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…

According to research, new metropolitan properties are smaller than properties built between 2003 and 2009. New properties are now on average around 950 square feet, compared to properties a few years ago that averaged 1,000 square feet. Experts say there are two primary reasons new properties in metros are being made smaller: Building smaller units…

As warm weather makes its way into most of the United States, many people are looking for landscaping and lawn-care bargains. Prices change from season to season, and it is always smart to pay attention to value when beginning a project, as costs can add up quickly. Experts have compiled a list of tips to…

New data suggests that rent prices have begun to relax as inventory picks up, providing people with many more options than before. At the beginning of this year, 54,000 new apartments were created while the demand required approximately 27,000. As the number of vacant apartments increase, landlords will be forced to lower their rent prices…

As the housing market heats up, an increasing number of home seekers are losing out on home price bids. Experts explain that the higher bid may not always be the best offer, and offer tips on how you can better your chances of winning a bidding war. Sellers don’t want to waste time, and an…

A large number of Americans are set to retire in the next couple of years, and many have made plans to either downsize their living areas or move to a more attractive location upon retirement. Moving can be expensive at any age, but during retirement it can be particularly costly. A few expenses to remember…

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications increased 10.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis last week from the week prior. The Refinance Index also improved, increasing 11% while the adjustable Purchase Index jumped 9%, and the unadjusted Purchase Index grew 19%. This is positive news for the housing market as buying activity picks up.…

U.S. Home prices in many large cities increased last month according to Trulia. Home prices have increased at the slowest rate seen in over a year showing signs of stabilizing according to recent data. This may suggest that the housing market is becoming healthier. Fast home price growth can be worrisome for buyers causing them…