Home Ownership Archives - Page 7 of 10

13 Lost DIY Home Repair Skills That Will Save You Thousands

June 5, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Old-school home repair skills aren’t just cool—they’re serious money-savers most people have forgotten.

These days, it feels like every minor home issue leads to a pricey call to a contractor or handyman. But not long ago, homeowners handled tons of these repairs themselves—and saved serious cash in the process. The truth is, many basic home fixes aren’t that complicated if you know what you’re doing. The problem? A lot of these skills have quietly disappeared as more people rely on apps, service calls, and YouTube to patch things up temporarily instead of learning how to actually fix them.

The good news is that most of these lost skills aren’t impossible to pick up. And once you do, you’ll not only avoid overpriced repair bills but also feel way more confident about managing your own space. These 13 forgotten DIY home repair skills can save you thousands over time—and bring back a kind of self-sufficiency that’s hard to put a price tag on.

11 Dangerous Online Rental Scams Sweeping 2025—Are You Their Next Victim?

June 2, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Rental scammers are getting smarter, and they’re betting you won’t catch the red flags in time.

Hunting for a rental used to mean calling landlords, visiting apartments, and signing paperwork in person. But now, most of the process happens online, which makes things easier—and way more dangerous. Scammers have flooded the rental market, creating fake listings, stealing deposits, and tricking desperate renters into handing over cash without ever seeing a real place.

The worst part is how convincing these scams have become. Sophisticated scammers use real photos, legitimate-sounding paperwork, and high-pressure tactics that leave even smart renters vulnerable. In a competitive rental market where good places disappear in hours, people get rushed into bad decisions. If you don’t know what to watch for, you could lose thousands in minutes. Here are 11 of the most dangerous online rental scams sweeping 2025—and how to avoid becoming their next victim.

9 Ways Landlords Use Security Deposits as a Profit Center (Know Your Rights to Fight Back)

June 2, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Your security deposit isn’t just “held for damages”—it’s often a sneaky cash grab.

Moving into a rental usually means handing over a fat security deposit, with the promise that you’ll get it back if you take care of the place. But many landlords treat that money less like a refundable deposit and more like an extra revenue stream. They know most tenants either don’t fully understand their rights or don’t want to fight over a few hundred dollars during the stress of moving out.

The truth is, landlords have gotten creative in finding ways to keep as much of your deposit as possible, sometimes bending the rules—or flat-out breaking them. If you aren’t paying attention, you can lose money that should’ve come back to you. The good news is, once you know their most common tactics, you’ll be way better prepared to challenge unfair deductions and protect your wallet. Here are 9 ways landlords quietly use security deposits to pad their profits—and how you can fight back.

Fix Your House On a Fixed Income— 10 Smart Ways To Tackle Home Repairs Without Breaking the Bank

June 2, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Home repairs won’t wait just because your wallet wants them to.

Owning a home on a fixed income means learning how to stretch every dollar, especially when something inevitably breaks. A leaky roof, busted water heater, or cracked foundation won’t politely wait until you’re financially ready to handle it. And ignoring small issues just makes them more expensive later. The key is getting proactive and resourceful—so you’re solving problems before they become money pits.

You don’t need to be rich or a professional contractor to keep your home safe and livable. What you need is a smart approach and a willingness to think creatively. There are real strategies and programs out there that can help you cut costs, get help, or even score some repairs for free. These aren’t shortcuts—they’re smart moves that keep your house in good shape without putting you into panic mode. Here’s how to start tackling repairs without draining your savings.

9 Surprising States Where Renting Helps You Build Wealth Faster Than Owning a Home

May 30, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Sometimes renting isn’t a setback—it’s your smartest financial move.

Owning a home has long been sold as the cornerstone of financial success. But in today’s market, where sky-high prices, hidden maintenance costs, and rising interest rates are the norm, homeownership doesn’t always lead to wealth. For many, especially younger or mobile professionals, renting isn’t just cheaper month to month—it actually frees up money to invest, save, or build a business. In some states, the financial benefits of renting can outpace what you’d gain in equity, especially when you factor in opportunity costs and flexibility.

These nine states may not be the first places you’d expect to find pro-renter advantages, but they’re quietly rewarding people who play the long game. Whether it’s low rent-to-income ratios, minimal property taxes, or better access to higher-paying job markets, these places flip the script on the rent-vs-buy debate. Renting here doesn’t mean you’re falling behind—it might just mean you’re getting ahead faster than your mortgage-paying neighbors.

10 Bold Moves the President Could Make to Fix Housing for Young Couples Now

May 28, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Housing is broken—and young couples are running out of time and patience.

For couples trying to build a life together, the dream of homeownership has started to feel more like a cruel joke. Rent is sky-high, starter homes are either nonexistent or wildly overpriced, and wages haven’t kept up with any of it. Many are stuck delaying major life milestones—marriage, kids, financial planning—because there’s nowhere affordable to plant roots. It’s not just inconvenient. It’s demoralizing. And yet, the political response often amounts to band-aid policies or empty promises that never make it past a press conference.

But bold action is still possible. The President could use executive power, political capital, and national visibility to push aggressive reforms that don’t just nudge the housing crisis—they actually shift it. These aren’t pipe dreams. They’re real, implementable policies that would ease the burden on young couples trying to make a future. Some would require bold federal leadership. Others, the courage to shake up outdated systems. Either way, here are ten moves that could start fixing this mess now.

Selling Houses on the Side? 11 Little-Known Ways a Real Estate License Can Be Your Secret Financial Weapon

May 28, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

A real estate license isn’t just for full-time agents—it can quietly unlock income streams you didn’t know you had.

You don’t need to ditch your day job or become a high-pressure salesperson to make a real estate license work for you. In fact, some of the most lucrative uses of a license happen quietly, behind the scenes. Think side deals, commission splits, investment perks, and inside info that helps you stay three steps ahead in the housing game. It’s the kind of tool that sits quietly in your back pocket—until you realize how much money it’s helping you save or make on the side.

For part-time hustlers, aspiring investors, or just smart people who love knowing how the system works, a real estate license can be a major asset. It’s not flashy, but it’s powerful. These 11 lesser-known advantages go beyond listing homes—they reveal why getting licensed could be the most underrated financial move you’ve never seriously considered.

Dream Home, Dream Price— 10 Genius Ways to Cut Building Costs

May 20, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Building your dream home shouldn’t mean burying yourself in a nightmare of debt.

Designing and building a custom home is exciting—every decision feels full of possibility. But those choices come with price tags, and they stack up fast. What starts as a manageable budget can spiral out of control with every upgraded fixture, extra window, or last-minute change. The good news is, you can absolutely build a home you love without wrecking your finances. It just takes some strategy, a little restraint, and knowing where to focus your money for maximum impact.

The goal isn’t to cut corners. It’s to cut costs smartly—making decisions that save now without creating problems later. Some of these ideas involve planning ahead, while others are about being realistic with what you truly need (versus what looks good on paper). These 10 tips can help you stay in control of your home-building budget while still getting a space that feels like you, functions beautifully, and stands the test of time.