7 Time-Sucking Remodeling Mistakes You’ll Wish You Could Erase
May 10, 2021
It may see counterintuitive, but a rigid schedule can really mess things up. One of the things that drives up remodeling costs (and frustration levels!) are delays. And these delays are often caused by ignorance on the homeowner’s part.It’s that old axiom: You don’t know what you don’t know.Until now....
6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Garage Door Security
April 12, 2021
Image Credit: Stephen Paul for HunkerWhen thinking about home safety and protection, homeowners often overlook garage door security. Doing so creates a weak point in your home security strategy — and burglars know it. Homeowners often rely on a locking door or a garage door opener to secure the door and keep them safe, but crafty burglars can get ...
Inspection vs. Appraisal for Home Buyers
March 09, 2021
In this article:What is the difference between an appraisal and an inspection?What happens during an appraisal?What if the appraisal comes in low?What to expect from a home inspectionHow are home inspections and appraisals similar?Inspections and appraisals are both important parts of the home buying process, and buyers should do both to protect their financial interest ...
The pros and cons of a house vs. a condo for first-time buyers
February 10, 2021
A condominium can make a good starter home, but the lifestyle isn’t for everyoneCondos are often priced lower than single-family homes. ISTOCKWhether you’re having trouble finding an affordable single-family home or you’re simply fed up with renting, a condominium can be a way to wade into homeownership rather than diving into the deep end.Condos ...
Decoding Common Paint Terms
January 06, 2021
Break through the jargon to ensure you choose the right paint for the job. When it comes to paint, there’s a lot of jargon, from “sheen” and “finish” to “scrubbability” and “washability.” A novice painter might find themselves asking: What do those terms actually mean? Understanding common paint terminology can help ensure ...
15 Ways to Save on Heating Costs
December 09, 2020
Keeping your home warm in the winter shouldn't leave you broke. Use these 15 tips to save on heating costs.01of 15Dress for Cold Weather Fred Paul/Photographer's Choice/Getty ImagesDress in layers; slap a pair of slippers on your feet, and add a hat to complete your "stay warm" ensemble.02of 15Decorate for Warmth Bjorn Vinter/Getty ImagesWhen ...
5 Tips for a healthy home
November 15, 2020
As we’re now in the cooler months of fall (and not to mention flu season), we all feel a responsibility to keep our families healthy where they feel the safest: at home. So, what makes a home healthy, and what can you do to make your home a safe haven for loved ones? Use these ...
How to choose a closing date for your mortgage
October 15, 2020
© DOUGBERRY/Getty Images A single-story home with attached garageIf you're buying a home, you may be receiving all sorts of advice about the best time of the month to close on your mortgage. In reality, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a closing date, but timing does matter. It's important to understand how closing ...
How to Choose a Reputable Moving Company
September 11, 2020
We know it’s challenging to find a reliable mover. The following advice will help you choose a reputable moving company once and for all. Moving is one of the more stressful life experiences we all go through. Unfortunately, picking the wrong movers can make a challenging time even more horrific. If you’re like us, you’ve ...
ARE HOME WARRANTIES WORTH IT?
August 14, 2020
What are the pros and cons of owning a home warranty? Our review team discusses whether or not home warranties are worth it | Photo Credit: Shutterstock © Ewelina Wachala With the high cost of home repairs, many homeowners want to know whether a home warranty is worth it or not. Before making a decision, it is ...
Attract Solitary Mason Bees to Your Yard With a DIY Bee House
July 13, 2020
Image Credit: Caroline Burke for HunkerMaking a modern bee house is a sweet summer project and a great way to encourage more bees to pollinate your garden. This cute wooden house is designed to attract solitary mason bees who love to nest in pre-existing holes rather than hives. They're not an aggressive species as they're not guarding ...
How to Improve Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage
June 04, 2020
If you own a home, you need to have adequate homeowners insurance coverage. Nearly all mortgage lenders require it as part of the conditions for issuing a home loan anyway. However, as time goes on, you may find that you want to make certain changes to your homeowners insurance to create a better plan. Here are four ways in ...
