NAR Dashboard

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

Joe Bousquin

's work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, and Men's Journal. He owns a 79-year-old home in Sacramento, Calif.

BY THIS AUTHOR

Tankless Home Water Heaters Tankless Water Heater Options

(New!)

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low $25-$107/year (energy bill)
Effort Low 1 day (install)
Investment Med $1,500 gas unit installed
Added to Binder
Hot Water Heater Buyers Guide

Appliance Buying Guide: Water Heaters

When it’s time to replace your water heater, you’ll find a wide array of high-efficiency models offering big energy savings. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $300/yr (off energy bills)
Investment Med $900-$2,000
Added to Binder
Prevent Plumbing Leaks How To Prevent Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing Leaks: Reduce Stress on Pipes to Prevent Them

Reduce stress on pipes so you can avoid plumbing leaks and costly replacements. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 3-4 hrs. (installation)
Investment Low $500-$1,500 (install water softener)
Added to Binder
How To Prevent Drain Clogs and Blockage Clogged Drain Advice

Clearing Clogged Drains and Preventing Future Clogs

Don’t use chemicals to clear clogged drains. Use a plumber’s snake and follow these tips on preventing clogged drains. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-2 hrs.
Investment Low $15 (manual drain snake)
Added to Binder
Pipes And Plumbing Lifespan How Long Do Pipes Last

Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Lifespans

Knowing the types of plumbing pipes in your home lets you take steps to prevent leaks, flooding, and potential health hazards. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-2 hrs.
Investment Low $75 (pro plumber inspection)
Added to Binder
Plumbing Repair Costs Plumbing Replacement Costs

Replacing Plumbing Pipes: Costs and Options

Replacing plumbing can be a costly, time-consuming venture. These alternatives make it doable and affordable. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 2-4 days
Investment Med $1,000-$6,000 (replace expsoed plumbing)
Added to Binder
Replace Water Pipes Worn Out Pipe Replacements

Are Your Plumbing Pipes Worn Out?

Inspect the pipes in your home regularly to determine if all is well, or if replacing your plumbing is a reality and not just a pipe dream. Here are a few tips to make sure your water is running smoothly. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-2 hrs.
Investment Low $75 (pro inspection)
Added to Binder
Tips For Plumbing Leaks Easy DIY Plumbing Fixes

Plumbing Leaks: 8 Smart Tips to Stop Them

Plumbing leaks can be prevented with a few simple measures. Plus, learn what to do when leaks occur. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 2-3 hrs. (pro install)
Investment Low $225 (install flow sensor)
Added to Binder
Turning down conventional hot water heater's thermostat

Water Heaters: 5 Tips for Saving Energy

Your hot water heater eats energy: We want to reduce its appetite. Here are inexpensive things you can do to increase efficiency and cut energy bills. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1 day
Investment Low $30 insulating blanket
Added to Binder
Water Heater Replacement Value

When to Replace Your Water Heater

Water heaters eventually break, but repairing or replacing depends on age, condition, and budget. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1 day to install
Investment Low $500-$1,500 installed (storage tank)
Added to Binder