10 (Major) Costs Every Homeowner Needs to Be Prepared For

Owning a home is usually a good investment, but buying one can be a huge financial risk if you’re not prepared for the costs that come with ownership—costs that range far beyond the mortgage payments. While most homeowners are prepared for recurring expenses like utilities, or maybe the replacement of the occasional dishwasher or stove, many are surprised by some of the other significant costs that can crop up. Read on to learn about 10 major costs homeowners regularly face, and how to prepare for them.

10 Times Homeowners Should Hire a Financial Advisor

Life comes with monetary ups and downs, so if you aim to meet the financial goals you’ve established—or learn how to set such goals in the first place—a financial advisor can help. These professionals are up on the latest tax laws and can help homeowners make insurance, savings, and investment decisions to ensure your ability to pay your mortgage (now and down the road) and remain financially secure during retirement. To find a qualified financial advisor, visit the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) website, and rely on the person you choose to counsel you in the 10 situations outlined below.

7 Good Reasons to Fire Your Real Estate Agent (And How to Do It)

Selling your home will probably be one of the biggest (and most nerve-racking) transactions of your lifetime. The process is riddled with anxiety—getting your property open-house ready, worrying that your house won’t sell for what it’s worth, dealing with buyers regularly traipsing through your home. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced seller’s agent by your side every step of the way. But sometimes a house languishes on the market. While this could be the result of market forces or conditions specific to your property, sometimes your agent may be at fault, in which case you may want to move on to another agent. Here are 7 good reasons to fire your real estate agent—and some suggestions for how to go about it.