A second house might be an investment, a vacation property or a combination of the two. Regardless of its intended use, a rising number of people are purchasing residential real estate. They see real estate as a safer investment than other investments that might come with increased risks. A National Association of Realtors survey showed...
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You don’t have to live near a canyon or forest for your property to be threatened by wildfire. Nearly 1/3 of U.S. homes are in wildfire-prone areas, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The impact of a wildfire can be tragic and expensive. For instance, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior spend a staggering $3.5 billion a year combating the fires. Key to lessening the damage to homes and businesses is knowledge and preparation.
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Part of owning a home is learning how to manage common repairs. While doing household repairs isn’t the most enjoyable part of the home ownership experience, it’s unavoidable. Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to make these repairs simpler or even avoid them. Clogged drain Eventually, you might have a drain that doesn’t...
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Here are ways to prep your house before you hit the road for vacation or holiday travel so it doesn’t look empty and attract the attention of robbers. 1. Simulate activity Controlling your lights with timers only goes so far in faking activity at your house while you’re on vacation, says Mark Clement, home improvement,...
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December, January and February are the leading months for home heating fires. Overall, heating equipment is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire deaths. There are between 350,000 and 400,000 house fires in the United States every year that result in almost $8 billion in annual damages, according to the National...
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Did you know that one home is broken into every 14.6 seconds? Home break-ins may be more common than you think, but taking certain precautions can greatly reduce your risk of a burglary attempt. The infographic below shows a few surprising stats about break-ins and prevention tips that can help you protect what’s important to you.
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You may be ready to give your new puppy lots of love and attention, but how ready is your home? Puppy proofing a house is like baby proofing. And like babies, puppies are inquisitive explorers ready to get into whatever they can without a second thought. Use this puppy-proofing guide to help keep your furry...
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We’re kicking off our Fire Prevention Week 2014 series with tips on how to protect your home and what’s in it. Think of each room as a separate entity with its own set of rules. Begin in the bedroom The U.S. Fire Administration estimates 600 Americans die in fires that start in bedrooms. Let’s start...
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In the market for a used car? Here’s what you need to know while you’re looking.
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Looking for a home or apartment to rent can be difficult and stressful. Perhaps you’re competing with a large number of people for a specific unit, or you’re searching in a popular location. Often renters will wait until the last minute to look for another apartment, but it’s key to work ahead and have a...
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If you notice the headlights on your car are dim or your engine has a slow crank, then it might be time to test your car’s battery. Knowing when and how to test a battery is crucial for maintaining your vehicle. Testing your battery regularly helps catch potential issues before they leave you stranded. Please...
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One of the best parts about fall is the pre-game tailgate party where you can celebrate and cheer on your favorite sports team. It’s a long-standing tradition that keeps growing in popularity. Following these safety tips can help keep your celebration fun and safe. Tailgate accessories for the perfect party Having the right set up...
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Cleaning can be a hassle and time-consuming, but the end result — a clean house — is definitely worth it. Check out the top 11 tips to cut down on the time it takes to scrub your house, top to bottom: 1. Create a housecleaning plan. To cut down on the time it takes to...
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How common is car theft? According to estimates from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, there were more than 745,000 motor vehicle thefts in the first nine months of 2022 in the U.S. [1] [2] And when citizens are targeted in the most potentially dangerous of these crimes – carjacking – the attacker succeeds in roughly...
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Understanding Medicare can be difficult, but the Nationwide Retirement Institute® is here to help you by sharing some of the most common Medicare questions.
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