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

Pat Curry

Serial remodeler Pat Curry is a former senior editor at Builder, the official magazine of the National Association of Home Builders, and a frequent contributor to real estate and home-building publications.

BY THIS AUTHOR

how to paint concrete

Concrete Painting Basics

Prepping and painting concrete surfaces requires more skill, tools, and time than throwing a coat of paint on drywall. Here’s how to put a new face on concrete. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 1 wk
Investment Med $350-$500 (12x20-ft basement)
Added to Binder
paint sheen tips

Guide to Paint Sheens: Oooo, Shiny!

You think choosing the right color for your paint job is hard? Try picking the right sheen. HouseLogic will help you tell your semi-gloss from your satin finish. Read More

Progress K
Added to Binder
drop cloth protection

Painters’ Drop Cloths: Protect What You’re Not Painting

Painters’ drop cloths keep drips from becoming disasters. Here’s how to pick drop cloths wisely and use them correctly. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 30 min (to position drop cloth)
Investment Low $40 (9x12-ft canvas)
Added to Binder
removing stains from walls

Remove Stains From Walls Before You Paint

Remove stains from walls before you slap on another coat: It’s the first commandment of painting. Here’s how to wash seven common stains off your walls. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-2 hours
Investment Low $1-$2 (homemade cleaner)
Added to Binder
Adding Curb Appeal Value To Home Curb Appeal Tips

8 Tips for Adding Curb Appeal and Value to Your Home

Here are eight ways to help your home put its best face forward. Read More

Progress K
Effort High 1-4 wks
Investment Med $300-$3,000 for pro plan
Added to Binder
Replace Your Home Wiring Old Electrical Wiring Replacement

Should You Replace Old Wiring?

If your house was built more than 40 years ago, replace old electrical wiring for safety. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 2-4 hrs
Investment Low $150-$300 (wiring inspection)
Added to Binder
Electrical Service Upgrade Home Electrical Service Problem

Do You Need an Electrical Service Upgrade?

An electrical service upgrade can be messy and expensive, but there are times when it’s necessary to protect the safety, convenience, and value of your home. Read More

Progress K
Effort High 2-4 wks
Investment Med $3,500-$8,000 (rewire average house)
Added to Binder
Replacing Rain Gutters Home Downspout Replacement

Replacing Rain Gutters and Downspouts

Replace missing gutters and downspouts to prevent serious siding and foundation damage that may cost you $10,000 or more to repair. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 2-4 hours
Investment Low $15 (gutter section, joint connectors, sealant)
Added to Binder
Man cleaning leaves out of gutter

Cleaning Rain Gutters

Clean gutters to protect your siding and landscape plantings, and prevent thousands of dollars of damage to your foundation. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 2-4 hours
Investment Low $25 (gutter scoop, plastic tarp)
Added to Binder
When Should Your Repair Gutters Gutter Repair Savings

Repair Sagging and Leaking Rain Gutters to Save Money

Repairing sagging and leaking rain gutters is a simple task that can be tackled in a day. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1 day
Investment Low $15 (hangers, gutter sealant)
Added to Binder