Chevaron Burns

Shopping for a laptop means getting educated first. Here’s the scoop on the latest and greatest machines.

How to Buy a Laptop Computer If you are in the market for a laptop, the choices are better, but more confusing than ever. Here’s how to shop for the best model to suit your needs. Ask yourself a few questions. Before delving into the hardware, assess how you will use your new laptop. The more demands you place on it, the more...

Want to save money and eat healthfully? Learn how to plant your crops in all four seasons!

Living on a Budget: Raising Vegetables Year-Round A vegetable garden is a good way to provide delicious and healthy produce to your family without spending a lot of money. With some careful planning and prep work, you can grow nutritious vegetables in every season. Follow these steps to ensure a bountiful harvest year-round. Design your garden. Two...

When shopping for a house, hire a pro. Here’s 7 reasons why you’ll be glad you did.

7 Reasons Why Using a Real Estate Agent Makes Shopping Easier Whether buying a new house or an existing one, buyers typically feel more at ease having a real estate agent working on their behalf. It’s their job to make things go smoothly. Here’s how. Knowledge of builders. Real estate agents don’t just work with resale homes. Agents know the builders in ...

Can parents gift a house to their children? Will taxes be owed, and if so, by whom? Here’s a quick guide to get you started.

Passing on a House to Family Members It’s not uncommon for an elderly homeowner to pass along a house to heirs. Let’s examine ways to do so, understanding that laws in each state vary and federal tax code changes. Consult an attorney before making any decisions. The most basic way. The easiest way to pass a house to children is thr...

Want to be a good landlord? Study up on the federal laws that protect consumers in the sale and rental of real estate.

What You Need to Know About the Fair Housing Act If you are a new landlord, it’s crucial to learn about the Fair Housing Act. Though it was established as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, it’s as relevant today as it was nearly 50 years ago. Established to eliminate discrimination against certain protected classes of people in the sale an...

If the thought of choosing the right bed is keeping you up at night, we’ve got you covered. Here are the pros and cons of today’s popular styles.

Choosing a Bed Style That’s Right For You Since beds are typically the focal points of most bedrooms, the pressure is on when it comes to choosing a style. Casual or formal? High-end or budget? Here are our top picks, along with their pros and cons. Sleigh. The hallmark of sleigh beds is their curving headboard and footboards. They are most...

When making an offer on a house you love, don’t wing it, or you might lose out! Here’s how to make a smart offer.

What’s the Best Way to Calculate a Successful Offer It’s perfect! After lots of home shopping you’ve found the house you want. Now it’s time to make an offer. But how do you come up with a number that is affordable, yet competitive? In other words, how do you know when your price is right? Get the facts. As a buyer, your calculations should be ...

Can your house pass a sniff-test? Or will potential buyers be turned off by pet odors? Be proactive with these tips that are both pet-friendly and buyer-friendly.

Tips on Selling a Home with Pets When pet owners put their homes up for sale, it’s best to make those beloved animals disappear without a trace. The dog beds, the cat crates, the hair, the chew marks and the smell all need to be removed before the first showing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on selling your home with pets.

You regularly pay for homeowners insurance and wonder if you’ll ever even need it. Find out how to lower your rates while still maintaining good coverage.

Homeowners Insurance: Risks Versus Costs You never want to skimp on homeowners insurance, but there are ways to save money on those premiums without putting you or your home at risk. Here’s a handy guide to getting excellent coverage at a reasonable price. Your credit score. In most states insurance companies use customer credit scores a...

Tennis, anyone? How about basketball? We’re talking the ultimate in home court advantage.

It’s Game Time: Building a Backyard Sports Court Home sports courts provide great fun and exercise, but are they a wise investment? While the kids may overwhelmingly approve, a future buyer may not agree. Here’s a quick play-by-play of what’s involved, how much it will cost and the return on investment. Types of courts. The most common types o...