Category Archives: Homeowners

Shopping for a Home Warranty

A woman shopping online for a home warranty.

There are many things to consider when buying a home warranty, which is different from homeowners insurance. A home warranty is a policy that covers major appliances and some systems, such as the HVAC, inside the house. Some policies can be tailored to fit your needs and cover additional things such as electronics, septic systems, and hot tubs. Although homeowners insurance will be required for many real estate purchases, a home warranty is entirely optional.

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Small Appliances to Make Your Home Feel More Luxurious

An air purifier, one of the small appliances to make your home feel more luxurious.

Everyone wants to make their home feel more luxurious and comfortable, but it can sometimes be expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are many small appliances that can help you achieve an opulent feel in your home without breaking the bank. From kitchen gadgets to bathroom amenities, living room furniture to outdoor spaces, these small appliances provide comfort and convenience at an affordable price. Read on to discover ways to spruce up your space and create the perfect atmosphere in your home with small appliances.

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Why It’s Best to Avoid the Long Road of a 50-Year Mortgage

A document with mortgage details and a calculator implying consideration of a 50-year mortgage.

The 50-year mortgage first appeared in southern California, where housing was becoming increasingly costly, and people were looking for new ways to reduce their monthly mortgage payments. Except for the extra two decades to pay off the loan, it works the same as a 30-year fixed mortgage.

The advantage of a 50-year mortgage is the lower payment, but the significantly higher long-term costs may outweigh this advantage. Let’s see if you should go down that long road.

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Say Goodbye to Impractical Design

Fabric samples and blueprints for updating impractical design.

It’s fair to say that style is subjective, and interior design is no exception. While some designs may be a certifiable failure from the get-go, other designs simply age out. Wondering if there are any old interior design fails lurking about your house? Here are a few trends worth tossing in the new year.

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Preparing for Extreme Weather

Dark clouds indicating an extreme weather condition is on the way.

Extreme weather can occur at various times of the year, depending on the part of the world that you call home. If you live in an area of the country that is known to experience weather phenomenon such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or winter snowstorms, are you prepared? Read on for tips to help keep your family and home safe during harsh weather.

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Sealing Your Home Before Winter

A man sealing his sliding door from drafts.

Winter is upon us, and depending on where you live, the temperatures can go from hot to cold in an instant. However, before this happens, there are several home maintenance rituals you should partake in, including sealing your home.

There may be poorly insulated areas or drafts in your home, letting the warmth out and costing you extra money on your monthly heating bills. Read on to learn how to avoid it!

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8 Best Practices for Hiring a Contractor

A homeowner and contractor shaking hands over a home improvement project.

Home improvement projects help make your dream home a reality, and to do that, you may have to hire a home contractor. A home contractor, or general contractor, is employed by the homeowner to handle the material, labor, and equipment of a home improvement project as well as oversee the day-to-day tasks. This is a huge responsibility, and as the homeowner, you want to make sure you hire the right person for the job. Here are eight best practices for hiring a professional contractor who you can trust.

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Winter Heating Efficiency Tips

A woman setting the thermostat to efficiently heat her home.

Home heating costs can quickly skyrocket during the winter. Perhaps you have puzzled over the utility bill, trying to figure out how to keep costs down. Fortunately, there are easy and affordable ways to make the most of the warmth in your home. Before you crank up the thermostat settings, try these 12 tips for efficiently heating your home during winter.

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Solar Panels: What to Know

A modern home with solar panels on the roof.

If you live in the United States or Canada, you’ve probably seen many advertisements saying you can save a lot of money by installing solar panels on your home. You might have even been told that your state or provincial government will give you incentives or rebates if you sign up. But is this true? Can you significantly cut high energy costs by installing solar panels on your roof?

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