Expert Advice for Home Ownership
All Articles on Home Ownership
How to Save Money on Your Gas Bill
Lowering your heating costs, cooling costs, and utility bills depends on finding and reducing the biggest sources of energy consumption in your home.
Jasmine Kanter
How to Save Money on Your Water Bill
Looking to save water while also saving money? Follow our water-efficient guide for money-saving tips on not only using less water but less energy, too!
Mariza Morin
Nine Questions that First-Time Home Buyers Should Ask
First-time home buyers will need to decide if they want to work with a real estate agent, what kind of mortgage works for them, and more.
Pat Roache
Look Out For These Invasive Plants in Colorado
Be on the lookout for Russian olive or purple loosestrife on your Colorado property—these invasive plants could pose some issues for your home.
Macy Fouse
11 Pros and Cons of Living in New Mexico
Can a low cost of living and incredible nature outweigh poor quality education and violent crime? Check out all the pros and cons of living in New Mexico.
Jason Tushinski
How much does a gutter cleaning cost?
Gutter cleaning can cost between $118 and $224 depending on the height of your home, gutter length, condition, slope, where you live, and several other factors. Find out more here.
Talullah Blanco
Look Out For These Invasive Plants in Massachusetts
Watch out for Dame’s Rocket and Mile-a-Minute Vine, just two of the 69 invasive plants in Massachusetts. Click here for tips on how to deal with invasive plants.
Matt Nightingale
11 Pros and Cons of Living in Minnesota
The harsh winters might be worth it to experience the wonder of the Ice Castles—but will the rest of the Minnesota pros outweigh the cons?
Abbey Orzech
Look Out For These Invasive Plants in Iowa
Be on the lookout for buckthorn and honeysuckle – two of Iowa's most common and invasive plants.
Megan Lebron
Look Out For These Invasive Plants in New York
From the common buckthorn to garlic mustard, these are some of the most invasive plants in New York State.
Jacqulyn Graber
Look Out For These Invasive Plants in North Carolina
Japanese honeysuckle, garlic mustard, and Japanese knotweed are some of North Carolina’s most troublesome invasive plant species. Learn more here.
Melanie Krieps Mergen
Look Out For These Invasive Plants in Maine
Keep an eye out for invasive plants in your yard, like the Asiatic Bittersweet or Japanese Barberry, two of the most invasive plants in Maine.
Megan Lebron
Invasive Plants in Illinois
Check your property for the Japanese Honeysuckle and Multiflora Rose, two of the most invasive plants in Illinois. Here’s a full list.
Jennifer Justice
Look Out For These Invasive Plants in Arizona
Salt cedar and noxious grasses are among some of the worst invasive plants in Arizona.
Amber Reed
How Much Does a Furnace Inspection Cost?
A furnace inspection, which should be done once a year, usually costs $75-$125—depending on the size and location of your home.
Patrick Price
How Much Does a Crawl Space Inspection Cost?
A crawl space inspection usually costs between $100 and $300, depending on the size of the crawl space.
Patrick Price
Look Out For These Invasive Plants in Florida
Check your property for the Brazilian pepper tree and water hyacinth, two of the most invasive plants in Florida.
R.E. Fulton
The Top 6 Reasons Why People Regret Moving to Arizona
Arizona can be filled with creepy crawlies and scorching summers—among other regrets some have after moving to the state.
Claire Beaney
Honda HRC216 Engine Oil Capacity
Not sure how much oil your Honda HRC216 needs? Find that and more in our handy guide!
Megan Lebron
The Best Boston Roofing Contractors
Jerry has your guide to the best roofing contractors in Boston, from family-owned businesses to larger companies.
Megan Lebron
The Best Lexington Roofing Contractors
Looking for the best Lexington roofing contractor? These are seven of the best roofers in Lexington to get you started.
David Ghanizadeh-Khoob
The Best Fort Myers Roofing Contractors
The Allard Roofing Company, Strikeforce Roofing, and Advanced Roofing & Sheetmetal are some of the best roofing contractors in Fort Myers.
