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.
If you’re a homeowner, the more you know about your house and its components, the better you can care for your investment. A roof provides one of humanity’s most basic needs: shelter. Here’s a quick primer on roof structure, styles, and materials. Basic roof structure The framing boards that form the pitch of a roof… Read more »
Dormer windows are a ubiquitous feature of American homes. You have seen these windows set into sloping roofs many times, but perhaps haven’t known what they are called. If you are building a new home or want to add dormers as part of a renovation, here’s what you need to know. The purpose of dormers… Read more »
In recent years, once-popular brass has taken a back seat to brushed nickel, stainless steel and oiled bronze when it comes to interior design. But brass is now shining once again. Read on to learn how brass is back! Home colors are getting warmer The return of brass comes on the heels of a return… Read more »
Knowing about your home’s components will help you make good decisions when it comes to your biggest investment. You need a working knowledge of window design if you’re building a new home or replacing windows in an existing home. Here’s our crystal-clear guide to windows. Types of window design Single-hung windows. The part of any… Read more »
If you’re shopping for a home, you no doubt have a community wish list: good schools, a reasonable commute, and ample shopping and recreation. But don’t forget about your pet’s needs! Here’s how to find a pet-friendly neighborhood where your four-legged fur baby will feel right at home. What to look for in a neighborhood… Read more »
If you’ve recently graduated from college and are just getting established in your career, you may think you’re destined for many years of apartment dwelling. But think again! It’s possible to buy a home in your 20s. Here’s our guide for young home buyers pursuing that worthy financial goal. Benefits of home ownership Apartment dwelling… Read more »
Sometimes unmarried couples want to buy a house together. Homeownership is a great goal, but before you take the plunge with your significant other, you need to cover some important legal and financial ground. Here’s what you need to know. Open and transparent finances If you’re thinking of buying a home with your significant other,… Read more »
Women still face hurdles when it comes to equal pay and job opportunities. Even so, sales to single women home buyers outpace sales to single men. Here’s our guide to the implications of this growing trend. More single female home buyers than male Today, single women make up almost a fifth of home purchasers. Male… Read more »
The modern farmhouse style is one of today’s hottest trends in residential design. The style mixes classic farmhouse basics with modern, industrial and rustic accents to create homes that are both cozy and uncluttered. Is a modern farmhouse living the life for you? What defines a modern farmhouse interior Traditional farmhouse style, with its liberal… Read more »
Buying a house is a complex process. As a buyer, you understandably expect your real estate agent to provide you all sorts of information. Agents want to be helpful, but they can’t answer certain questions because doing so could violate fair housing laws. But no worries — you can find the information you want on… Read more »
Past architectural designs sometimes go through a revival of popularity. In recent years, demand has surged for mid-century modern homes, especially among the millennial generation. Let’s look at this back-to-the-future trend and whether it suits your tastes for nostalgia. What is mid-century modern? Mid-century modern homes were built between 1945 and the mid-70s. The style… Read more »
Barns are no longer just spaces for livestock and farm equipment. Today, living in converted barns or brand-new, barn-like homes has become popular. Here’s what you need to know about the growing trend of barndominium living. The rise of the barn living It’s been common for people to convert barns into temporary places to live… Read more »
The loan processor you work with when you apply for a mortgage isn’t the person who decides whether you qualify for a loan. That power lies with the mortgage underwriter. How do underwriters decide whether applicants will get a loan? The mortgage underwriter’s job The underwriter’s job is not to make you dance like a… Read more »
If you’re shopping for a home, you should always learn about the community surrounding any house you are considering. How concerned should you be if there’s a wastewater treatment plant nearby? If a new one is proposed, should you pass on the house? Wastewater treatment plants: the basics Municipalities use treatment plants to remove not… Read more »
People often think of hiring an architect when designing a house or a big remodeling project, but a residential designer may be able to provide the help you need. What is a residential designer, and how can one help you with your project? Comparing a residential designer and an architect Residential designers and architects can… Read more »
Rooms above uninsulated garages may be harder to cool and warm than the rest of your house. You also may notice car odors in those rooms. The solution to these problems is to insulate and air seal the garage ceiling. Here’s what you need to know about installing garage ceiling insulation. In through the garage,… Read more »
Many towns and cities in America have an area filled with charming old homes and commercial buildings. Having that area deemed an official historic district can be a boon to the community in several ways, but there can be drawbacks as well. Is an historic district right for your community? How do you establish one?… Read more »
Pets can bring lots of joy, but having one means making accommodations at home for both their needs and yours. Choosing appropriate flooring is a big consideration, especially for dogs. You want something durable, attractive and easy to maintain, but your fur baby is looking for comfort. What are the best floors for pets? Your… Read more »
How long do you need to own a home before you can sell it profitably? The answer depends on your individual situation, but generally speaking, the longer you own a house, the more you’ll net from its eventual sale. Sometimes life intervenes, however, and you need to sell after owning a property for only a… Read more »
Radiant floors are a home heating method that doesn’t use traditional HVAC air ducts. Instead of warm air blowing through vents, heat from a source beneath the floors warms the home from wall to wall. Here’s what you need to know about radiant floors. Bottoms-up heating With traditional heating, the warmed air is blown through… Read more »
