Managing an HOA requires a lot of effort and time. Board members and property managers have to deal with the collection of dues, maintenance issues, handling violations of rules, and communication with residents. Technology has changed the way HOAs operate, and specialized property management software has become a necessity to run the community efficiently. The best HOA software allows boards and managers...

Nearly one in five U.S. homebuyers would sacrifice personal safety to purchase a home they can afford, underscoring the severity of the nation's affordability crisis, according to a new Redfin survey. The report found that while 22% of respondents said they're willing to compromise on safety, the majority still rank it as a top priority. Seventy-eight percent of buyers listed personal safety as a...

Before you dig up your plants for the move, keep these tips in mind to avoid any...

The front entryway is the first thing you and your guests see upon entering your home, so it should make a great impression and set the tone for what’s beyond. At the same time, it needs to function as a practical transition between indoors and out. Whether you have a spacious, seldom-used foyer or...

The seasonal changes in a meadow garden surprise and delight, creating ever-changing vistas. Their colorful flowers not only provide beautiful views but also attract an important part of the ecosystem: pollinators, including birds, bees and butterflies. A meadow garden is sustainable and will...

Florida homebuyers are facing the same affordability challenges that other housing markets are grappling with, but with added regulatory hurdles if they want to buy a condo. The Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals (FAMP), which is hosting its annual convention this week in Orlando, is addressing those challenges head-on, looking to improve the Florida housing market for homebuyers and the...

Prices start at...

We’ve all experienced it: blistering temperatures, above our typical summer averages, that have us flocking to the comfort of our homes. But what about the plants in our gardens? Unless they are in a pot and can be brought indoors, plants are stuck outside, bearing the brunt of the heat wave with...

The Social Security system celebrated its 90th birthday this week. In the wake of this milestone, several policy analysts and news outlets offered their thoughts on the program’s past, present and future. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) noted that the safety net program that currently serves some 69 million Americans per month is on track to be insolvent by the end of 2032. At...

In the debate over whether Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should merge, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) has remained consistent: “We don’t think that would be a good idea,” chief economist Mike Fratantoni said. The trade group supports a stock offering that preserves stability in the secondary mortgage market while advocating for privatization with an explicit government guarantee, a clear...