By LaToya Irby LaToya Irby LaToya Irby is a credit expert who has been covering credit and debt management for The Balance for more than a dozen years. She’s been quoted in USA Today, The Chicago Tribune, and the Associated Press, and her work has been cited in several books….
by Holly Antoine | Published 7/12/22 A well-lit house with beautiful and creative landscape lighting always turns heads, but before you rush out to buy your exterior lighting products, you need to know what you want to light up and why. There’s more to lighting up a home’s exterior than just lights…
Conventional loan limits are the maximum amount a person can get when applying for a private mortgage. These may vary depending on various factors, including the type of loan and location. Advertising & Editorial Disclosure Last Updated: 5/2/2023 Edited By Amy Wilder Before getting a mortgage, it’s important to understand…
Is there such a thing as an ugly Caribbean beach? Probably not. Especially not on the idyllic shores of Turks and Caicos. This British Overseas Territory is south of the Bahamas and comprises 40 islands and cays. Only nine of these islands are inhabited, but most can be reached by…
Are you considering selling your home? Consider getting home staging services! This service is absolutely vital in attracting potential buyers to your home. It gives potential buyers a sneak peek of the home before they see it in person. We’ll be going over how much does home staging cost? Home…
The Amazon Echo will keep your pets entertained. Ian Knighton/CNET You use your Amazon Echo for all sorts of things around the house — from playing music and replacing an old alarm clock to using it as a base for all your smart home devices. Or maybe you wanted it to make you laugh or you wanted more than…
Cleaning grout is surprisingly satisfying once you get started, and a great way to make your bathroom feel brand new without spending any money. Whether the grout around your shower has turned a delightful shade of orange due to shampoo build-up or your floor tiles are in need of cleaning,…
Your credit score is an integral part of your financial picture. It determines both whether you can borrow money and the interest rate you’ll be offered. It can even be a factor in determining whether you can rent an apartment or qualify for a job. Because your credit score has…
If you own a home, your mortgage is probably one of the biggest bills you pay each month. It’s also the most important. If you don’t pay your mortgage, you run the risk of foreclosure — and could eventually lose your home. If you have a rewards credit card, you might be tempted to…
When you own a rental property, whether it’s for long-term tenants or simply for those looking to get away for the weekend, you have to ensure that your property is the best. This means not only keeping it clean and full of desirable features but also running efficiently, even when…
Kitchen floors experience a ton of traffic. They also face the brunt of hot food spills and sticky splashed drinks. It helps if the surface can safely handle moisture and quickly dissipate heat. It’s why tile is such a popular option for kitchen floors. It has all the advantages we’ve…
Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, it’s crucial to leave your old home in good condition when moving out – so you can get your security deposit back or so you can sell your property more easily and at a higher price. Therefore, along with the myriad relocation tasks…
It’s never a great idea to stop caring about your credit score entirely, but you may reach a point where your credit score takes up less mental real estate. If you have a good score and no plans to borrow money or apply for credit again, you may be able…
Buying your first home is a dream for many Americans. But it can be notoriously difficult to climb onto the property ladder. This is when it becomes most important to do your research. For first-time home buyers in the United States, there are many first-time home buyer programs whose sole…
It may seem like you’re constantly cleaning your house. Well, you probably are. But no matter how often you wipe down your kitchen table or give your toilet a swish with a brush, your house is going to get dirty again. It’s not your fault— dust, dirt, and messes are a…