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Welcome!

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

Gwen Moran

has written about finance and real estate for over a decade. Her work has been in Entrepreneur, Newsweek, and The Residential Specialist. A Jersey Shore resident, she's weathered hurricanes, Nor'easters, and one earthquake.

BY THIS AUTHOR

House destroyed by storm

Was Your Home in a Disaster, Damaged, or Robbed?

If your home is damaged during a federally declared disaster or by vandalism or theft, you may be able to claim special tax deductions. Here’s the fine print. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 1 wk (paperwork)
Investment Med $500-$3,000 (tax-prep fees)
Added to Binder
Fire-resistant plants around a home

Is Your Home Kindling for Wildfires?

Your best defense against wildfire is a good offense. Limit fire’s toehold with these 14 fire-repelling tips. Read More

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Added to Binder
Home Flooding Protection Home Flooding Prevention Ideas

Protect Yourself and Your Home from Flooding

Few places in the country are considered free from flooding, so protect your home and family. Read More

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Effort Low 1 day-1 wknd
Investment Low $380-$785
Added to Binder
Tips For Contractor Disputes Contractor Disputes

Contractor Dispute? Local Licensing Authorities are On Your Side

When a contractor dispute erupts, state and local licensing authorities have the muscle to get you satisfaction. Read More

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Effort Low 3-4 hrs
Added to Binder
Do I Need Hurricane Insurance Hurricane Insurance Facts

Do You Need Hurricane Insurance?

You have to investigate your policy details and how they relate to your location before making a decision on hurricane insurance. Read More

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Effort Low 1 day (policy review/research)
Investment High $300 to $20,000
Added to Binder
Home Finance Credit Score Credit Score Home Finance

Improve Credit Score with These Home Finance Tips

How you manage your home ownership finances affects your credit score—and your ability to refinance later. Read More

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Effort Low 1-2 hrs
Added to Binder
What Affects Your Credit Score Credit Score Myths

What Affects Credit Scores? 7 Misconceptions

If you’re trying to raise your credit score to get a good rate for a refinance or HELOC, you might be surprised by what affects—or doesn’t affect—your score. Read More

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Effort Low 1-2 hrs
Added to Binder
Military Family Foreclosure

Fannie Mae Offers Forbearance to Military Families in Foreclosure

Military families who’ve suffered a tragedy or injury may find foreclosure relief in a new Fannie Mae program that offers forbearance. Read More

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Effort Low 1-2 hrs.
Added to Binder
Is Hurricane Insurance Worth It

Is the Cost of Hurricane Insurance Worth It?

We’re in the peak of the busiest hurricane season in years. Is your home properly insured? Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1 day (policy review/research)
Investment Med $540/yr (flood insurance)
Added to Binder
Short Sale To Avoid Foreclosure

Foreclosure Alternative: The Short Sale

A short sale is far from hassle-free, but it’s a better alternative than foreclosure. And now you’ve got a little help from your friends in D.C. Here are the facts about short sales and how to get started. Read More

Progress K
Effort High 10+ hrs
Investment Low up to $500 (for attorney)
Added to Binder