Homeownership Articles
Sharing articles with clients and customers on all aspects of homeownership, buying and selling.
When is Foreclosure Removed from Your Credit Report?
Use this handy guide to figure out how quickly you can buy a home after a major financial setback when applying for a loan through FHA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac.
How to Replace a Light Switch
If it’s not a burned-out light bulb, chances are the switch itself is faulty. The easiest and least expensive solution is to replace the switch altogether. You won’t need a $90-per-hour electrician — it’s an easy DIY job.
13 Lucky Superstitions for Your Home
Is 13 an unlucky number? We don’t think so. But just to be safe, we found 13 superstitions that just might bring your home a little luck this year.
Laundry Pods Can Poison Kids
New, single-use laundry pods are cute and colorful — and all too tempting to children, who are ending up in the emergency room when they eat one like candy.
Tax Credits for Storm Windows and Storm Doors
Thanks to a vigilant reader, we were alerted to a change in the federal tax credit eligibility of storm windows and doors.
Are Your Neighbors Friend or Foe?
Neighbors wage war every day over blocked views, loud noise, big and small annoyances. Do you have a good neighbor policy? How’s it working out?
How to Kill and Prevent Bathroom Mold
If you’ve never experienced bathroom mold, perhaps you aren’t looking deep enough into the corners of your bathroom. It’s one of the most common problems in any house; it’s also one of the easiest to prevent and cure as long as you haven’t let it get out of hand.
Bars on Windows: Types and Tips
Simple, low-tech, and relatively inexpensive, bars on windows are a highly effective home-security strategy.
How to Unclog a Gutter
Clean your rain gutters at least twice a year. Otherwise, debris like leaves and twigs can clog up your gutter system, causing potential harm to your house and landscaping not to mention the gutters themselves.
Quick Guide to Bathtub Options
To choose the right bathtub for your bathroom, start with the space. If all you’re doing is replacing an existing alcove tub, your options may be limited, but you can still opt for a deeper bath.
How to Remove Old Caulk
Want to remove old caulk, With plenty of patience, It’s not hard to do, but if you rush it, you’ll regret it. Plus, a little patience pays off by making the job much, much easier.
Remove Stains From Walls Before You Paint
Painting instructions often warn: Remove stains from walls before painting. But they never say how. Any cleaning rookie can wipe off dust and cobwebs. But it takes a cleaning pro to scour grease stains, watermarks, and kids’ crayon and ink wall art.
Kitchen Countertop Triage: First Aid for Scratches
Repair kitchen counters that show a history of wine spills, dropped pans, and unidentified sharp objects, and you’ll maintain the value of your kitchen and home. You can easily hide some counter mishaps, while only professional contractors can solve other surface problems. Here’s a look at counter cures and lost causes.
11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100
Wouldn’t it be nice to approach your home’s entrance with a grin instead of a grimace? Take our tips for beating a clear, safe, and stylish path to your front door.
An Unlikely Place to Find Free Seeds for Your Garden
Free seeds and starter plants for your vegetable garden happily live in your refrigerator and pantry. Plant a potato and you’ll harvest a bagful; plant a single horseradish root, and you’ll grow a field of the eye-watering spice.