When it comes to being a homeowner, there are lots of feelings you may experience over the years. Homeownership is part of the American dream to many, but with that comes certain responsibilities—especially in the wintertime. Winters in South Dakota are all too familiar for some of us, but it's always a good reminder that winter requires some extra attention. Preparing for the long winter months can help you avoid costly problems. 

Get your house winter-ready with these handy tips!

There are few better feelings than curling up under a blanket on the couch while the snow and wind whip outside. To be carefree of the weather is a not-so-small luxury everyone should enjoy. No one likes living in a cold house during the winter. Winter is gloomy as it is, but sometimes high heating bills can make you second-guess turning up the thermostat.

Follow these three steps, and keep your heating bill low this winter.

For some people, seeing a blank canvas is exciting. There are so many creative opportunities to take, and the possibilities are endless. When real estate agents and homeowners show houses, they typically want to make it look as homey and inviting as possible. When you leave a house bare, there’s no opportunity to show all its capabilities and possibilities. That’s where home staging comes in.

Porches and decks are ingrained into American culture, and they’ve been a huge part of our pastimes. Decks bring up memories of the summertime and grilling. They’re a sociable home addition, not only offering a purpose, but also increasing your house’s outside appeal. Decks and porches can add a touch of personality to any front or backyard.

Consider these guidelines if you're planning to add a deck or porch to your home.

No matter your living situation, homes big and small contain valuable belongings worthy of an added level of security. There are some small ways you can better protect your property.

Here are five tips for keeping your home safe and secure.

If you're considering a move to the southern city of Yankton, South Dakota, you have options when it comes to first-time homebuying. South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) can assist future homeowners in finding the perfect space in the state's seventh-largest city. From downpayment and closing-cost assistance to competitive interest rates, there is much to consider.

Check out our first-time homebuying guide to Yankton.

A bathroom is arguably one of the most important rooms in a home. According to studies, an average adult will spend 416 days of his or her life in a bathroom. Bathrooms should be quiet, practical, private—and hopefully clean. In order to preserve or extend the usefulness of your bathroom, it may need a makeover. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a not-so-handyman, having a fine-looking and functional bathroom can add value to your home for years to come.

Check out these guidelines to help enhance your bathroom on a budget.

Ready to dive into the world of homebuying? You're likely going to encounter a handful of paperwork along the way, at various stages of the process.

Here is a rundown of a few of the documents you'll likely see.

The value of a home is often based on what buyers are traditionally willing to pay in the area, but each buyer is unique. A single adult may be looking for a home close to work, while a family may want a home in a neighborhood with particularly good schools. Buyers also consider everything from the size of a given house to the current state of the economy when searching for a new home.

Read on for five factors that can go into the value of your home when it comes time to sell.

When it comes to maintaining a green lifestyle, it can be tough to keep up with the best practices—and even more difficult to do everything right. There are some small ways, though, that you can make your own home a little more environmentally conscious.

Here are four of those simple ways to make your household more eco-friendly.