If you’re like me, you probably don’t clean your windows until you notice that they’re incredibly dirty. And maybe not even then. Did you know it’s recommended to clean them twice per year? According to This Old House, we amateur window washers hate it because the way we’re doing it is too much work — and to help us out, they’ve provided some easy, step-by-step instructions to follow that will let you clean your windows the way the pro’s do it. They’ve broken it down into 3 simple steps, with instructions for both multi-pane and picture windows, and they’ve even provided a bonus for handling extra stubborn spots.

Requirements for mortgages today make getting the money you need for a home a lot harder than before the housing crash. However, it’s also quite a bit harder to get a mortgage than before the housing boom in the early 2000s (boom or bubble, your choice). Some researchers claim that more than 4 million mortgage applications fell short of the finish line between 2009 and 2013 that would have been approved had the standards from 2001 been used. Read more about this interesting insight here.

Winters, Springs, Summers and Falls all team up to put a beating on your deck. And now that summer is approaching, you are probably getting your first real look at the condition of your deck for the upcoming BBQ season. Get your deck in shape with a good cleaning, staining and sealing that will last for years to come by checking out the video in this article. Take 5 minutes to learn from a pro here. (Enjoy the Australian accent too, mate.)

Mobile homes, or manufactured housing, are made in a central location and then moved and assembled at a specific location. The cost is considerably less for manufactured housing than for traditional on-site homes. Manufactured homes account for about 6% of all housing, but are underrepresented in the total number of loan originations. The reasons can be from poor credit to financial vulnerabilities, so what kind of mortgages are available? Read more here.

Having a great lawn adds a touch of satisfaction anytime you host events like bar-b-ques or parties at your house. And now is the time to start thinking about your lawn. Some people start researching seed and fertilizer mixes, some start looking online for the right company to do the work for them. When it comes to taking care of your lawn, you need to do the right research so that you can make a decision in the spring, and not think about it again until next year. To do it right the first time, check out this article here.

Winter over most of the US was a severe experience in patience and endurance. But with spring on the way, you’re probably getting ready for the long hot days of summer. So, before you leave winter in your rear view mirror, you should take a look at the condition of your home and any damage left behind from the snow and ice. The winter weather, even when not severe, can leave damage to gutters, windows, roofing and more. Read more here.

Preparing for both traditional and reverse mortgages is about to look a lot more like surfing the web, rather than a paper chase. The Federal Housing Agency (FHA) just announced that by 2016, origination appraisals will move online with the creation of the Electronic Appraisal Delivery (EAD) portal. The deadline for moving online will apply to mortgage case numbers assigned on or after June 27, 2016. To get a bigger picture and more information about how this policy change affects you, read more here.

Spring has sprung and summer is finally approaching. The kids will soon be out of school and vacation destinations will come to life. Inevitably, conversations while on vacation seem to end up discussing ‘buying a place’ in the area. It can be a great idea for sure. Like many things, the chances of a vacation home being what you want depend largely on how you approach it. Ask yourself these 5 questions while you watch the sun set on vacation to see if your off-the-cuff idea has a chance. Read more here.

It all seems so simple on the surface. You buy property to rent, build up equity and even ownership based on the rent paid and presto, you own an income generating property. But the reality is just a little more complicated. It can still be done, no doubt, but you need to be smart and understand that you are entering a complicated and long-term relationship. The potential to get it wrong is considerable, so knowing as much as possible going in will help you avoid some real problems. Read more here. 

In the 1960s, there were about 500 homeowners associations. Today that number is over 300,000. Chances are you or someone you know live in a community with an HOA. On the good side, HOA rules prevent neighbors from parking their ‘projects’ on the front lawn, and on the other side, they may limit your freedom of choice when it comes to your home. In all cases though, the rules and bylaws are clearly written out, and learning to engage with the HOA board is the first step to a great relationship. Read more about 10 tips to make it happen, here.