Hosting an open house can be a big undertaking, but there’s no need to feel lost. From getting organized to getting your house picture-perfect, these tips can help you and your real estate agent get ready to find the perfect buyer.

Read on for some starter tips on how to get ready for an open house.

When unpacking the many terms and lingo in real estate listings, it can get cumbersome deciphering what each means. This is especially true when property listings feature an array of acronyms you've never heard of before.

We've compiled a set of acronyms you may encounter and how they'll affect the homebuying process.

In today's increasingly connected world, Apple's famous slogan "there's an app for that" has never been more true. When homeowners first begin attempting to sell their houses, they are often caught up in a whirlwind of real estate listing app sign-ups and submissions. With so many mobile applications from which to choose, deciding your plan of attack can be a bit confusing. Fortunately, we've got a few tricks that can help save you stress throughout the process.

Read on for four tips to consider when adding your house to listing apps.

We've all been there—the weatherman says that a storm is coming and your heart sinks a bit. As a homeowner, times of bad weather can be particularly worrisome. Your house is important, and protecting it will always be in the back of your mind, but there are steps you can take to eliminate that sinking feeling you've come to associate with times of less-than-stellar weather. 

Read on for five things you can do to protect your home from the elements.

Thinking about buying a house, but you're a bit intimidated by the process of making an offer? You're not alone. The process of buying a house has a lot of elements to consider, so it's easy for first-time homebuyers to feel overwhelmed by the process. You can dodge offer paralysis and throw your hat into the ring for your future home by following a few simple steps.

Read on for some key tips to help you navigate the offer-making process.

Looking for some DIY projects to kick off your starter-home revamp? Besides unfinished basements and antiquated carpeting, your kitchen is one of the fastest ways to improve the value of your home. With a few quick weekend projects, you can significantly improve the value of your house and give yourself a kitchen worthy of a master chef.

Read on for six low-cost do-it-yourself undertakings that can add value to your home without breaking the bank.

Each year, individuals and families all across the country take the leap and build the homes of their dreams. New construction is an incredible chance to build something that perfectly matches your needs, but there are a number of moving parts in the process. Do you know how prepared you are to take the next step?

Check out these key points to consider before you begin your build.

Congratulations! Buying your first house is a major achievement. Just remember—with that house comes neighbors, and with neighbors come responsibilities. Now that you're all moved in, it's time to get neighborly. While it may sound like a tall order at first, it really only requires a few considerations on your end. We've listed some here to help give you the inside scoop before the family next door comes asking to borrow a cup of sugar.

Read up to learn how you can be a good neighbor.

Having extra space is one of the many benefits that come along with homeownership. But what happens when you have a bedroom to spare? How you fill it depends upon your hobbies, your lifestyle and your priorities. We know that deciding what to do with your extra space can seem overwhelming, so we put together a list of some of our favorite bonus room designations.

As you're reading, consider your space and how each option might work for you.

Buying your first house is an exciting time, but it can be difficult to decide just how to begin making the house your own—especially when you're on a tight budget. When it comes to home improvement, a little effort goes a long way in transforming your starter home into the one you always imagined.

Read on for room-by-room tips on how to get started making improvements on your first home.