Knowing the assessed value of a particular property can be a huge help in buying, selling or refinancing. However, with multiple valuation methods and terms available, it can be difficult to distinguish one from the other. Luckily, there are some simple ways to find the assessed value of your home. Here are the basics: What is assessed value?...

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has helped countless veterans finance their home ownership goals. While you have the choice of a conventional loan offered by other mortgage lenders, there are some significant benefits to VA loans. Here are some of the most important advantages to consider: No Down Payment The most famous benefit of VA loans is...

The driving reasons to build a new backyard deck or replace an aging one sometimes differ from other home improvements. One might upgrade a kitchen to take advantage of the latest appliances, flooring materials or to build a convenient center island. Behind every decision to remodel the interior, cost and quality of life considerations tend to win the...

The flooring in your new home can have a significant impact on the way a room or area looks. When you’re having a home built, you can choose the type of flooring you want for it. Although this allows you to choose the material, such as hardwood or tile, you’ll also need to decide on the layout. The...

Indoor flowering plants might seem intimidating even to experienced houseplant owners. However, there are many options for low-maintenance indoor flowers to brighten up your home. It's also simpler to help your indoor flowering plants thrive if you follow some basic best practices. Here are some tips for growing indoor flowering plants: Give them enough sun While most plants...

Umbrella insurance, sometimes called personal liability insurance, offers coverage beyond the limits of your other policies. It can help cover the financial gaps and protect your savings and assets in the event you’re liable for damages. Umbrella insurance is not required, but many choose to purchase a policy for greater peace of mind in answering some of life’s...

When buying a home, the down payment will make up the bulk of your upfront expenses. While most mortgage lenders offer you flexibility in the amount of your down payment, it's difficult to decide how much money to spend right away. While a higher upfront cost, a higher-than-minimum down payment has some significant advantages. Here are the main...

If you have rental property you’re struggling to fill, a real estate agent can help. Finding the right tenants can be stressful, time-consuming and complicated, especially if you manage several properties. A real estate agent will take over most of the hard work and use their expertise to find the best possible fit for your property. Here are...

The farmhouse style is defined by wooden pieces, neutral colors and comfortable decor that creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. It's a style that arrived onto the scene and became an instant sensation, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Fortunately, it's easy to create a farmhouse look in any room with these DIY...

With the right preparation, you can host a comfortable outdoor gathering any time of year. Whether you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain or just cold temperatures, there are many ways you can adjust your porch and patio to accommodate guests. Here are some simple tips for weatherproofing your next outdoor gathering: Invest in Heat Lamps...

Closets are an essential part of any home, but you might not have as many as you need. When you want more storage space in a bedroom, hall or other area, building a closet is an option to consider. With some basic carpentry skills, equipment and tools, you can design and build the ideal closet in any space....

Whether you buy one or make it yourself, bird baths make an excellent addition to any yard or garden. While the decorative aspect of a bird bath is important, it’s also important to consider the ease of use. Whether birds visit and use your bird bath will depend on several factors concerning its location. Here we’ll go over...