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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.

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Maintain

Featured Project

Appliance Maintenance: Water Heaters

Appliance Maintenance: Water Heaters

Keep your water heater running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $20 (new sacrificial anode rod)
Added to Binder
Close-up photo of a bedbug

(New!)

What Could Be Worse Than Bedbugs?

Four household dangers you should pay more attention to than bedbugs. Read More

Progress K
Added to Binder
Man placing baking soda inside of a refrigerator

(New!)

Appliance Maintenance: Refrigerators

Keep your refrigerator running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $4 (box of baking soda/3 mos.)
Added to Binder
Man inspecting roof

(New!)

Hurricanes: Protect Your Roof

With Hurricane Earl buffeting the Caribbean, it’s a good time to consider protection for your roof against hurricanes. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1 day (inspect roof)
Investment Med $175 (roof inspector)
Added to Binder
Rolling shutters for hurricane protection

(New!)

Hurricanes: Protect Your Windows and Doors

With Hurricane Earl picking up steam, it’s a good reminder to make sure your doors and windows are reinforced against hurricane-strength winds. Read More

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Effort Low 1 wknd (plywood coverings)
Investment Low $1-$2/sq ft (DIY plywood)
Added to Binder
Man maintaining a home water heater

(New!)

Appliance Maintenance: Water Heaters

Keep your water heater running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $20 (new sacrificial anode rod)
Added to Binder
Tony Hayward and Michael Brown

(New!)

Battle of the Gulf Gaffe: Tony Hayward vs. Michael Brown

Two of the most loathed officials to ever visit the Gulf battle it out—in their own words. Read More

Progress E K
Added to Binder
Serviceman checking HVAC system

(New!)

Appliance Maintenance: Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Keep your HVAC systems running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1-3 hrs/yr
Investment Low $40-$100 (new filter every 3 mos.)
Added to Binder
Man reading gas utility bill in home office

How to Read Your Gas Utility Bill

Learning to interpret the terms and abbreviations in your gas bill can save you money. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 20 mins/mo (read bill)
Added to Binder
Man cleaning up the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

4 Steps to Safe Oil-Spill Cleanup

Opinion is divided on whether homeowners should attempt their own oil-spill cleanup. If you’ve got the gear and the guts, follow these tips to do it safely. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Med 10 hrs to clean property
Investment Low $50-$100 for equipment
Added to Binder
Clean Harbors workers

Got Oil Spill? Get Free Cleanup Help from BP

If the oil spill is sloshing onto your property, BP and state agencies offer cleanup help for free. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low $0 for cleanup help
Investment Low $0 to call BP
Added to Binder
Quick Curb Appeal

Easy ways to keep your house and property looking great:

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Smart Gardening More Outdoors Articles
This Week's Maintain Poll

How do you water your lawn?

See results

  • Hose

  • In-ground sprinkler system

  • Drip irrigation system

  • Pray for rain