More than 62 million Americans live in communities governed by a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), which is charged with maintaining the appearance, condition and general livability of the community. But living in such a community also places limits on what homeowners can do to their property, which can sometimes be a source of conflict.
The HOA’s board of directors might have a say, for example, in where you park, the number of pets you have or what color you paint your front door. They may als...If you’ve been renting an apartment for longer than you’ve had a Facebook, don’t worry—you’re not the only one. But if you’ve been teetering on the fence of buying or renting, going over the pros and cons, all whilst watching your friends settle into their own place, it might be time to say goodbye to the landlord.
It’s normal to be afraid to take the plunge into home-buying territory, but with the help of a great agent and a little research, you can determine if the time is right for you.
I...Making renovations to your home can feel like an uphill battle, but it’s one that is full of rewards, too. When all is said and done, you can rest easy knowing your home is exactly as you want it. But it’s important to be patient and practical, and to only start projects you know you can complete.
Need help deciding on what to tackle first? We’ve got y...Spring gardening across the United States varies from region to region. However, gardening in the Northeast has numerous advantages- beautiful, contrasting four seasons and bursts of summertime flowers even on the warmest of days.
Use these tips to ensure that the required spring preparation is completed and that your garden is in tip-top shape this season.
Turn over winter cover crops in your garden beds, and add compost to establish the perfect foundation to sprout new life. In th...You would think not since it is new and the developer has to adhere to local construction guidelines. However, err on the side of caution—always hire an inspector, whether the home is old or new.
You can ask the builder to provide copies of any inspection reports on the property, architectural plans, surveys and pertinent construction documents for your inspector to review.
The inspector should either be a professional home inspector, an engineer, an architect or a contractor. When hiring a...Having an air conditioning unit that's running at peak efficiency can decrease energy costs by as much as 20 percent. However, if the unit is not properly maintained, your bills and run-times will likely skyrocket. By taking the proper precautions during the months leading up to summer, you'll lower your energy bills and turn your house into a more comfortable home environment with healthier surroundings.
In preparation for the summer heat, follow these simple steps to ensure the A/C is c...
The kitchen is most often the heart of the home, but it can also be one of the most expensive updates to a new abode. Large tasks such as relocating plumbing lines, knocking out cabinets, and purchasing a new set of appliances usually contribute to the high cost of updating the kitchen. However, there a simpler ways to refresh the kitchen without putting a dent in your wallet.
1. Paint The Cabinets
Replacing cabinets with new oak or walnut ones can easily drive up the price of your upgr...