When considering buying a home, it is always wise to know a few negotiating tips to help ensure you get what you want from the transaction. Experts have provided a few tips to assist you when buying a home: Try to get pre-approved, so sellers know you are serious. Offer the price that you think the home is worth and explain why. Make an offer quickly if you find a home that meets your needs to increase your chances in a competitive market. Ask for upgrades and repairs, but don’t expect all your requests be fulfilled. Also, expect to compromise on location, size, type of home and price. More here

According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, builder confidence has increased significantly this month, jumping to 53, the largest number seen since January. Conditions seem to be good for home sales this month causing builder confidence to grow. The NAHB Chairman, Kevin Kelly said “an improving job market goes hand-in-hand with a rise in builder confidence. As employment increases and those with jobs feel more secure about their own economic situation, they are more likely to feel comfortable about buying a home.” More here

Many areas in the U.S. experience harsh summers with prolonged heat waves, little or too much rain and severe weather. Knowing some gardening tips during these weather events can be key to raising a healthy and eye-pleasing garden. A few tips to help your garden survive harsh summer weather are: Watch the weather forecast so you can be prepared before the event happens. Use mulch to protect your plant roots and to store water. Use trees or cloths as shade. Also, water your garden during the mornings or evenings to ensure your plants receive the optimal amount of hydration. More here

According to a new rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, heirs will now be able to take over mortgages from homeowners who have passed away. The rule states that when the home borrower dies, the heir can then be added to the mortgage without activating the CFPB’s Ability-to-Repay rule. The CFPB Director, Richard Cordray said, “losing a loved one should not mean also losing your home. [This] interpretive rule makes it clear that when family members inherit property, they can take over the mortgage without jumping through unnecessary hoops. This gives heirs an opportunity to work with the lender to pay off the loan or seek a loan modification.” More here

Keeping the environment clean is more than just a fad, it is something everyone should be practicing in order to keep our planet healthy and safe, for ourselves and future generations. There are minor changes you can incorporate at home that will help maintain a healthier planet. Some ways homeowners can go green at home are: Monitor your home’s temperature, the less energy you use, the better. Heating and cooling a house takes up about 50% of your energy consumption, and regulating usage could save money. Use cleansers that are free from toxins and thus, safer for the environment. Install energy-efficient light bulbs. Choose bamboo flooring instead of hardwood floors. And finally, use low VOC paint when painting in the home to decrease air pollution inside and outside. More here

There are many factors that play a role when considering your home’s value. Developing an accurate picture of your home’s worth will guarantee you are not cheating yourself or potential buyers in a transaction. A few factors to consider when establishing the value of your home are location- one of the most important factors to consider- many buyers are looking for homes in safe areas with good schools. It is important to compare your property’s value with other properties nearby. Potential buyers will also want to ensure that the price you’re asking is reflective of the condition and age of your house. More here

Becoming a new homeowner is a fun and exciting time for most, but many new owners make the mistake of not calculating less-obvious expenses, putting them in financial strain months down the road. Experts have listed a few expenses that all new homeowners should add into their budgets: Getting your locks changed- while this is not an colossal expense, it is still one that should be budgeted in your financial plan. Lawn maintenance can add up if you do not own your own lawn equipment. Interior upgrades such as paint and paint supplies. Experts also suggest budgeting for property taxes. More here

It is always beneficial to make an effort to save money on your electricity bill without spending large up-front costs. Experts have compiled a list of simple, inexpensive methods to help lower your electricity bill: Make sure your house is sealed- sealing any cracks or spaces can help reduce energy costs by approximately 15-30%. Use stoves, dryers and dishwashers at night when temperatures outside are cooler, keeping the AC from working double time in the day in order to keep your house cool. Wash clothes in cold water and dry them in the open air if weather permits. Use fans to help keep the air circulated and your house feeling cooler. Replace your air filters every month to ensure your AC unit is not constantly running due to air restriction through filters. More here

According to the latest Census Bureau report, the number of homeowners age 50 and up has increased over the last 10 years, and is expected to continue growing as the economy strengthens. The report shows that from 1998-2001 47% of older Americans, age 50 and above, have mortgages. That number has increased 10% from the years 2001-2007. Many homeowners age 65 and older used equity from their homes by getting a reverse mortgage or an equity line to aid in remaining in their homes during the recession. More here

Fire safety officials are warning homeowners to be cautious while using fireworks around their homes and cars this 4th of July. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks caused 17,800 reported fires in the U.S. in 2011. Of those 17,800 fires, 1,200 were structural. Officials advise keeping young children away from all types of fireworks and scanning your area to be sure your location is safe. They also warn against consuming alcohol while using fireworks to ensure the safety of yourself and your property. More here