How to allocate your tax refund to protect your home
Key tips to remember
- Tax refunds are a great way to boost emergency funds and tackle home repairs
- Budgeting experts recommend spending 1-4% of your home's value each year on repairs
- A home protection plan can help control repair costs while you build your savings
4 signs your water heater may be about to break down
Key tips to remember
- Warning signs can include sounds, sights and smells
- Call a professional plumber to see how to fix these issues
- Consider a home protection plan with systems coverage for your water heater and plumbing.
How smart homes are taking over real estate
Key Tips to Remember
- The most-cared-about smart home features are security, temperature control, safety, lighting and entertainment
- The real selling point of smart homes is how they make home ownership easier and more efficient
How does a home warranty work?
Understanding what's covered, the claims process and deciding if it's for you
Key tips to remember
- Most contracts are for 12 months
- Costs will vary depending on coverage level, location and other factors
- Shop around to make sure service pros are qualified and work is guaranteed
Basic home repairs you can do yourself
Key tips to remember
- How to fix a leaking faucet
- How to replace window screens
- How to paint
- How to check your doors
Is a home warranty worth it?
Key tips to remember
- Home warranty policies aren't typically required, but they cover situations that insurance doesn't
- Investing a few hundred dollars in a warranty can save you thousands
- A home warranty can be particularly worthwhile when buying a home
What happens when your heating system breaks?
Key tips to remember
- Heating system failures aren't just uncomfortable — they're expensive.
- Finding a qualified service pro can be stressful
- A home protection plan makes repairs easier and more affordable
7 tips to get the most out of your dishwasher
How to get the most life out of your microwave oven
Key Tips to Remember
- Clean the interior
- Close the door gently
- Avoid heating water by itself
- Don't run an empty microwave
- Make sure your item is microwave safe
How to extend the life of your major home appliances
Key tips to remember
- Clean out your fridge and freezer
- Place dishes in the dishwasher racks carefully
- Don’t overload the washing machine
- Monitor your dryer’s external vent cap
- Regularly sanitize your microwave
- Clean or replace your vacuum filter
Keep cool without breaking the bank
Key tips to remember
- Use your fan
- Consider a smart thermostat
- Invest in heavy curtains
- Use windows strategically
- Maintain your A/C
How to clean a trash compactor
Key tips to remember
- Unplug the trash compactor
- Remove the trash bag
- Clean and dry
- Check the air filter
- Replace the bag
How to get your content marketing noticed
Key Tips to Remember
- Narrow your focus: tailor your content to your professional preferences
- Engage with brevity — short and sweet but informative and interesting
- Avoid telling your audience what they already know
What is a home warranty?
How to tell if your refrigerator is malfunctioning
Key tips to remember
- Listen up
- Check for frost
- Feel for suction
8 fun purchases that cost as much as an appliance repair
Choosing the best home protection plan when selling your home
Key tips to remember
- Understand the options offered by different home protection plans
- Review what's not covered in the home protection plan
- Find the coverage that works for you and your home
Google Fiber and what it means for local property values
Key Tips to Remember
- Google Fiber may boost property values in certain markets due to its novelty and limited supply.
- The real benefits of it are still being debated.
- Be cautious of its benefits; it’s still just an internet and television connection after all.
Home warranty vs. home insurance: what you should know
Key tips to remember
- Know the difference
- Having both is the best case scenario
Real estate investors and crowdfunding: a winning combination?
Key Tips to Remember
- Consider crowdfunding since it allows individuals to participate in investing with as little as $1,000
- Remember the risk involved in such an investment tends to be higher than other investments