both emotionally and physically taxing. To make the transition and overall experience a smooth one, follow these 10 tips below. Plan using a blueprint of the new home Before moving your elderly loved one, be sure to obtain a blueprint of the hew home. This way you can help plan and create a more accurate floor plan. Make sure to measure all furniture ahead of time to se
Be Careful! You May Be Ruining These 4 Major Appliances
Appliances are designed to make your life easier, but having to repair or replace one prematurely can put a major strain on your wallet. Sure, they undergo daily wear and tear, but appliances are expected to weather years of use. But did you know that you could be shortening the life span of your appliances without even trying? That's right. Whether it's negligence or improper use, how you treat your appliances could lead to an expensive repair—or needing to replace them soon
10 Reasons You Shouldn't Skip a Home Inspection
After your offer to buy a home enters into contract, the process of near-endless checkwriting begins. There are many necessary costs, such as realtor and lawyer fees, and the total of these expenses may have you looking for ways to save money elsewhere. You may be tempted to skip the home inspection and its $200 to $500 invoice, but there are 10 good reasons why you should get one. 1. It Provides an "Out" A quality home inspection can reveal critical information about the con
8 Tips To Entertaining Over A Whole Weekend
If we had a dollar for every time we entertained a last-minute houseguest, we'd have enough money to run our own hotel. Sure, you love having people stay with you, but there's a fine line between an extended sleepover and a weekend-long burden. Still, there's really no need for stressing out and straining your relationship. Whether you have a whole guest bedroom to spare or just an air mattress, it's not very difficult to show your temporary roommate loads of hospitality with
How to Invest in Real Estate
Investing in real estate is one of the oldest forms of investing, having been around since the early days of human civilization. Predating modern stock markets, real estate is one of the five basic asset classes that every investor should seriously consider adding to his or her portfolio for the unique cash flow, liquidity, profitability, tax, and diversification benefits it offers. In this introductory guide, we'll walk you through the basics of real estate investing, and di
8 Simple Ways to Make Your Neighborhood a Safer Place
Long gone are the days where all the neighborhood kids played kick-the can in the middle of the street each summer night. Whether you blame it on paranoid parents or uninterested children, one thing is for certain: many neighborhoods today are lacking the close-knit feeling was prominent just ten or 20 years ago. Missing this feeling creates concerns for neighborhood safety overall. Neighborhood safety is a team effort, but it starts with you. What can you do to make your nei