HOA Fees, In Some Cases, Can Be Tax-Deductible

April 15 will arrive faster than you realize, so if you haven’t filed your taxes yet, now’s the time to start combing through your records to see what expenses could end up saving you money on your return, especially if you own a home. One often-missed...

Things That Can Make Your Home Look Messy

Too Many Prints and Patterns Getty Images While prints and patterns are a great way to bring personality into your space, having too many can visually overwhelm the space. Leaving Wires and Cords on Display While it can sometimes be hard to avoid, leaving cords and...

Creative Ways To Hide A Trash Can In Your Kitchen

Finding a spot in your kitchen for a trash can is tricky. You want it to be easily accessible so that detritus doesn’t end up on the kitchen counter, but you also don’t want to see or smell this receptacle—ever. The solution? Hide your trash can in plain...

How to Make an Older Home Feel Fresh to Modern Buyers

Contributed by Caroline James Older homes often have charm, character, and solid construction—but today’s buyers also expect comfort, efficiency, and a sense that the home fits modern living. Home sellers can bridge that gap without gut renovations by focusing on...

Your Financial To-Do List If You Want To Own a Home

With mortgage rates falling this may be the year prospective homeowners who have been sitting on the bench to finally get a shot at a new home.  But whether you’re a first-time buyer or a homeowner looking to make a change, landing in a new home this year...

How Long Does It Take To Save For A Down Payment?

The typical U.S. homebuyer now requires about seven years to save for a down payment, but the timeline varies dramatically by region, from less than two years in an affordable metro with a large military population to nearly four decades in the priciest coastal city. ...

What Happens When You HOA Goes Bankrupt

It seems unthinkable, especially when you’ve paid your HOA bills religiously for years. But the reality is, there is the real possibility of one day receiving notice that your HOA has gone bankrupt. When and if that day arrives, a million questions will start running...