Patrick Price
The Best Fort Lauderdale Roofing Contractors
If you’re looking for the best Fort Lauderdale roofing contractors, then Jerry has the information you need!
Patrick Price
Best Garage Vacuums
Whether you need something high-powered or low-noise, here is a roundup of the best garage vacuums on the market.
Natalie Todoroff
The 7 Safest Places to Live in Florida (Plus the 5 Most Dangerous)
From Niceville in the Panhandle to North Palm Beach on the Atlantic Coast, these are the seven safest places to live in Florida.
R.E. Fulton
Your Guide to House Hacking (Successfully)
House hacking is an investment strategy that helps homeowners offset their mortgage payments by renting out available space in their homes.
Heather Bernhard
Georgia Tiny House Laws
Tiny homes are legal in most of Georgia, but the rules and regulations for small houses vary from city to city.
Payton Ternus
Florida Tiny House Laws
Tiny houses are legal in many parts of Florida, but you need to adhere to local building regulations and minimum square footage requirements.
Melanie Mergen
How to Transport a Refrigerator
To safely move a fridge in your truck or moving van, you’ll need an appliance dolly, at least two friends to help lift, and a strong set of ratchet straps.
Pat Roache
All Questions on Home Ownership
How do I keep gnats out of my garden?
I finally moved to a home that has a garden I can plant outside in. I’m enamored with everything about this garden…except the gnats. For some reason, these stupid gnats (and their disgusting maggots) are appearing everywhere! It’s maddening. How do I keep gnats out of my garden?
Shannon Fitzgerald
Does cayenne pepper keep cats out of the garden?
I recently moved to Skokie, and I’m trying to grow a veggie garden in my new backyard. I have a problem, though: the kitties of my neighborhood keep nibbling on all my goods! While I love stray cats any other time, I’m currently researching how to keep them away. Does cayenne pepper keep cats out of the garden?
Shannon Fitzgerald
What are the best places to live in Norwich?
I’m thinking of moving to Connecticut but not sure what neighborhood would be best. What are some of the best places to live in Norwich, CT?
Rob Shapiro
What are the best places to live in Chicago?
I just moved to Illinois. I’m staying in a temporary place while I decide where to live permanently. What are some of the best places to live in Chicago, IL?
Rob Shapiro
What are the best places to live in London?
I’m moving to Arkansas and have no idea where to live. What are some of the best places to live in London, AR?
Rob Shapiro
What are the best places to live in Indianapolis?
I’m moving to Indiana soon but have never been there. What are some of the best places to live in Indianapolis, IN?
Rob Shapiro
What are some of the best places to live in Indianapolis?
I’m moving to Indiana soon but have never been there. What are some of the best places to live in Indianapolis, IN?
Rob Shapiro
What are the best places to live in Kansas City?
I’m off to Missouri but still looking for somewhere to live. What are some of the best places to live in Kansas City, MO?
Rob Shapiro
What are the best places to live in New Orleans?
I’m considering moving to Louisiana but can’t decide which neighborhood is the best fit for me. What are some of the best places to live in New Orleans, LA?
Rob Shapiro
What are the best places to live in Caldwell?
My family and I are planning to move to Idaho so that we can be closer to my parents. What are the best places to live in Caldwell, ID?
Tiffany Leung
What are the best places to live in Wichita?
I’m super excited that my work is relocating me to Kansas for a year and subsidizing part of my rent! I’m thinking of moving to the Wichita area since the office is close by. Which neighborhood is the best in Wichita, KS?
Tiffany Leung
What are the best places to live in Wyoming?
I’m moving out of state to Wyoming for a change of scenery—I figured it’s time to discover a new area! Which places are the best to live in Wyoming?
Tiffany Leung
What are the best places to live in Boston?
I’ve always wanted to move to Massachusetts, and I think this year I’ll make it happen! What are the best places to live in Boston, MA?
Tiffany Leung
What are the best places to live in Baltimore?
My grandparents live in Maryland, so my parents are planning to move to Baltimore to spend more time with them. I’ve been tasked to find a few good neighborhoods, but I’m not sure where to start. What are some of the best places to live in Baltimore, MD?
