Buying a vacation home is surprisingly different from buying a primary new home or residence. Whereas functionality and practicality is one of the most important considerations when buying a primary residence, comfort and luxury are top importance in a vacation home.

From the moment a home buyer decides to get a vacation home, they must anticipate the ways in which the purchase process will be different. Even the mortgage considerations are not the same. Qualifying for a vacation home mortgage is often more difficult than qualifying for a primary residence mortgage. If you're thinking about buying a vacation home, here's what you need to know.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before

Many first time home buyers that may have been renting may worry about making home repairs in the first few years of owning a home. Many first time home buyers are on a tight budget that can restrict how much they're able to repair. Knowing the details of these policies can help the home buyer decide if a home warranty is right for them. If you're a home buyer who is in escrow or who will soon be making an offer on a home, here's what you need to know about home warranties.

What Is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a contract between a homeowner and home warranty company. The contract guarantees home repair services under certain conditions. A typical home warranty will last for one year from the date of the purchase of the home.

How

Selling a home when you own a pet can be a challenge. Some pets have odors, others can do damage to carpeting and furniture. If you're a homeowner who owns a pet and you're trying to sell your house, these tips can help you make your home more appealing to buyers.

Deodorize

Carpeting and upholstery absorb pet odors. Many homeowners don't even notice the scent of their pet when they come home, because they're used to it. However, home buyers are sure to notice. Homeowners who want to clear their home of pet odors can do so by deodorizing their carpet and upholstery.

There are many products on the market that enable homeowners to do this, but there's no need to buy a commercial product when baking soda will do the trick. To deodorize

After putting a home on the market the next thing that will happen is letting interested buyers to come to the home to see it in person with their agents. Homeowners may feel like they don’t have very much control over the showing because they’re expected to be hands-off during it. However, this isn't quite true. There are many ways a homeowner can help prepare their home for sellers to ensure it makes the best possible impression. Here are three

 different strategies a homeowner can employ to help make sure their home showing is a success.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

1. Keep the Home Furnished

A common mistake among

There are many things that affect a home buyer's ability to get a mortgage, and one of those things is a credit score. Before trying to get a mortgage, it's helpful for a home buyer to find out what their credit score is and what could be done to improve their credit score and boost their chances of getting a mortgage. If you're thinking about purchasing a home soon and will need to get a mortgage, here's what you need to know.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

What is Credit Score? How is it Calculated?

A credit score is a score that measures a person's creditworthiness. There are many factors that affect credit score, including the number of open

The sustainable construction technology of today has slowly started to emerge in the headlines. From California's new solar panel regulations to zero-waste homes, the public has been getting a glimpse of how building will work in the future. It's time to peer into this world to see what the developments are and which ones will likely make their way to a future home near you.

Temperature Controls

The efficiency with which a building can heat and cool itself has always been one of the more prominent concerns of any property owner. There are a few ways that sustainable technology has been trying to curb high utility bills and equally high energy usage:

• Solar panels: Solar panels use the sun to activate ions on the surface of the panels and

Insulation is extremely important for both keeping a home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. However, many homeowners don’t realize just how many different options they have to choose from for their home. Not all types of insulation are equally effective, so homeowners have a chance to choose one that they think is best for their home. Here are some of the different types of insulation and what makes them good choices for a home.

Fiberglass Insulation

Most Nolensville homeowners are familiar with fiberglass insulation because it’s the most common type used in homes. Fiberglass insulation can be fond in batts and blankets, which are rolls of insulation that can be cut as needed to create the right size. Because of its wide

Any home might house inhabitants who are not human. Dealing with periodic infestations of mice, rats, ants, cockroaches, or other pests is something most homeowners will have to do eventually. The trick is to provide a deterrent that makes the home inhospitable to these creatures without putting the home's regular residents at risk. With these tips, homeowners can evaluate the standard options for pest control and make a choice that will suit the pest and the extent of the problem.

Pest Prevention Techniques

One of the best ways to avoid dealing with insects or rodents is to keep them from entering the home in the first place. Homeowners should take two approaches to pest prevention. First, they should take care to seal air leaks and gaps

There are many types of home security systems available today that can help homeowners feel safe both while at home and when they are away. With statistics estimating that more than two million homes are burglarized annually, the best way to prevent becoming a victim is to invest in a solid home security system. Beyond enjoying greater peace of mind, there are typically insurance discounts for home security systems ranging from 15-20 percent. These are the most popular types of security systems for homeowners.

Electric Current Home Alarm Systems

While somewhat outdated, these systems simply use sensors to detect when connected doors and windows are opened. As implied, they connect directly to the home's electrical current, which renders them

When it comes to things that no homeowner wants to find in their home, mold is near the top of the list. But while no homeowner wants to find mold growing in their home, it can actually be quite difficult to identify when it does grow. If a homeowner doesn’t know what to look for, a lot of mold can look extremely benign, like just some dust or dirt that needs to be swept up. Here is what every homeowner needs to know in order to find and identify mold growth in their home.

Signs and Appearances of Mold

Looking for mold is tricky because it can take on just about any appearance. Most people are familiar with the ugly black stains that grow on shower curtains, but that’s just one way mold can appear. Mold can take on many different shapes