Curb Appeal Wins in the 2017 Cost vs. Value Report

Mortgage rates are expected to rise over the coming years, and inventory woes are still plaguing many parts of the country. As a result, the remodeling industry is expecting a busy few years ahead as more people stay in their current homes and renovate. But, for homeowners who are thinking about selling in the future, not all renovations are created equal. Remodeling magazine's Cost vs. Value Report analyzes the returns on investment for 29 remodeling projects to determine... Read More

Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements

If you're planning to make home improvements this year, you're probably thinking about energy-efficient options, knowing they can save you money in the long run. However, many eco-friendly home improvements that help lower your energy bills can also pay off right away in the form of rebates and tax credits.

Whether you're considering installing an energy-efficient tankless water heater, putting solar panels on your house, or adding a skylight, chances are you can find a program that will put cash back in your pocket for improving your home's energy efficiency... Read More

Strong Home Sales in 2016, but a Lack of Inventory in 2017

Despite affordability issues and low inventory, 2016 had the best existing-home sales in a decade. At 5.45 million sales, existing-home sales haven't set a pace this fast since 2006, when sales reached 6.48 million; in comparison, sales in 2015 topped out at 5.25 million. According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), "Solid job creation throughout 2016 and exceptionally low mortgage rates translated into a good year... Read More

Don't Delay! Five Signs It's Time to Call a Plumber

When is the last time you had your home's plumbing serviced? If your home is experiencing any of the following issues, it might be time to schedule a service technician for preventative maintenance.

1. Slow Drain. If your sinks are slow to drain, you might have a pipe blockage issue. This can be especially concerning if you are noticing slow drainage in both your kitchen and bathroom sinks... Read More