When most homebuyers calculate whether they can afford a new home, they focus almost exclusively on one number: the monthly mortgage payment. It’s the figure lenders qualify them for, the number discussed during showings, and the benchmark used to determine budgets. The average annual cost of owning and maintaining a single-family home in the U.S., […]
Articles about Homeowner Tips
Owning a home is more than just going through the process of buying a house. Once your purchase is complete, there are many things to consider during the time you own the home.
These include maintenance, home improvement, your home's value, equity, taxes, insurance, and other things you may not think of.
Peruse our extensive library of articles just for homeowners.
Planning Your 2026 Real Estate Moves: A Guide to the Best Buying and Selling Seasons
Timing isn’t everything in real estate, but it can mean the difference between saving $20,000 or paying a premium, selling in 30 days or waiting three months, and negotiating from a position of strength or uncertainty. As we look toward 2026, understanding seasonal patterns has become more critical than ever. With inventory levels normalizing and […]
Can You Really Trust Online Home Estimates?
For millions of homeowners, checking their Zillow Zestimate has become as routine as checking a stock portfolio, a quick hit of seeing your home’s estimated value, right at your fingertips. With 178 million monthly users and over 100 million homes covered, the platform’s instant, free, and convenient appeal is undeniable. But here’s a famous cautionary […]
How to Spot Real Estate Scams (and Protect Your Investment)
Real estate scams are targeting more victims than ever before, and they’re becoming increasingly sophisticated. Nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate fraud in 2024, losing over $173 million according to FBI reports.1 Even more concerning, about one in four home buyers or sellers encounter suspicious activity during the closing process, and one in […]
10 Hidden Home Maintenance Tasks That Could Save You Thousands
As a homeowner, you’re likely diligent about the basics—mowing the lawn, touching up paint, and cleaning regularly. Right? 😁 But what about the critical home maintenance tasks you don’t see every day? Research shows that home maintenance frequently takes a backseat, even with the best intentions. In fact, a recent survey found that 60% of […]
Real Estate Market Update: What Mid-Year Indicators Mean for Your Next Move
As we reach the midpoint of 2025, the U.S. housing market stands at a critical juncture. The frenzy of the pandemic-era real estate boom has long since cooled, but in its place we’re seeing a market searching for balance. Higher mortgage rates, cautious buyers, and rising home inventory are combining to reshape what it means […]
A Seasonal Guide to Home Care & Maintenance
Updated June 5th, 2025 From summer vacations to winter holidays, it seems each season offers the perfect excuse to put off our to-do list. But be careful, homeowners: neglecting your home’s maintenance could put your personal safety—and one of your largest financial investments—at serious risk. In no time at all, small problems can lead to […]