Tiffany Leung
What are the best places to live in Portland?
I used to live in Portland when I was a kid and I remember loving it so much. Now that I have a family of my own, I want to move back to Oregon so that my kids can experience the same joy. I’m sure a lot has changed, though. What are the best places to live in Portland, OR nowadays?
Tiffany Leung
What are the best places to live in Minneapolis?
I’ve been thinking of moving somewhere and Minneapolis is one of the top cities I’m considering. What are the best places to live in Minneapolis, MN?
Tiffany Leung
What are the best places to live in Detroit?
I got a new job in Michigan so I’ll be moving out of state (I’m currently in Illinois) next month. I’m looking for somewhere to rent. What are the best places to live in Detroit, MI?
Tiffany Leung
Who is responsible for HOA dues after foreclosure in Florida?
I’m considering buying this home in Florida. It is a foreclosure, though, and I bet the prior owner was behind in the HOA fees. If I buy it, who is responsible for the HOA dues after foreclosure in Florida?
Shannon Martin
Is there a restriction on who can attend HOA meetings in Florida?
My friend is having some trouble with his HOA, and I wanted to attend a board meeting to see what was happening. He said that I wasn't allowed to go. Is there a restriction on who can attend HOA meetings in Florida?
Shannon Martin
What does an HOA consider a commercial vehicle?
There is a condo I have my eye on, but when I was at the open house, I noticed the parking lot seemed a little small. The real estate agent said that commercial cars aren't allowed, and I drive a stretch limousine for a living. What is considered a commercial vehicle by the HOA?
Shannon Martin
What is an HOA resale package?
I am thinking about buying a condo, and my friend said to make sure I take a good look at the HOA resale package before I continue with negotiations. I have no idea what she is talking about. What is an HOA resale package?
Shannon Martin
What is a reserve study for an HOA?
There is a rumor going around that our HOA fee is increased due to the reserve study the association received last month. I can't afford to pay them any more than I do now. What is a reserve study for an HOA?
Shannon Martin
What are some HOA parking solutions for an overcrowded complex?
The parking at my condo is crazy, there are way too many cars and not enough space. I was complaining to my HOA president and they said they didn't know what to do and asked me for suggestions. I don't know either. What are some HOA parking solutions for an overcrowded complex?
Shannon Martin
Who enforces CC&Rs when there is no HOA?
I just moved into this neighborhood and put in a really cool koi pond in the front yard. My next-door neighbor hates it and said they were going to enforce the CC&R, but I don't know how they can. Who enforces CC&Rs when there is no HOA?
Shannon Martin
What is an HOA statement?
My neighbor said she saw an HOA statement taped to my door the other day, but I never saw anything. I don't even know what an HOA statement is, what should I be looking for?
Shannon Martin
What will happen if I don't pay my HOA?
Money has been really tight lately and I am having trouble making ends meet. There doesn't seem to be much I can cut back on, but I have to pay my HOA $210 per month. What will happen if I don't pay my HOA and use that money for my other bills?
Shannon Martin
Can I disband an HOA?
I have lived in a subdivision with an HOA for about 10 years. We all have to pay $120 per month, but the only thing they do is cut the grass. I can cut my grass for cheaper than that. How can I disband an HOA?
Shannon Martin
Can I sue my HOA for discrimination?
My mother is moving in with me and we need to install a wheelchair ramp so that she can move around more independently. My HOA said they wouldn't allow us to install it in the front yard, but that doesn't seem fair. Can I sue my HOA for discrimination?
Shannon Martin
Can the HOA tell you what to do?
I am thinking of moving into this new home in a cute little subdivision, but an HOA runs it. I have heard horror stories about having to follow crazy rules, if I move there, can the HOA tell me what to do?
Shannon Martin
Can the HOA take pictures of your home whenever they want to?
I have only been living in my new subdivision for a few weeks now. I have noticed that the HOA president keeps driving by and taking pictures of the front of my house and the garage, but she didn't ask my permission. Can the HOA take pictures of your home whenever they want to?
Shannon Martin
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