JUN 28, 2022 If you’re a homeowner who loves to meet new people from around the world and likes to earn extra income, then become a host by listing your property for rent on Airbnb. The San Francisco-based company connects leisure and business travelers to short-term apartment, house and room rentals in more than 190 countries. Here are seven tips to becoming a winning host. First Impressions Count Get some great shots of your place to make...

We all want to keep our homes in top shape. After all, for most of us, our homes are our largest investment. Good maintenance protects that investment, as well as keeps our homes safe. But all of us want to enjoy life, too, and not spend our entire free time on home maintenance. While no house is maintenance-free, there are some easy things you can do to reduce the probability of major, time-consuming, and costly repairs. Here’s my top 5 list...

Amid all the details, pressure and advice, it can be hard to focus on what really matters. That’s why I’ve compiled a brief list of what I call “housing essentials.” No matter what house you pick, make sure to look for these basic but important things: A roof in good conditionIf you see worn or missing shingles or broken gutters or downspouts, trouble lies ahead. A bad roof can indicate many interior problems: cracked or stained ceilings,...

Like it or not, winter is here! These tips for getting your home ready for the cold can save you heating costs and avoid costly structural damage.  Seal the air leaksCaulking window or foundation cracks and updating the weather stripping on doors  can make your house less drafty and reduce home heating costs by as much as 10%.Test smoke and CO detectorsChanging batteries is cheap and easy, but essential as winter approaches. With your...

A good, all-around repair or “fix-it” person can be a lifesaver for any homeowner. Finding the right one can be difficult, because they are in demand. I’ll give you some suggestions of how to locate your handyman, but I’ll begin by suggesting that you call me. I often hear of recommendations from my clients. I’d be happy to pass them on to you. That way you’ll be considering someone who is “tried and true.” That said, if you want to look on...

Buying your first home can be a financial challenge. You might need cash for a down-payment, closing costs, mortgage insurance and all the typical moving costs and repairs. Here are some of the many programs that help first-time buyers afford their first home: Fast Fact A RealtyTrac survey in 2016 found that homebuyers using down-payment assistance loans saved an average of $17,776 over the life of their first home mortgage. Down Payment and...