Owning a home can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also come with headaches involving taxes, permits, upkeep and repair, fees, insurance and more. Look for more information here in our articles, blog posts, videos and radio shows about what it means to be a homeowner.
Synthetic Stucco Requires Frequent Inspections
Homeowners who move into brand new homes with synthetic stucco exteriors generally aren't told that the homes require an extreme amount of maintenance, starting with an annual inspection. They aren't told to look for cracked caulking around the windows, or that cracks in the exterior let in water. And they certainly aren't told the water can't get out if they have water barrier synthetic stucco siding and could rot the wood framing.
New Construction: Roman Style
In the early years of the Roman empire, some 2,500 years ago, the Romans used Etruscan building materials and slave labor to construct Rome. Now in Chicago, a recycling company is auctioning off contents of homes after windows are pulled out of walls, brick and stone pavers are dug up out of the yard, and doors, hinges and moldings are pulled out and taken away. Reverse home repair.
Preserve Your Home Value With Maintenance
By failing to properly take care of your home, you could be setting yourself up for some expensive repairs. If you do regular, ongoing maintenance in your home, the costs are relatively minor. However, regular and ongoing maintenance also means tackling larger jobs from time to time.
The Kitchen Idea Book (Idea Book)
Design information and inspiration for the room at the heart of a home, this book by Joanne Bouknight is a treasure of visual ideas for making a new o...
Homeownership Booming With Low Interest Rates
Odds and ends from real estate news around the country. Home values continue to rise as interest rates for 30-year mortgage rates hit historically low levels. The strong economy and low unemployment rate are helping more and more people around the country become first time home buyers. Also, a $30,000 lawn mower that will cut your grass with a laser.
Is Reverse Mortgage Right For You?
Is a reverse mortgage right for you? Ilyce says if you're a home owner over age 62, you can cash in on a reverse mortgage which is a lot like a home equity loan. The amount of cash you receive depends on your age, where you live and your home's value. She offers tips on where to find information on reverse mortgages.
Renovating Alongside The Pros
While homeowners have always tackled small fixer-upper projects, like replacing a broken lock, or installing an electric garage door opener, the projects aren't so small anymore. With hundreds of billions of dollars being spent, home improvement has turned out to be the business of the millennium. And with more quality information available, homeowners are tackling home improvement with renewed vim and vigor.
Real Estate Agents: Home Sellers Do Research Before Selecting One
There are more good real estate agents than bad, but home sellers should do their research before selecting one. Real estate agents should have their clients' interests at heart, so home sellers should beware of bad apples. Home sellers should also beware of real estate agents who may be trying to buy their homes to flip them for an easy profit.
Terence Conran’s New House Book: The Complete Guide To Home Design
More than 1,000 photos showcase elegant ideas for restoring interiors. Learn what to do before decoration starts, including assessing a home, putting ...
A Few Simple Things You Can Do To Improve Your Construction Or Remodeling Project
Home renovation or new construction projects can be rock and full of unexpected turns. Being the general contractor of your home renovation project can be a full time job. Despite the inevitable frustrations, there are things you can do to make your renovation flow more easily.