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With the arrival of summer heat comes the need for increased air conditioner usage; however this does not necessarily mean an increased energy bill. According to the Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings published by members of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, there are countless ways not only to stay cool during the…

According to the latest home price index from CoreLogic, the U.S. is approaching 3 years of consistent year-over-year increases. While home price has continued to rise, the pace of appreciation has begun to yield. Data shows that the gains may likely be attributed to the sale of distressed homes, however without these figures the average…

Buying a home can be a daunting process, especially for first-time buyers. Independent Community Bankers of America offers several tips for simplifying the process. ICBA recommends that potential buyers first closely analyze their earning and spending habits, and then meet with a banker to discuss financial options before beginning to look at homes on the…

Moving into a smaller rental property has become a popular trend among retired seniors as it can help cut monthly finances, and also save money on expensive repairs and maintenance. According to 2012’s Census Bureau data, the median gross rent for seniors is approximately $750/month in numerous metropolitan areas making locations like Portland Maine, Providence…

In an attempt to save money, many people are taking on home improvement projects themselves. While the thought of doing it yourself and saving hundreds, if not thousands of dollars may be an exciting idea, not all projects should be undertaken without consulting a professional. Experts warn that most DIY projects end up taking up…

Fixed rate mortgages have fallen once again, making this the fourth consecutive week rates have dropped. According to Freddie Mac, the average national 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell from 4.14% last week to 4.12% this week, while the average national 15-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased from 3.25% last week to 3.21% this week. Additionally, the number of…

According to Remodeling magazine’s 2014 Cost vs. Value study, curb appeal adds significant value to a house. Simple things that make your house more pleasing to the eye can increase the return on investment greatly, and make a positive impression on visitors and potential home buyers. Experts say checking the roof for leaks, damage or…

The housing market has made positive strides toward recovery over the last few months. Home resales jumped in April, and the supply of homes for sale on the market increased to the highest level since August of 2012. According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales jumped 1.3% to an annual rate of…

Making small upgrades to your home can help increase the value of your house substantially. Even if you have no plans to sell in the near future, remodeling can increase the value for a possible sale later. Experts have put together a list of home improvements that may be worth the cost in order to…

Housing starts jumped last month as more construction workers began their peak working season. Housing starts increased 13.2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.07 million, according to the Census Bureau. Multi-family housing construction contributed the most gains and increased 40% from the previous month while single-family starts rose 0.8% from March to April.…