If you’re purchasing or selling real estate, you’ll likely hear about escrow—an arrangement commonly used to manage funds after an offer has been accepted on a home sale. Learn what escrow is, what it commonly looks like in real estate transactions, and why that matters for buyers and sellers. Here…
A clogged dishwasher is a major pain in the neck no matter when it happens. Fortunately, it’s usually pretty easy to fix. Before you call an expensive service technician, try these 5 simple ways to clean a clogged dishwasher yourself. How can I tell if my dishwasher is clogged? If the dishes…
Every financial plan should include an emergency savings fund. An emergency savings fund is money that is saved for unplanned expenses, such as medical bills, home and car repairs, or an unexpected loss of income. Emergency funds allow you to cover these costs without having to turn to a high-interest credit…
A landscaped yard full of trees and other greenery can enhance your home’s curb appeal, which in turn can increase the value of your property. Whether you want shade, privacy, or fruit for a homemade dessert, the trees that take root in your yard can provide it all for your…
There are many reasons why you might choose vinyl for your flooring installation. It is great for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and laundry rooms. It is water-resistant and durable. However, there are many different types of vinyl flooring. You may find yourself weighing the benefits of glue down versus floating plank…
This may not seem like the ideal moment to take the kids on safari. But choose your destination — and your travel advisor — wisely, and you can pull off the perfect family trip. The author and her family on a Tropic Air Kenya excursion to Lekurruki Rock, in Samburu…
If you type “unclog sink” into your web browser, you’ll see a variety of suggestions that pop up. But many involve harsh chemicals and some even require power tools! Fortunately, when you’re trying to figure out how to unclog a sink, there are several easy, environmentally safe solutions. And that’s…
When it comes to mortgages, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But there are lots of options. And your job as a borrower is to understand all your options. When you apply for financing to buy a home, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM loan or ARM) may be one of your options….
Modern homes run with the help of many different utilities and service lines, such as sewer, water, cable, and electricity. Over time, these service lines on your property can suffer damage or break down. But you might be surprised to learn that when that happens, the homeowner is typically responsible…
The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang A smart home hub allows you to connect your smart devices into a single network to unlock almost endless features that make your life easier, organized, and more informed. “A smart home [powered by a standard smart hub] unlocks a host of services across a variety…
Watch sunlight glint off the still surface of a pond, listen to the trickle or splash of a fountain, and feel instantly transported and relaxed. For a dose of serenity and to enhance the beauty of your property, add a water feature. The question is, should you install a fountain…
In a world where a dizzying array of credit card types are marketed to consumers, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. The thing is, you don’t have to learn everything about every single credit card on the market. All you need to do is figure…
Widgets and messaging turn this smart display into a family communication hub that can be placed on the wall like a digital bulletin board. The Echo Show 15 is more than just a bigger version of the other models. Features like widgets and messaging turn this smart display into a…
Winter has arrived in full force, which means it’s time to start considering your seasonal escape. Mexico is currently open to international travelers, and with approximately 5,800 miles of coastline, you’ll have plenty of beach options to discover. Traditionally, Cancun and Los Cabos are two of the most sought-after beach destinations in Mexico — and for good reason. Both are…
(Image credit: deVOL) BY ROHINI WAHI PUBLISHED 23 JANUARY 2022 If you’re a bit of a commitment-phobe when it comes to anything built in then portable kitchen island ideas might just be the ideal solution if you’re thinking about incorporating an extra prep area into your kitchen. And there is an abundance…