9 Home Maintenance Tasks Every New Homeowner Should Know How to Do
New homeownership is exciting but also full of responsibility. As a first-time homeowner, you’ll need to educate yourself on several DIY home maintenance tasks to avoid making various calls to maintenance professionals…and paying their service charges. Here are some of the most common home maintenance tasks every new homeowner should know how to do. Install […]
The Ultimate Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
With each change of seasons comes the need to get your home and its systems ready for the changing weather elements. Here is a complete interior and exterior home maintenance list that can be completed in a weekend’s time.
Fire Prevention Month: 5 Facts About Home Fires & How to Prevent Them
According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 369,500 home structure fires in 2013. Those 369,500 fires caused 2,755 deaths, 12,200 injuries, and $7 billion in property damage. There is no time like the present to make sure your home isn’t susceptible to fire and what you and your […]
24 Ways to Save Water & Energy at Home
Reducing your carbon footprint, saving on utility costs and improving the overall efficiency of your home doesn’t require as much work or money as you may think. U.S. homeowners and renters spend $163 on average on just gas and electricity per month, according to a Intuit Mint survey. Use these tips to decrease your home […]
8 Tips for Burglar-Proofing Your Home
Your home is meant to be a place of security and safety. The United States leads the world in occurrence of burglaries, with one occurring approximately every 15 seconds. While a break-in can be financially devastating, it is also emotionally taxing. Regardless of the safety of your neighborhood, a false sense of security can leave […]
5 Easy DIY Weekend Landscaping Projects
Proper landscaping is one of the few home improvements that not only adds value to your property but also appreciates over time. Another benefit of landscape projects? A little can go a long way and most don’t require the help of a professional. Use these easy DIY landscaping projects to add curb appeal to your […]
8 Perennials to Grow in Your Garden in the Midwest
If you are from the Midwest, you are well aware that you are likely to experience multiple seasons of weather in one day. When considering items to plant in your garden, it’s a good idea to pick plants and flowers that can easily adapt to a variety of climate conditions and are native to the […]
Mortgage Goals: How to Build Home Equity
Home equity is arguably one of the biggest perks of being a homeowner. It is an asset and part of your total net worth. You can use it to pay off other debts, fund your retirement, pay for a child’s education or wedding, or use it to purchase your next home. However you plan to […]
Mortgage Glossary
Applying for a mortgage is a big financial decision. The financing process and terminology can be confusing at times for both first-time and repeat homebuyers. Get definitions on mortgage terms that are likely to come up throughout your loan process from our mortgage glossary.
Tax Benefits of Homeownership
Owning your own home allows you to create a stable living environment for your family, personalize your living space and build equity. With tax season around the corner, homeowners can argue that the tax benefits are one of the biggest perks of owning their own property. Interest & Points When looking at an amortization schedule […]