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.

There are a lot of myths out there about home buying, and unfortunately, these myths can often deter people from taking the plunge into homeownership or lead them down the wrong path. Today, we're busting four of the most common home-buying myths:

Fall break is just around the corner, which may mean a family vacation! Unfortunately, in the run-up to a vacation, people often neglect to take simple steps to protect themselves from becoming victims of theft or vandalism. Here are a few safety tips to keep your home and possessions safe while you're gone. 

Although the kitchen is deemed the essential room in the house, the living room comes in at a close second! It's where life happens, where you spend lazing evenings and is one of the first spaces you see upon entering your home.

Don't you want it to look luxurious?

Fortunately, you don't have to spend an excessive amount of cash to make it look like you spent a lot of money. In some cases, you won't need to spend a thing!

Here are ten sneaky tricks to make your living room look expensive: