The cost to maintain a home is something financial experts recommend budgeting for early on, in preparation for choosing which house to buy. On average, homeowners spend 1 percent of their overall home cost in maintenance every year, according to a new study by Porch.com. The upkeep costs can … [Read more...]

RickSause/iStock Warmer weather means it's time to fire up the grill! Yet before you lay on those hot dogs or rack of ribs, know this: Even if you consider yourself pretty good with your grill, there are certain things you're doing just plain wrong. Curious what mistakes you might be making … [Read more...]

Chalabala/ istock Once upon a time, my husband and I toured an adorable home for sale in a bucolic New Jersey town. We were thrilled when we walked through the front door. But that feeling dissipated quickly once we entered the kitchen. At least, I think it was a kitchen. There was a … [Read more...]

Increase the longevity and efficiency of your furnace with 5 simple steps. Regularly change the filters Keep the surrounding area clean Clean air vents and ducts Utilize a programmable thermostat Bleed hot-water heater valves By taking these steps your furnace will be in tip-top shape to keep … [Read more...]

Click here: Video: What buyers need to ask a real estate agent … [Read more...]

realtor.com; istock With skyrocketing home prices and rising mortgage rates, many home buyers are frantically looking for ways to cut down on costs wherever they can. But in one area, it makes sense to ramp up spending, experts say—paying off old bills, debts, and credit cards. That's … [Read more...]

teekid/iStock You purchase homeowner insurance for peace of mind. If a natural calamity like a fire or hurricane strikes, insurance can provide you with the financial means to pick up the pieces. However, it's easy to assume that certain events and damages are covered by your insurance … [Read more...]

KatieDobies/iStock At some time or another, we've probably all had something in our homes that, quite frankly, gives us the creeps. Maybe it's the heirloom Victorian doll that your mother insisted you keep, or perhaps it’s an empty-eyed tribal mask that seems to gaze at you every time you pass … [Read more...]

~UserGI15966731/iStock Patting yourself on the back for keeping your home spick-and-span? Well, not to be a downer, but a new study argues that cleaning your home once a week is the equivalent of smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes per day. Um, what? That's according to research published … [Read more...]

  Home buyers with children are scouring properties looking for high-level items on their checklists, such as good schools and a room for a nursery. But some parents may later regret overlooking other factors in choosing the right home for their family. Realtor.com® recently featured an … [Read more...]