Blog

Fire safety officials are warning homeowners to be cautious while using fireworks around their homes and cars this 4th of July. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks caused 17,800 reported fires in the U.S. in 2011. Of those 17,800 fires, 1,200 were structural. Officials advise keeping young children away from all types of…

Keeping a pool clean and maintained does not have to be an overwhelming task. If you do weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance, taking care of your pool should not be exhausting. A few tips experts have given to maintain your pool are: Clean out your filter daily to ensure it is working efficiently, and skim…

According to CoreLogic’s most recent home price index, home prices jumped last month, increasing 8.8% from May 2013, making it the 27th week the U.S. has experienced year-over-year home price increases. Although prices have grown, experts expect prices to moderate as inventory and demand remain below average. The president and CEO of CoreLogic, Anand Nallathambi…

According to the most recent Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, U.S. mortgage rates have decreased lower than rates in 2013. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged approximately 4.14% last week, down .03% from the previous week and .32% from last year. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.22%, down .28% from last year. Additionally the 5-year…

As the summer months progress, heating a home is the last thing on most minds, but it may be a good idea to start chimney maintenance now in order to get the most effective heat from your wood-burning fireplace during the winter. A few tips that will help you maintain a clean, high-functioning, and safe…

There are many things to consider for before buying a first home or moving into a new home. Experts have compiled a few tips that can help you be better prepared when buying a home: Take the time to mend or maintain your credit score, which largely determines the loan amount you qualify for. Order a…

According to the Black Knight Financial Services Foreclosure Report, foreclosure rates in the United States decreased last month. The foreclosure inventory rate dropped below 2%, the lowest rate seen since mid 2008. Mortgages currently in foreclosure are down 37% year-over-year, and have gradually decreased by more than half a million when compared to May 2013.…

Having a deck can make your home much more enjoyable during warm months, but you must take proper care to ensure its safety, value, and to keep it looking well maintained. A few tips experts have provided to help you preserve your deck are: Wash your deck with appropriate cleaning supplies every year around mid-to-late…

Over the last few years, the housing market has made significant strides toward recovery. Housing markets all over the United States have improved, and prices have grown to reach all-time highs in some areas. Some of the counties with the best housing markets in the U.S. are San Francisco County, California, Johnson County, Iowa, Henderson…

As the heat of summer arrives, energy costs are expected to increase along with the number of false ads promising to reduce your energy costs. Experts have compiled a list of ways you can avoid false ads and be protected against lower energy costs scams. A few tips mentioned are: Look for accreditation and/or certification…