Homeownership editor
Taylor covers first-time homebuying, maintenance checklists, and practical tool recommendations.
Home Maintenance
If you do not have a home maintenance system yet, start with one monthly walk-through and a short seasonal checklist. Focus on leaks, filters, alarms, drainage, and anything that can quietly damage the house while you are busy living in it.
Jul 16, 2026 · 8 min read
Tools and DIY
Start with a small set of boring, useful tools: a drill/driver, screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, tape measure, level, utility knife, adjustable wrench, stud finder, flashlight, and a solid step ladder. That kit covers a surprising number of first-year homeowner jobs. Skip specialty tools until a real project forces the decision.
Jul 15, 2026 · 8 min read
Home Maintenance
If you only do one home maintenance job this week, make it a quick AC and storm-readiness check. A dirty filter, clogged drain line, blocked outdoor unit, or missing carbon monoxide protection can become a bigger problem fast during peak summer heat and storm season.
Jul 15, 2026 · 8 min read
Home Costs
If you bought recently, do one boring but important money check this month: review your homeowners insurance, confirm whether flood coverage is separate, and make sure you understand how your escrow account works. It is one of the simplest ways to avoid a painful payment jump later.
Jul 14, 2026 · 8 min read
Home Costs
Mortgage rates are still high enough to change your payment in a hurry, but chasing headlines is not a strategy. Here is how to read the market, compare offers, and decide when to lock without getting cute.
Jul 12, 2026 · 8 min read
Yard and Lawn
How to size a cordless mower for a typical suburban lot, plus our current pick for most homeowners.
Jul 10, 2026 · 8 min read
New Home Essentials
A curated starter kit for new homeowners: from pressure washing and garden hose basics to leak detection, shower water quality, and a simple electrical tester.
Jun 29, 2026 · 10 min read
New Home Essentials
A short buying list for closing week: detectors and batteries, basic tools, cleaning supplies, water shutoff access, and bathroom essentials so the first night is not a scavenger hunt.
Jun 28, 2026 · 9 min read
Closing and Moving
Closing is the finish line of the purchase contract. Know what to bring, what you will sign, how funds move, and what to do in the first 24 hours after you get the keys.
Jun 27, 2026 · 8 min read
Buying a Home
House hunting goes better with a checklist. Learn what to evaluate during showings, which issues are common versus deal-breakers, and how to compare homes fairly.
Jun 26, 2026 · 7 min read
Buying a Home
A good buyer’s agent helps with pricing strategy, inspections, negotiations, and timeline management. Here is how to choose one and what to ask before you sign.
Jun 25, 2026 · 10 min read
Buying a Home
Shopping loans is about more than the headline interest rate. Use Loan Estimates to compare total cost, flexibility, and service before you lock.
Jun 24, 2026 · 9 min read
