Blog & Resources

Expert insights on waterproofing, home improvement, and building science — from our team of professionals.

Real Estate What Is a Release of Deed of Trust? A Clear Guide for Homeowners

You made the final mortgage payment. The loan is paid in full. The promissory note is satisfied. But the deed of trust…

Home Improvement How to Paint Wood Trim Molding: A Practical Homeowner Guide

Molding is the shaped profile that gives trim its character. The baseboard is flat with a curved top edge. That curve is…

Home Improvement How to Install a Hunter Ceiling Fan: A Practical Homeowner Guide

Hunter has been making ceiling fans since 1886, and the fan you bought at the home center was designed to be installed…

Home Improvement How to Build a Raised Deck Attached to a House: A Practical Homeowner Guide

As pointed out by American Dream Realty & Management, the ledger board is a horizontal two-by-ten or two-by-twelve bolted to the side…

Home Improvement How Long Does It Take to Stain a Deck? A Practical Homeowner Guide

The can of deck stain says it covers four hundred square feet per gallon and dries in four hours. What the can…

Real Estate How Does a 30-Year Mortgage Work? A Practical Homeowner Guide

You signed a stack of papers at closing and walked out with a house and a thirty-year obligation. The monthly payment number…

Real Estate How Long Does Funding Take After Closing? A Practical Homeowner Guide

As pointed out by Tverdov Housing company, you sat at a table for an hour and signed your name forty-seven times. The…

Real Estate How Much Do Lawyers Charge to Sell a House? A Practical Homeowner Guide

The real estate agent commission is the cost everyone talks about. The attorney fee is the cost that shows up on the…

Real Estate What Are Monthly Home Equity Loan Payments? A Clear Guide for Homeowners

You have been paying your mortgage for eight years and the balance has dropped while the house has appreciated. The equity sitting…

Real Estate What Is a Trustee’s Deed? A Clear Guide for Homeowners

You received a document in the mail titled “Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale” after your neighbor’s house sold at a foreclosure auction. A…