Making a house on the market shine is all about attention to detail. If you go the extra mile to ensure your home is a stand-out, you’ll probably go beyond the typical touch-ups that refresh curb appeal. You might even decide to stage your home, especially if you’re not living in it while it’s for sale.

If you're a first-time buyer and need clarification about the role of a Home Owners Association, you should ask the right questions before considering buying.

Odds are the day will come when you must speak to a real estate agent to help sell your home. When that day comes, you want to be sure you have the knowledge you need to choose someone who has the background and skills to represent your interests and meet your needs and someone who will make the process a positive experience.

We've all seen the house flipping shows, and many often wonder if these transformations are 'too good to be true?' Okay, maybe they are 'true,' but are the makeovers good enough to last long-term?'

When inventory is tight and newly renovated homes are wooing prospective buyers, you must take a step back and remember that the home you're hunting for is a long-term investment. Understand that there's much more to a home than what lies on the surface.

Have you been living in a single-bathroom home? Is it time to consider adding a full bathroom or "water closet" to your existing layout? An extra bathroom will not only boost your quality of life in your home, but it will also, with rare exceptions, create equity when you list your house in the future. The bathroom is one of the most-used rooms in your home, and it can profoundly impact how prospective buyers see your home in the future. 

If you are in the home-buying process, evaluating the schools near your potential new home should be an essential factor in your decision. Good schools can add to the value of your home and create convenience for parents who want their children to attend good quality education.

Maintaining indoor air quality is an essential but often overlooked component of living happily in your home. It’s an invisible problem, but the costs can add up— from high energy bills to unpleasant health issues.

Part of the financial power of homeownership resides in your home’s equity. Home equity is the difference between the value of your home and how much you owe on it. Unlike rent, which goes into a landlord’s pocket, the equity you build in your home can be a valuable financial tool when the time is right. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) can give you access to that money, but like any loan, it has both pros and cons.

Prescott, Arizona, is steeped in history. The city has seen it all, from its Wild West roots as a former territorial capital to its modern-day status as an outdoor recreation destination. Founded in 1864 by ranchers and miners, Prescott was declared the capital of the Arizona Territory that same year. The city quickly grew in size and importance, with its founder, Dr. William Boyce Thompson, naming the streets after prominent leaders of the time.

When you’re about to put your hard-earned money into a home, you want to know everything you can about that home’s history. While there are common questions to ask about a home’s condition, history, and location, there are some questions buyers often overlook. Use these questions, and they can help you get to the bottom of potential pitfalls.