Category: Guides

Our Home Guides will help you with everything related to your home. Our How-To guides will help you through the process.

What is RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act)? Why should I care?

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) was enacted in 1974 to protect consumers in the real estate settlement process.

Should I Install a Home EV Charger?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and save money

EV Chargers at Home: Level 2 vs. Level 1

As electric vehicles become more popular, many homeowners are considering installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger in their home. A

Drywall | How to Repair & Costs

Repairing drywall is a common task for homeowners and can range from small patches to big holes. Here is a

Smart Homes — What are they?

Smart homes are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are looking for ways to improve the convenience, security,

Cost to Charge an Electric Car

Electric cars are becoming more and more popular, as people become more environmentally conscious and seek to reduce their carbon

Should You Rent or Buy in Today’s Uncertain Market?

Deciding whether to rent or buy in a market with high interest rates and rising unemployment can be a difficult

What is a Cash Out Refinance Loan?

What is a cash out refinance loan? A cash out refinance loan is a type of refinance loan that allows

How to Dispose your Live Christmas Tree

Every Christmas season, many of us look forward to indulging in the festivities and decorations that come with it. But

Current Real Estate Market Conditions | December 2022

The current real estate market conditions in the United States are somewhat bleak. In recent years, home prices have been

Santa Claus – Help your Kids Believe

Convincing your kids that Santa Claus still exists can be a fun and magical experience for both you and your

Tax Deductions on your Primary Home

One of the benefits of owning your home is that you have many more tax deductions available to you versus

Fix your Washing Machine Draining Issue

Are you getting errors from your washing machine that you have too many suds? Are your clothes still wet after

How to get rid of Yellow Jackets

Have you experienced screaming kids when yellow jackets start coming around during a picnic? The fear of getting stung will

Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lights

Looking to add some outdoor Christmas lights to your home this holiday season? Whether you’re looking for a professional, cost-effective

Common Garage Door Problems

Most people don’t think too much about their garage door. You open it, close it and everything is fine. The

Empty Nesters | How to Downsize your Home

It’s a fact of life that our homes just don’t stay the same size as our families change. When the

Sell Your Home in Down Real Estate Market

It’s no secret that selling a house in a down real estate market can be tough. Interest rates are high,

How to get rid of Ants

Ants are one of the most common household pests. They’re small, but they can cause big problems. If you have

Black Friday Shopping Strategies in an Online World

Looking for the best deals this Black Friday? In an increasingly online world, it can be difficult to know where

How to Fry a Turkey

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, turkey. But if you’re tasked with cooking the turkey this

What is a Storm Door? Why do I need one?

Storm doors are an extra door that is placed in front of the main door of a house. They help

Home Equity Loans | How do they work?

Home equity loans can be a great way to finance major expenses or consolidate debt. But how do they work,

Moving to a new City | What you Need to Know

Moving to a new city can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. There are a lot of things to think

How to Afford a Home when Mortgage Rates are High

When mortgage rates are high, it can be difficult to afford a home. Often times, people need to move because

Outdoor Pizza Ovens | Worth the cost?

Outdoor pizza ovens have been gaining popularity in recent years, as people look for ways to enjoy their favorite food

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) | Cost & Benefits

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary living space on your property that can be used for rental income,

Outdoor Kitchens | Where do I start?

When most people think about outdoor kitchens, they envision a summertime oasis complete with a grill, sink and plenty of

Zoning Laws and Building Permits | Why They Matter

Most people are familiar with zoning laws that dictate what can be built in certain areas- like commercial zoning laws

How to add Air Conditioning to your House

The recent weather changes and subsequent heat waves across the country have become a catalyst for home owners to explore

Creative Halloween Decorations for your House

Looking for some creative ways to decorate your house for Halloween? Halloween decorations are simple, fun, and can really enhance

Water Leaks | How to Know You Have One | How to Fix

Is your water bill artificially high? Do you see random puddles of water in areas where they shouldn’t be? Do

Average Cost of Home Improvement Projects

Are you thinking about giving your home a makeover? Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or even just

Costco or Sam’s Club | Which is better for you?

Costco and Sam’s Club are two of the most popular wholesale stores in the United States. They both offer great

How to Hang a Flat Screen TV

Do you want to hang your flat screen TV on the wall but don’t know how to do it without

Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations | How to Pay for Them

There are many popular home renovations (kitchen and bathroom renovations are the most popular) that can add value to your

HVAC Systems – Main Components & Replacement Cost

A HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that helps to regulate the

Interior Designer | What They Do and How Much They Cost

If you’re like most people, you probably think interior designers are only for the wealthy. You may be surprised to

Remodel your Bathroom | Cost & Process

If you’re thinking of giving your bathroom a makeover, you might be wondering what the process entails and how much

How to Maintain Your HVAC and Air Conditioning System

Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one of the most important pieces of equipment you have.