There are excellent ways to keep your pool well maintained without using harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the earth and one’s health. A few ways to go green with your home swimming pool are: Use salt- salt provides a natural alternative to chlorine and may be easier on your pocketbook, as well. Chlorine causes dry skin, itchy eyes, and even increases the risk of asthma in children. Consider purchasing an energy-efficient pump to help save electricity and money. Go solar- solar covers are a great way to warm your pool without using electricity, and can reduce the rate of evaporation by 95%. More here

According to Zillow’s Mortgage Rate Ticker, the 30-Year fixed-rate mortgage increased five basis points from around this time last week, averaging 4.08% nationally. The vice president of mortgages at Zillow, Erin Lantz said,”Mortgage rates were subdued last week as ongoing geopolitical concerns and economic softness in Europe encouraged investors to buy U.S. mortgage-backed securities as a safe-haven. This week, we expect international headlines, rather than U.S. economic data, to drive any meaningful changes to mortgage rates.” Additionally, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.12% nationally, according to Zillow. More here

Smart home-management systems are here and making significant changes and improvements to home life. Smart home systems have been designed to make everyday life easier, but many come at a hefty price. A few systems that can make your house smarter without breaking the bank are: A signal booster, this is an antenna outside of your house that strengthens your smartphone signal, making it approximately ten times stronger. A home management system, this is a relatively inexpensive system that allows you to keep your home safe from burglars while away, and allows you to control the thermostat via smartphone. Lighting system, this allows you to control the timing and intensity of lighting in your home. Water sensors and keyless entry are also interesting options available. More here

Research shows that millennials are attracted to specific cities in the U.S. According to the National Association of Realtors, cities with affordable living, job growth, and fun attractions are magnets for young adults. Some cities that made the top ten best cities for millennials are Austin, Texas- the median home price is $226,000 and job growth is approximately 4.3%. Des Moines, Iowa- the median home price is $153,000, and job growth comes in at 3%. New Orleans also made the list, the Crescent City’s median home price is $158,000, and job growth is around 2.5%. Other cities included on the list are Seattle, Minneapolis, and Denver. More here

Buying a less expensive home that needs some improvement can be a fun way to add character to the house, and if done correctly, save money. While you may be getting a good deal on a house that you can make your own, obtaining insurance on the house may turn out to be difficult and expensive. A few options you can consider that may lower the cost of home insurance and make the process a little easier are: Conventional insurance, if you are planning on making minor or quick repairs and updates this would be a good option as it is a low-risk scenario. Builder’s risk, this type of insurance is easiest to get if you have a timed schedule for all repairs and updates; the cost will be lower in the beginning and as the home improves costs will rise. Vacant dwelling is another option to consider if you will not be living in the home during reconstruction. This type of insurance will cover most physical accidents but will not cover theft. More here

Every season brings the threat of basement flooding and being prepared can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. A few ways you can ensure your basement stays dry during wet weather are: Check and maintain your gutters, keeping your gutters clean and working efficiently can decrease the risk of water coming into your house. Check to make sure you have land slopes that direct water away from the foundation of your home. Install a sump pump and be sure it can run with or without power. Also, consider installing a french drain, a drain that will conduct water away from your home and empty it at safe distance. More here

Searching for a new or first home is an exciting time for many Americans. When you find the home that fits your needs and decide to make an offer, you want to do everything possible to ensure the offer is accepted. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: Compliment the house, many sellers have an emotional attachment to the home and won’t tolerate negative remarks well. Come in with a positive attitude, and try to establish a personal relationship with the seller. Don’t make an extremely low offer as it may offend the seller. Also, be organized to help speed the process along if your offer is accepted. More here

According to the Mortgage Credit Availability Index from the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage credit availability increased last month by .5% averaging 116.4. The jump is good news as it means lending standards are becoming more relaxed. Experts have implied that the increase is due to the growing number of jumbo adjustable rate mortgages. Additionally, many programs have loosened their lending requirements helping scores of new borrowers obtain mortgages. More here

Home appliances can be expensive and unexpected purchases that cause significant financial setbacks. A few ways you can save money when buying a new home appliance are: Overlook scratches and dings that can help lower the price of your appliance. Look for older models that are still new. Search for great deals at different locations and do price checks to ensure you are getting the best possible price. Also, don’t get sucked into added and unnecessary features; ask yourself if you will use the features before you buy the appliance. More here

According to the Labor Department, U.S. employers added 209,000 jobs last month making July the sixth straight month that the job market has reached 200,000 or more added jobs. The labor market has not experienced job gains for this long of a period since 1997. Job growth will help lower unemployment rates over the next few months and may aid in increasing wages. Additionally the participation rate in the U.S. also increased with 62.9% of Americans having jobs or actively seeking jobs. More here