The smart home used to be the stuff of science fiction. Moviegoers watched as Tony Stark controlled his mansion with nothing more than his voice, or wished they could have the type of technology that made Batman’s life so amazing. These days, you don’t have to be a billionaire business owner or an eccentric crime fighter to create the ultimate … Read More
Pay Off Your Mortgage Early: Easy Tricks Anyone Can Use
There are two ways to own your home. Either you can pay cash upfront or you can pay little by little, year after year. For most us, monthly mortgage payments are the most feasible option. While we continue to chip away paying off our homes, some of us may wonder how we can speed up the process. Whatever your reason … Read More
Keeping Pets Safe Around Plants
Gardens are wonderful places for pets. They provide entertainment, room to exercise and cool shade in the afternoon. However, many of the most common and seemingly innocuous garden plants are also poisonous to your furry friends. View original article on Zillow.
Smart and Sustainable In-Home Technology to Reduce Utility Costs
The financial and environmental costs of using utilities add up fast. In many cases – and we’re all guilty of this – we don’t realize how much we’re consuming until the utility bill shows up. We scratch our heads and think, “wow, there’s no way I used 897 kilowatt-hours of electricity this month.” (The average U.S. household uses that much … Read More
How to Set a Home Renovation Budget
Ready for a kitchen renovation? Anxious for a bathroom remodel? The easy part is knowing your goal for home remodeling – whether you’re trying to keep up with your growing family, add office space, or increase your home’s value. But figuring out how to plan a home renovation that doesn’t break the bank can be tricky. Here are five key steps in … Read More
Quiz: Should You Renovate Your Home or Sell?
Most homeowners have that one thing about their home that they wish were different. “My house would be perfect if it just had one more bathroom.” “I love my house – except for the kitchen layout.” “If I had more storage space, I could live here forever.” For some owners, their home’s fatal flaw exists outside the four walls. Maybe … Read More
What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Contractors
Building or renovating a home is a complex project with plenty of moving parts. Even if you’re planning to take a DIY approach, it’s likely you’ll need some help from contractors along the way. Here’s a guide to the types of contractors you might enlist to help you complete your dream home. General contractors If you think of a general … Read More
Redfin Data Helps Fuel Wealthfront’s Home Buying Guide
Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home or upgrading to something different based on life changes, there can be a lot of unknowns. For some it’s hard to know when and how to start the planning process. For others who are closer to purchase, they might be wondering the impact of buying a home on their other important goals, … Read More
6 Steps for Preparing Your Home for Winter
The winter months can be cruel on your home no matter where you live. Gusting winds can batter plants. A snowstorm could stress an older home’s roof. Even a few days of heavy January rain could wreak havoc on clogged gutters and downspouts. Whether you’re looking to sell your home or you just want to keep your house intact this … Read More
How to Stage Your Outdoor Space to Sell Your Home Faster
Everyone loves the idea of indoor-outdoor living, even in climates where it’s only possible a few months out of the year. And when you’re selling a home, staging your outdoor space can be an important way to show off one of your home’s best features while attracting prospective buyers. Whether your property has a sweeping lawn or a small city … Read More