Here’s our one-stop shop for everything you need to know about acquiring a home you’ll love. Browse our articles for valuable information on buying an existing home, finding new construction, or building your dream house.
Knowing the square footage of your home or one you may buy is crucial. Square footage is the baseline metric by which value is calculated, so be sure you have an accurate number. Why square footage is important The square footage of a house is used to compute its value. An accurate number is essential… Read more »
Modern farmhouse style has been incredibly popular among homebuyers and renovators for nearly a decade. But some architects report that requests for modern farmhouse designs are dropping, and media reports claim the style is growing stale. Are they right? Or is modern farmhouse simply evolving? Here’s what you need to know. Elements of modern farmhouse… Read more »
Today’s mortgage interest rates are a good bit higher than those of a few years ago, and that’s keeping many buyers on the sidelines, waiting for a better rate. Should you wait until interest rates drop to buy a house? Experts generally say no. Here’s what you need to consider. No crystal ball of interest… Read more »
Have you ever seen a commercial building under construction with a steel frame and wondered whether you could build your home with steel instead of wood framing? The answer is yes, and the trend is growing. A steel frame has many benefits, so let’s look at these tough-as-nails homes. Strong bones A steel frame home… Read more »
Property that fronts directly onto water brings tranquility, privacy, breathtaking views, and the opportunity for water recreation. It’s a great place to entertain family and friends, making an attractive Airbnb or VRBO rental. What’s more, waterfront property tends to appreciate handsomely. However, owning waterfront property entails certain responsibilities and challenges. Here’s what you need to… Read more »
Real estate owners have rights to the available supply of naturally occurring water to their property. How you use that water may affect adjacent property owners. You may never have to deal with the law regarding water rights, but it doesn’t hurt to learn the basics, especially if you own acreage with a well or… Read more »
Today’s higher interest rates are squeezing would-be home buyers. Less than three years ago, rates were below 4 percent. Now they are above seven, and monthly payments have soared. This has driven home sales down and generated fresh interest in creative financing programs. If you’re in the market for a home, consider these alternatives to… Read more »
A real estate agent who knows the area like the back of her hand can make all the difference in finding the perfect home. She’ll have the inside scoop on every nook and cranny of the area, which means you’ll reap many benefits during your home search. Here’s how having a geographically savvy agent is… Read more »
When you are buying a home, it’s important to determine whether any renovations or remodeling projects were properly permitted. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to undertake such work without the required permits and government inspections. A professional home inspector will be able to evaluate this as well as the quality of the job, but you… Read more »
You have many siding choices when building a home. One that has been around for centuries is simple, unassuming stucco. Consider stucco’s strengths and weaknesses when deciding which siding to use. Stucco and its rivals Stucco is one of several home siding materials. Brick and stone are timeless and durable. They convey a stately appeal… Read more »
Ceiling beams add style and interest to rooms, especially those with high or vaulted ceilings. They can also add structural support. You can choose from a variety of types of ceiling beams to highlight many different design styles. Here’s what you need to know about ceiling beams. Faux or functional Ceiling beams can provide structural… Read more »
Houses or landscape walls made of natural stone have a timeless elegance. Increasingly, those gorgeous stone walls may not be natural stone but a manufactured veneer made to look natural. Veneer stone is lighter, easier to install and cheaper. You may not be able to tell the difference. What are the pros and cons of… Read more »
Homes with a crawl space are at risk of soil moisture creating a humid environment, resulting in mold and wood rot to the beams and floor decking above. Mold can cause health problems, and rot can cause expensive structural damage over time. A vapor barrier is needed to prevent this damage. Moisture can come from… Read more »
The grim statistics say that half of all residential fire deaths occur in bedrooms between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. That’s why building codes across the country have strict requirements that bedrooms have direct access to the outdoors via a window or door. If you’re planning to convert an attic or basement space into a… Read more »
You’ve found your soulmate, and the two of you are moving in together. There’s just one problem: You and your new spouse or partner get along famously, but your belongings don’t. How can you combine your households to create a place that feels like home to both of you? Here are some tips for combining… Read more »
Time was when first-time homebuyers could pursue the American Dream by purchasing a small, simple house that allowed them to build wealth. Today, those “starter homes” are hard to find, and the ones that are out there often cost far more than a first-time buyer can afford. What happened? Here’s what you need to know… Read more »
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. The gas is everywhere, but it can rise to dangerous levels in your home. How do you protect yourself and your family from radon gas? Stealthy visitor As rock decays, the uranium and thorium it contains break down into… Read more »
Working remotely has allowed some homeowners to leave city life behind and move to the quiet country. One of the many delights of country living is the number of stars you can see at night away from city light pollution. Here’s a primer on the awe and wonder of the country night sky. Why do… Read more »
Homeowners who live on agricultural acreage that meets a minimum size standard may qualify for a significant property tax break. Rules vary from state to state, and there can be stiff penalties if you run afoul of them. Here’s how the “ag exemption” works and how you could benefit from it. Agricultural land is valued… Read more »
The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted fundamental changes in most aspects of American life. Interior design is no exception. As people have spent more time at home for both work and socializing, Google search trends have shown increased interest in design styles that focus on comfort. Here’s what you need to know about post-pandemic interior design… Read more »
