Sponsored ad content by Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. When you’re self-employed, you often work harder than anyone else you know. That’s what it takes to be your own boss. While rewarding, it comes with a lot of added responsibility. This is especially true when applying for a mortgage. “Self-employment can complicate the mortgage process…
Your smartphone, your tablet, your computer – they are some of your most important and most used possessions. They are the daily tools you use for research, to connect with others and make purchases. You take them everywhere and fill them with your important, personal information. And all of that makes them the perfect targets…
Fast tips to protect your home when hosting guests Hosting friends and family at your home is a guaranteed way to make long-lasting memories. Not only will your guests be reminiscing about the wonderful chats and laughs you shared, but thanks to some quick tips from Minwax(R) spokesperson, Bruce Johnson, they’ll remember how great your…
If you’re planning to make some home improvements this year, you’re probably thinking about energy-efficient options, knowing they can save you money in the long run. However, many eco-friendly home improvements that help lower your energy bills can also pay off right away in the form of rebates and tax credits. Whether you’re considering installing…
More than half of homes in the U.S were built before 1980, according to U.S. Census figures. With most home heating and ventilation systems lasting around 20 years, millions of American homeowners will be looking at replacing their HVAC systems this year. If you’ll be among them, understanding the factors that influence the cost of…
Losing power at home is inconvenient. When it happens, the worst part is not knowing if the outage will last for a couple hours, or if it will stretch on for days. But if you take a little time to get organized and round up a few items today, you will be ready to keep…
The year 2016 was devastating for some safe deposit box holders. In New York, thieves cut holes in the roofs of three banks and brazenly emptied hundreds of safe deposit boxes, leaving the victims’ pillaged boxes on the roof and strewn around the vault. A stealthier thief in Florida picked safe deposit boxes in several…
It’s late and you’re in your favorite, cozy pajamas. You get in bed and pull up the warm comforter. You turn out the light and are just about to drift off to sleep when you hear a noise coming from the attic. You sit up to listen, but it quickly goes quiet again. You lay…
With winter comes the holiday season, a time that’s supposed to be associated with “comfort and joy.” But how joyful will it be if pests invade your house, or if your home is cold and drafty? Help stay warm all winter long by addressing factors like air leaks from gaps and cracks that can make…
Home Inspector Homewood, IL Inspecting An Unsafe Deck Hey! This is Sean Bacon of Xcellence Inspection Services and I’ll be talking about decks. If you remember I said in a video a couple weeks ago about a deck inspected out in the south suburbs. But here’s another one from northern suburbs in Addison. It’s a…
Home Inspector Chicago Inspecting A Heaved Deck Hi. This is Sean Bacon of Xcellence Inspection Services doing a foreclosure inspection on a twenty-year-old property. I am looking at this deck and there are some really significant issues with it. If you’re looking for a house with a deck, these are some of the things that…
Buying Your First Home? Follow This New Year’s Plan From Home Inspectors Chicago So buying a new home tops your list of New Year’s resolutions. As you picture the big moment – the one where you pull up to your dream home in your moving truck, sprint up and unlock your front door – you…
4 Questions Homeowners Must Ask Remodelers And Their Chicago Home Inspector If you’re like millions of Americans, you’re doing some sort of home improvement project within the next year. Have you thought about how you’ll select your remodeler? Don’t be wooed by beautiful before-and-after photos – they are created to grab your attention and impress…
10 Smart Ideas From Chicago Home Inspector To Heat Your Home For Less As cooler temperatures begin to sweep the nation, homeowners are turning on their heat for the first time in months. With every degree increase on the thermostat, utility bills follow suit. A warm, comfortable home shouldn’t cost you a small fortune. Luckily,…