Category Archives: Home
Three Home-Renovation Projects for Impact and Investment
If you’re like many homeowners, the start of the new year finds you ready to finally tackle those home-improvement projects that have lingered on your wish list. But where do you begin? First, prioritize those renovations that will have a maximum impact, both in terms of aesthetics and investment values. Also prioritize the projects that
Five Credit Myths to Ditch Now
*By Barbara Pronin Everyone knows that having a good credit score marks you as a credit-worthy individual with increased buying power. But, said consumer finance consultant Jill Krasny, many people have critical misconceptions about what makes for a good credit score. Krasny offers five common credit misconceptions: Having too much available credit can hurt
10 Hot Trends in Kitchen Countertops
*By Barbara Pronin, RISMedia Columnist While granite and marble remain the most popular choices for kitchen countertops, young homemakers are opting for a surprising number of chic, new countertop choices. “These trendy alternatives offer a clean, sleek, sometimes industrial look that suggests heavy duty cooking is going on here,” say designers at architectural firm Freshome.
When It Comes to Fire Safety, Don’t Overlook Outdated Smoke Alarms
More than a quarter of U.S. homes built prior to 2002—approximately 17 million—may require updated fire safety equipment, according to a new survey conducted by Qualtrics on behalf of Kidde, a leading manufacturer of residential fire safety products. The survey, launched in conjunction with Home Safety Month in June, found that 20 percent of respondents
Are You A Renter? Insure Your Stuff!
*By John Voket I need a bunch of you – specifically you renters – to take a moment and consider an important piece of advice about your stuff. If you love it, then make an extra effort to protect it. Did you know the majority of homeowners buy insurance, but just one in three college-aged
Help Protect Your Home From Floods
The average flood loss cost is $48,000 for homeowners and $85,000 on commercial property according to the National Flood Insurance Program. As part of National Flood Safety Awareness and in advance of the spring storm season, now is the time to prepare for floods and consider your flood insurance needs. And, according to FEMA, higher
FHA Reminds Lenders to Speed Insurance Payments for Borrowers
In the wake of the hurricane season, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is reminding its approved lenders to quickly release hazard insurance payments so struggling families can rebuild their homes. FHA recently published a Mortgagee Letter to reinforce its existing policy requiring lenders to release insurance payouts to homeowners eager to rebuild their damaged homes