How to Buy a Home During the COVID-19 Crisis
May 07, 2020
Until the economy settles down after the shelter-in-place orders are lifted, buying a house is going to be quite a challenge. However, if you are a frustrated first-time buyer, or a move-up buyer, who is tired of looking for an affordable new home but wants to buy while rates are super low, there’s nothing to lose by giving ...
COVID-19 dubbed a “natural disaster” by U.S. credit agencies. Take steps now to protect your finances
April 01, 2020
National emergencies spur the credit-debt cycleThe immediate effects of COVID-19 have hit U.S. households hard with layoffs, reduced hours, and business closures. And with this comes another, under-the-surface issue that many don’t think about right away: Credit scores. National emergencies like COVID-19 can be disastrous for U.S. credit, creating new consumer debt cycles that ...
10 Ways To Make A Big Home Feel Cozy
March 10, 2020
The tiny house movement may have gained popularity in recent years, but many Americans still dream of living in a big home with spacious rooms, high ceilings and sprawling open-concept floor plans. But after the furniture is all moved in, some homeowners have issues with purchasing a home that’s so big. A spacious house can actually feel ...
How much does it cost to install central air?
February 07, 2020
In the scorching days of summer, there's nothing better than the refreshing cool of central air. Without it, the sweltering heat can feel suffocating, and your home can become unbearably hot. If your current cooling unit is failing to chill the air and you're ready to invest in a new central air conditioning system, it's important ...
Why It's Still So Hard to Fix Credit Report Errors
January 14, 2020
You can successfully dispute mistakes, but it may take time and effort Fixing errors in credit reports remains one of the biggest hassles consumers face. Yet while the problem has been well known for years, ...
No Place Like Home For The Holidays: Why You Should Consider Buying In The Winter
December 16, 2019
As the temperatures cool down, so does the housing market. Winter is the time for staying warm, celebrating the holidays and settling in until the weather outside isn’t so frightful, meaning that thoughts of attending open houses are far from the minds of most would-be buyers.This presents an opportunity for savvy home shoppers. While lacing up your ...
5 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR AN ECO-FRIENDLY MOVE
November 12, 2019
NuEnergy BlogEco-Friendly TipsUnfortunately, moving home can leave it’s mark on the planet. You may be thinking that moving is a fairly eco-friendly operation since most people use recyclable boxes anyway. However, moving also often involves a lot of waste, a significant amount of traveling and unnecessary materials. If you’re concerned about making your home move ...
Self-employed? Things to know when applying for a mortgage
October 09, 2019
Curious if being self-employed could stop you from being eligible for a home? Know that you still have options for homeownership. You should be aware of a few things, however, to ensure your process is as smooth as possible. Tips to know as a self-employed applicant: Have your business and personal tax returns available and handy. Typically, your ...
10 tips for buying rental property
September 09, 2019
If you've been watching reruns of HGTV's "Income Property" and wondering if it's time to buy a rental property and become a landlord, you're not alone.© divanov/Shutterstock A picture of a large yellow house with three gablesBetween our slow-growth economy, historically low interest rates, and the mood of millennials to rent instead of ...
14 Garage Organization Ideas Under $50
August 09, 2019
Easy-to-afford solutions for your tools, sporting and seasonal gear (so you'll have room for your car, too). If you've got a garage, most likely you've got waaayyyy more than cars in there. It's the catch-all place to keep stuff (mostly) out of sight and out of mind.Put order to the chaos and protect ...
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House in 2019?
July 08, 2019
Painting your home is a wise investment in time (if you DIY) and money. Here's how much it'll cost you.There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to boost curb appeal and make an entire home feel fresh. But exactly how much does it cost to paint a house? Here's everything you need ...
Mortgage Rates Drop to 2-Year Lows
June 12, 2019
June 7, 2019 This marks the sixth consecutive weekly decline for mortgage rates, leaving some borrowers wondering how low will they go. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.82% this week, the lowest average since September 2017.“While the drop in mortgage rates is a good opportunity for consumers to save on their mortgage payment, our research ...
Create a Welcoming Outdoor Space with These 6 Steps
May 08, 2019
The exterior of your home is what visitors see first; it's the key to the much-important first impression. Why not make it shine just as much as the interior? You don't have to spend a lot of money to create a welcoming outdoor space both in the front of your home and in the back.With some ...
