Home Improvement

DIY Tabletop S’mores: The Easiest Way to Snack a Campfire Classic Year-Round

This resourceful twist on everyone’s favorite fireside dessert is the ultimate interactive treat. Grab a few household items, gather some friends and family, and get toasty with these tabletop s’mores – right in your own backyard. 1. Line a terra-cotta pot with foil. 2. Fill the pot with charcoal. 3. Light it up. (But be careful!)

Small Kitchen? Try These 9 Tips for Making the Most of Your Limited Space

Is there some kind of law that requires rental apartments to supply no more than a single square of kitchen counter space to each unit? Between the white walls, scarce and often outdated cabinets, and a lack of amenities, it’s rare to find a solid kitchen in the world of yearlong leases. But no good

Kitchen Countertop Buying Guide: Meet the Main Players & Find Your Best Match

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, which means your countertops have to be fit for the job. Sure, it’s nice if your countertops are stylish. But are they durable? Cost-effective? And will they ultimately suit your lifestyle? In this buying guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about popular countertop surfaces so

5 Expenses Homeowners Pay That Renters Don’t

Homeownership may be a goal for some, but it’s not the right fit for many. Renters account for 37 percent of all households in America – or just over 43.7 million homes, up more than 6.9 million since 2005. Even still, more than half of millennial and Gen Z renters consider buying, with 18 percent seriously

How to Build Your Own Vertical Garden With Shipping Pallets

Take your green thumb to new heights (and small spaces!) with a vertical garden. This DIY is a great way to integrate a little greenery into any space, including an apartment or small porch. Supplies: Two pallets Tarp Hammer Pry bar Gloves Safety goggles and ear protection Sanding blocks or sandpaper Paintbrush Water-based stain Water-based

7 Qualities of a Good Neighbor

If you want good neighbors, you’ll first have to become one yourself. Master these seven techniques, and even you (yes, you!) can win the approval of your entire neighborhood. 1. Good neighbors bring cookies Whether you’re new in town or haven’t kept in touch, a delivery of freshly baked goods is a perfect way to

5 Ways to Get to Know Your Neighbors

Leaving friends and neighbors behind can be the toughest part of moving to a new home. These five tips will help you make connections and settle into your new community in no time. 1. Knock, knock For an extrovert, walking over to a neighbor’s home to say hello may feel like a no-brainer. But for

How to Replace a Ceiling Fan

Some people love ceiling fans – others don’t care for them. But we can probably all agree that they’re incredibly functional, especially in the heat of summer. If you don’t love the look of your ceiling fan, try updating to a more modern, sleek option. That way you get both function and fashion in your

HARP Now Extended Through 2016

Since it first launched in 2009, the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) has helped 3.2 million borrowers across the country lower their monthly payments by refinancing at historically low interest rates. Friday, FHFA Director Melvin Watt announced this relief won’t be ending any time soon. HARP will continue through the end of 2016, allowing homeowners who owe more than their homes are

What You Need to Know About the Fair Housing Act

If you’ve searched for a new place to live recently, you’ve likely seen the Equal Housing Opportunity logo (an equal sign inside a house) on a landlord’s, real estate agent’s or lender’s paperwork. But the Fair Housing Act is more than just a logo. It’s a federal law designed to protect renters and buyers from