Maintenance & Repairs
Upkeep, vendors, and keeping a home in shape.
Red Flags During a Rental Showing You Shouldn't Ignore (2024)
Water stains, sagging outlets, and hairline foundation cracks are the three most common red flags landlords miss before a rental showing.
Reading HOA Documents: 7 Red Flags Before You Buy a Home
A reserve fund under 70% funded or three special assessments in five years are two of the biggest HOA red flags buyers overlook before closing.
Radon Mitigation System Maintenance: Reading the U-Tube Gauge
A working radon system shows a visible height difference on its U-tube gauge — if the liquid sits level, your fan has likely failed and needs attention.
Open House Questions That Reveal Hidden Home Problems Fast
A cracked panel cover, a musty basement smell, or a vague answer about the roof's age can tell you more than any listing photo ever will.
Prorated Property Taxes at Closing: Who Deducts What?
Property taxes are prorated at closing based on the exact day of sale, with sellers paying for their days of ownership and buyers covering the rest.
Preparing Your Household for the Unexpected: Passwords & Access
Nearly 60% of adults have no plan for their spouse or family to access key accounts if something happens to them suddenly.
Photo or Video? Best Way to Document Your Belongings
A 2024 insurance industry survey found 59% of homeowners have no inventory of their belongings, which slows claims and shrinks payouts after a loss.
Pet Deposit vs Pet Rent vs Pet Fee: The Real Difference (2026)
A pet deposit is refundable, pet rent is a recurring monthly charge, and a pet fee is a one-time non-refundable payment that covers different risks.
Paper Clutter Cleanup: A Homeowner's Guide to Going Digital
Most homeowners keep 7-10 years of receipts and manuals they'll never open again — here's exactly what to scan, what to shred, and where to store it.
Ordinance or Law Coverage: Why Older Homes Need It
Ordinance or law coverage pays the gap between what a standard policy covers and what current building codes actually require after a covered loss.
New Homeowner Starter Kit: Tools, Supplies & Documents (2024)
A new homeowner starter kit costs roughly $200-$400 and should cover 12 core tools, 8 household supplies, and 6 documents you'll need within the first year.
New-Build Walk-Throughs: How to Spot Problems Before You Close
A thorough new-build walk-through can catch 20-40 punch-list items before closing, saving you thousands in post-move-in repairs.
Get seasonal maintenance tips by email
Gutter-cleaning, filter-changing, before-it's-a-$3,000-problem guides. No schedule, no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
Prefer to dive in? Get started free →