(BPT) - Ahead of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has updated its Hurricane Ready guide, adding a downloadable checklist to make it easier for homeowners to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

(BPT) - Spring is in the air, bringing with it the impulse to make home renovations. Are you looking for ways to upgrade your home with the environment in mind, but worried about the expense? Fortunately, many home improvements are not as costly up front as they used to be, and the return on…

(BPT) - Millions of people still find themselves confronting financial hardship and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For those finding it challenging to keep up with timely rental payments, resources and relief options are available including financial counseling, help communicating…

(BPT) - Looking to start a new career, or to revamp your current career in real estate? For women entrepreneurs seeking a breakout business opportunity, now is an ideal time to consider a real estate franchise. Advantages include using skills and knowledge you already have, being your own bo…

(BPT) - Purchasing your first home is one of life’s most thrilling milestones. Whether you prefer an urban loft or a sprawling suburban dwelling, most homeowners hope to find a home that feels tailor-made to their specific lifestyle needs and design preferences. Still, searching for the perf…

(BPT) - If you're thinking about moving, now could be the ideal time to sell your home. Over 28 million Americans say they plan to purchase a home in the next 12 months, yet the number of available homes on the market is lower than it’s been in decades. When there are more buyers than availa…

(BPT) - It’s no secret that nature has the power to inspire, invigorate, restore and refresh. Research shows that nature can offer mental health benefits including decreasing stress and relieving anxiety. In fact, incorporating elements of nature into the home has been proven to improve happ…

(BPT) - With Earth Day just around the corner, have you done a home health check to make sure you aren’t wasting water? Some easy upgrades can help you to kick water-guzzling fixtures to the curb and start saving water and money.

(BPT) - Since you’ve been spending more time at home, you've probably noticed things that need a refresh, especially in that most-used room of the house: the bathroom. Whether you’re an experienced DIY-er or novice fixer-upper, you may be putting off renovations that seem too tough to tackle.

(BPT) - This past year we’ve all made a few changes to our daily lives, but one thing has remained constant — your appliances. It’s easy to forget these machines are working hard in the background, but they’re always helping to keep your household running smoothly. In the spirit of spring cl…

(BPT) - What do planting a tree, building a patio, installing a pool and putting up a fence have in common? These popular home improvement projects add value to your home, and they all require an important safety step: getting utility lines marked before digging.

(StatePoint) With mortgage rates hovering near three percent, experts say there are still a number of homeowners who could benefit from refinancing. In fact, borrowers who refinanced in 2020 to lower their mortgage rate saved over $2,800 in mortgage payments annually, according to the latest…

(BPT) - Gardening saw record growth in 2020 and experts expect many more people will be digging in the dirt again this spring. From “Victory” vegetable gardens to balcony containers, outdoor gathering spaces and mood-lifting landscapes, gardening is providing an outlet during the pandemic. R…

(BPT) - Days are getting longer and warmer, inspiring many to want to spend more time outside. Lots of people enjoy gardening this time of year — it’s an outdoor activity families can do together, especially if parents are looking for ways to keep their children occupied. It’s also a great w…

(BPT) - Americans spent more time at home in 2020 than any other year, inspiring people to take on new interests like baking, crafting or interior design. While some things went oh so right, like a gorgeous new kitchen, some may have fallen a little flat — literally when your sourdough start…

(BPT) - In today’s homes, kitchens serve a multitude of purposes beyond being a space to whip up a meal. They’re the heart of your home; the command center; the family gathering spot. So it’s no wonder why kitchens are where homeowners invest their renovation budget and why homebuyers pay a …

(BPT) - Last year, many people took a fresh look at their outdoor living spaces, as life outdoors became of renewed importance as spaces to gather together. Backyards transformed into stay-cation retreats, and front entries were revamped into spaces for social distancing reminiscent of old-f…