Unlock Insights

Key takeaways:  Reducing energy use and costs are good ideas any time, but with Earth Day around the corner (April 24 this year), you may find a little extra motivation to implement some cost-effective, energy-saving improvements.   Energy-efficient upgrades can make your home more comfortable while significantly lowering energy costs. Plus, you may even be able […]

Key takeaways:  Home improvement projects may be synonymous with spring. But many don’t require you to even go outside. This can be an ideal time to delve into a few of those tasks that will keep your home in tip-top shape and make your life more comfortable. Read on to learn about 11 home improvement […]

Pandemic or not, staying home is the new “in” thing – at least for seniors. According to an AARP Home and Community Preferences survey, about 75% of people over age 50 want to stay in their homes or communities for as long as possible.  Aging in place requires having a home that can accommodate potential […]

Key takeaways: In today’s real estate market, more homeowners are turning to remodeling, addition, and/or repair work in lieu of selling and purchasing a new house. Add in the tight labor market, and finding and hiring a contractor can be fraught with frustration, confusion and even scams.  Whether you are planning an addition, getting new […]

Key takeaways: Taking care of your home, inside and out, is important for every homeowner. Doing so maintains and enhances the home’s value, keeps things in working order and makes the house more livable. Yet it can also be expensive, tempting many homeowners to consider tackling some projects on their own. Before diving into a […]

No matter what time of year, pests are unwelcome guests. In many parts of the country, though, it’s summer when they become, well, pests. Keeping things under control can vary dramatically by region, state and local areas, but here are some tried-and-true steps you can take – inside and outside of your home – to […]

Key takeaways:  If you’ve ever prepared your home for a sale, you know you don’t take any chances. You probably tidied up all the clutter, cleaned everything, and tried to make your aesthetic choices as neutral as possible, to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. There’s an argument to be made that you […]

Temperatures are rising. Days are getting longer. Flowers are blooming. As your attention – and time – moves outdoors, you may find summer home-improvement projects rising to the top of your list. From quick DIY tasks to more extensive projects requiring professional help, making needed home improvements can  increase enjoyment of your time outside, as well […]

This success story features Marina, whose home equity agreement funded needed home repairs.

Home maintenance and repair costs don't have to be painful. Here are some tips on how to reduce them.

You may consider using a home equity loan for home improvements. But you have other options, too.

It’s never been more important to have your home ready for a natural disaster. Here are some tips.