Resources

The final walkthrough is your last chance to ensure the home you’re buying meets all agreed-upon conditions, protecting you from unexpected repairs, costs, or disputes before closing.

Choosing the right house sitter isn’t about chance. It’s like hiring for a critical role where mistakes can be costly and trust is essential. Here’s how to conduct a “candidate search” that ensures your home is in safe hands while you’re away.

Most homeowners still manage their biggest asset like it’s 1995—stacks of paper warranties in a kitchen drawer, paint swatches taped to a wall, sticky notes with “plumber’s number” fading in the sun. It works until it doesn’t.

A mid-year audit helps you catch wear-and-tear early, before it turns into expensive problems. Use this room-by-room guide to check key areas, log important updates, and keep your home running smoothly.

Imagine your upstairs pipe bursts. Water’s pouring through the ceiling. You’re scrambling to find the number for the plumber—was it in your phone? A receipt somewhere? And when you finally get it fixed, you realize you can’t find the warranty paperwork for the brand-new washer you just installed. Moments like this are when a home binder becomes your most underrated tool.

If you’re already considering your home’s cost basis, you understand why it matters. However, awareness alone doesn’t yield tax savings; documentation does. Whether you’re prepping for sale or tax time, here’s exactly what to track for any improvement project and why it matters.

Not all upgrades pay off—here’s what home improvements are actually boosting resale value in 2025 (and which ones to skip).

Storms move fast. Preparation doesn’t have to be hard. Tick off these items now, and enjoy summer knowing your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind are protected.‍

Thinking about starting a significant project on your home? Use this guide to help you get prepared and avoid the messiness of major home improvements.

Avoid the chaos of a homeowners insurance claim. Learn what to document before and after damage to make the process faster, smoother, and less stressful.

Discover how to adjust your property's cost basis, track capital improvements, and understand the tax implications for selling primary and secondary homes, including exclusions and deductions to minimize capital gains taxes.

Coming home after time away should be stress-free, not a nightmare of repairs and insurance claims. By taking proactive steps—turning off water sources, inspecting for early warning signs, protecting against frozen pipes, and maintaining clean gutters —you can minimize the risk of costly water damage.