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Our Mission.

You care about your home. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® cares about homeownership. To help you become the best, most responsible homeowner you aspire to be, we want to provide you with free information and tools you can use to make smart and timely decisions about your home.

From time to time, we may reach out to you to help us support legislation and/or policies that may have an impact on you, the homeowner. You can choose to join our cause. Or you can choose not to. Regardless, your privacy is safe with us.

We'll never share or sell your email address or other personal information you may provide us in the course of using the site with anyone without your explicit consent.

Author Profiles

G. M. Filisko

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has been involved in insurance litigation. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, personal finance, and legal topics.

Articles by this author

Couple meeting with foreclosure counselor

(New!)

Foreclosure Counselors: What They Can and Can’t Do

Foreclosure counselors can make the difference between losing your home and keeping it. Here’s how they work and how to choose one. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 2-24 hrs
Added to Binder
Homeowner meeting with a credit counselor

Foreclosure Help: 5 Pros You Need on Your Team

Know which experts provide foreclosure help—often at no cost to you—and how to find them. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 10-20 hrs
Investment Med up to $2,500
Added to Binder
For rent sign in home's yard

Renting Out Your Home? Get Landlord Insurance

If you’re renting out your home, it might not be covered by homeowners insurance, so look into landlord insurance instead. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 4 hrs (research policies)
Investment Med $1,025/yr (avg landlord policy)
Added to Binder
HOA manager inside apartment building

Hiring an HOA Manager: What to Consider

When your homeowners association has more to do than its volunteers can handle, it’s time to call in a professional manager. Here are 10 tips for picking the right one. Read More

Progress C K
Effort Med 20 hours
Added to Binder
Homes that are part of a HOA

Should Your HOA Manage Itself or Hire a Professional Manager?

A well-oiled homeowners association boosts property values. Can volunteers handle the load, or does your community need to call in a professional manager? Read More

Progress C K
Effort Med 20 hrs (evaluate DIY vs. pro)
Added to Binder
Well-maintained residential garage

5 Tips for Inspecting and Maintaining Your Garage

Routine maintenance will help your garage retain its value and keep it trouble-free for decades. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-2 hrs
Investment Med $5-$2,000
Added to Binder
Woman writing HOA newsletter on laptop

Condo Association Newsletter Helps Owners Feel More at Home

Creating a newsletter with all the neighborhood news informs homeowners and nudges them to become part of the family. Read More

Progress C K
Effort Low 4 hrs/issue
Investment Low $0-$200/yr
Added to Binder
Woman using online tools to send out HOA information

Spread Condo or HOA News Quickly with Online Tools

Keep your condo/HOA neighbors in the know with a listserv or online group, but watch out for the downsides. Read More

Progress C K
Effort Med 1-20 hours
Added to Binder
Woman creating HOA website

HOA Website Can Simplify Communications

Smart planning makes launching an online site for your condo/HOA community easier than you think. Read More

Progress C K
Effort Low 1-3 days
Investment Med $0-$300/yr
Added to Binder
Neighborhood progressive holiday dinner

7 Holiday Events that Better Your Community

Create holiday traditions that build community spirit and strengthen your neighborhood. Read More

Progress C K
Effort Low 30-45 mins
Investment Low $12 (buy votive candles)
Added to Binder
Electrical outlet catching on fire

Homeowners Insurance: Are You Over- or Underinsured?

Paying for more homeowners insurance than you need is a waste of money, but it can prove even more costly to get caught without enough coverage. Read More

Progress $ K
Save Money Low $8-$12 (unneeded rider)
Effort Low 4-5 hrs
Investment Low $7.95 (valuation report)
Added to Binder
States often display typical rates charged by major insurers

Homeowners Insurance: Time for an Annual Check-Up

An annual check-up on your homeowners insurance can result in a healthier policy and a healthier pocketbook. Read More

Progress $ K
Save Money Low $64/yr (high deductible)
Effort Low 1 hr
Investment Low $804/yr (avg premium)
Added to Binder
House on fire

Homeowners Insurance: To Claim or Not to Claim?

The answer to that question will go a long way toward determining whether your homeowners insurance will ultimately cost you more or even get canceled. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 4 hrs (repair estimates)
Investment Low $804 (avg premium)
Added to Binder