Homeownership Articles
Sharing articles with clients and customers on all aspects of homeownership, buying and selling.
Take Back Your Energy Bills — Energy-Efficiency Measures that Work for You
Eighty-nine percent of us think we’re not using as much energy as we did five years ago, and almost one-half of us think our homes are energy efficient. But 59% also say our energy bills have gone up, according to consumer research by the Shelton Group, a marketing and advertising agency that specializes in energy-efficiency issues.
Why Fake Grass is Gaining Popularity
Want a picture-perfect lawn? Maybe fake grass is the answer. It solves watering, weeding, and fertilizing woes. But is it perfect?
Tips on Pool Fence Safety to Reduce Your Liability
There’s nothing more inviting on a hot summer day than a cool dip in the pool . And that can lead to trouble if your pool lacks a child-proof fence.
Does a Pool Add Value to a Home?
In general, building a pool is not the best way to add value to your home. You’re better off making physical improvements to your actual house instead of adding a pool to your yard.
How to Properly Care for Trees
When trees fail to thrive, they (and you) have a problem. Here are tips on how to care for your trees to prevent troubles.
How to Prevent Wood Rot
If water gets into cracks and under painted surfaces and doesn’t dry out, it can cause wood rot. Once wood rot takes hold, your only options are big-buck repairs and replacement of the rotted parts.
How to Win the Energy-Savings Argument in 3 Easy Steps
Trying to convince someone to save energy requires a bit of due diligence, we’ll show you how to win that argument every time.
What Is Saint Patrick’s Day?
Saint Patrick’s Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick’s Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.
Should You Refinish Hardwood Floors Yourself?
DIYers should think twice. Experience definitely counts when it comes to a good floor refinishing job. Mistakes show up big time on wood flooring, and you may end up devaluing your home’s appearance rather than improving it.
Can Your Facebook Friends Really Influence Your Credit Score?
Recent news reports suggesting your Facebook and other social media friendships could someday influence your credit score left out a few details — like why that’s not going to happen in the U.S.
Are You Prepared to Evacuate in an Emergency?
If there comes a time when you have to abandon your house, an emergency probably won’t give you enough time to gather essentials and take steps to limit property damage. Getting all of your ducks in a row before disaster strikes is the best course of action.
What’s the No. 1 Thing People Want in Their Bathroom?
Bathroom exhaust fans make air smell much sweeter, paint last longer, and mold grow slower — or not at all. Learn how to do a bathroom exhaust fan installation.
How to Clean and Care for Your Home’s Siding
Cleaning your home’s siding every year and keeping it in good repair extends the life of any siding and heads off replacement costs.
Can One Home Insurance Claim Bump Up Your Annual Premium?
Depending on where you live, filing even one claim can push your annual insurance premium up 20%.
Gorgeous Ideas to Make Home Maintenance Less of a Pain
Tired of home maintenance chores? So are we. That’s why we love these easy-care features that free up your free time — and do it beautifully.