How to maintain your appliances without voiding your home warranty (Infographic)

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For many home buyers, purchasing a basic home warranty for around $350-500 annually is a cost they are willing to incur in order to protect themselves from expensive repairs or appliance replacements. First-time home buyers in particular should not overlook the advantages of investing in a basic or upgraded home warranty, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.  

Whether you are considering your home warranty options now or are already covered, you can take simple steps to fend off appliance breakdown.  While “DIY” major repair attempts can actually void your warranty, keeping up a regular maintenance schedule will extend the life of your appliances and improve performance.

Check out these recommendations from the experts at Reviews.com:

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3 Trends driving the 2017 housing market

Rising real estate market ahead

What can homeowners, buyers and sellers expect in 2017? Real estate experts have a positive outlook for 2017 and are predicting continued growth. “Opportunities in the Canadian market continue to be abundant but no two markets are the same,” says Frank Magliocco, partner  and national real estate practice leader at PwC Canada.

Commenting on the U.S. market, National Association of Home Builders Chairman Ed Brady said, “Ongoing job growth, low mortgage rates and rising incomes are contributing to a firming housing market and economy.” He added, “Though some areas are recovering faster than others, the overall trend is positive.”

Here are three trends that are expected to have a significant impact on housing over the next 12 months:

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How will the election affect real estate markets across the country?

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Questions about how the 2016 presidential election is going to affect the housing market have been top-of-mind over the last 12 months. And with real estate magnate Donald Trump being voted into office as America’s 45th president, experts are taking a closer look at his policies and campaign promises.

However, the answer to this question is different depending on your location, so we reached out to real estate professionals across the country:

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