If you want your home to be more energy efficient, having an audit done will tell you where repairs are needed. Some of the improvements that need to be done are simple, such as stopping air leaks around openings. Other repairs may require more work, such as repairing an HVAC system or replacing a roof and insulating the attic. Here are some of the improvements that you can expect after you have an energy audit done:

If you live in one part of the country and love to spend time in another, consider purchasing a vacation home in your preferred location. Although you may not be able to pick up and permanently move to your dream city or destination due to employment or other commitments, you can have a place waiting for you whenever you do get the chance to visit. Owning a house in your favorite location won't always be a vacation, however, as you'll have real-life concerns to address even when you aren't at the home.

You've found a home you love -- but when you venture into the basement, you see the characteristic gnaw marks from termite damage to the wooden beams. What should you do? Should you trust the owner that the termites have been eradicated and buy the home, or should you walk away? Start by doing these three things, which will help you learn more about the nature of the infestation so you can make a wise decision.

Buying a house can be one of the most significant investments that you will ever make in your life, which is why you will want to make sure that you check the house and neighborhood out thoroughly in order to make sure that it is a good fit for you and your family. Listed below are two things you should check before putting an offer on a house. Local Crime Rate

Buying a home on the water is a dream come true for many Americans. But purchasing a home that fronts a lake, river, or ocean can offer buyers different challenges than the purchase of a more traditional home or property located miles from the nearest body of water. If you are considering the purchase of a luxury waterfront home and would like to make the experience as pleasant as possible, take time to consider the following three things before signing the purchase offer for your dream home.

Your pets are like members of your family, and you couldn't imagine your home without them. However, just because you're overly fond on your pets doesn't mean potential buyers will feel the same. The years living with your pets have been filled with joy, happiness, stains, damage and other signs that your dog or cat has made themselves at home. If you're putting your home on the market, here are a few tips to prevent potential buyers from turning up their nose at your pet-friendly home:

When it is time to move out of your parents' house, it can be hard to know what to expect. Many young adults have never been away from their parents for a long period of time and are a bit overwhelmed when they first get out on their own. If you plan to move out of your parents' house in the near future, use the guide below to learn how to choose the right apartment rental for you.

Buying a manufactured home can be a great way to get real estate cheaper, but you need to be careful when making this kind of investment. A manufactured home, by definition, is a house that does not have a foundation and can be relocated to a new property. In short, it's not a "fixed" house like traditional homes, and therefore is often treated by real estate companies as personal property rather than "

Maybe you've always dreamed of building your own home -- the house of your dreams, constructed to your exact specifications. You might be looking for vacant lots, figuring that you'll buy land and then build. While this strategy can work well for a lot of people, it's not as simple as you might assume. Here are some things to consider as you look at land for sale. Location is still important.

Buying your first home can be an exciting and stressful time, but with proper planning and knowledge, it can be a worthwhile investment. If you are a first-time buyer, you probably think you understand the purchase process. You may search listings on websites or even hire a real estate agent to show you some properties, but other steps are necessary to ensure you make a smart purchase. With this guide of common myths, you will be better prepared to buy your first home.