Resources

Is it cheaper to leave the AC on or turn it off when you leave? Usually it's cheaper to raise the thermostat, not shut it off. Here's why, and the exceptions.

Does homeowners insurance cover water heater leaks? Usually yes if the failure is sudden, no if it's gradual. Here's how to protect your claim before it happens.

The first 24 hours after a delivery are the easiest time to set up everything you'll need for a warranty claim, a recall notice, or a sale ten years from now. Most homeowners skip them.

Your home maintenance spreadsheet doesn't remind you, doesn't read warranties, and doesn't survive a move. Here's the system homeowners actually use.

Most home management spreadsheets get abandoned in under 4 months — and it's not because you got lazy. Here's exactly when and why they fail, by design.

Selling your home? Buyers judge your yard in 8 seconds — and it can cost you thousands. Here's what they notice and the low-cost fixes that protect your price.

The systems most likely to fail this summer were already flagged in your inspection report, warranties, and appliance labels. Here's where to look.

Most home sellers start gathering paperwork the week before listing. Here's what you actually need — and why starting now saves thousands at closing.

Your appliance serial numbers encode the purchase date, warranty status, and recall eligibility. Here's what they tell you — and why most homeowners lose them.

Your home's anniversary is the most useful maintenance deadline you have. Here's a yearly walkthrough checklist that's actually worth celebrating.

Every homeowner eventually faces a moment of panic. A simple five-minute monthly habit is what separates the ones who stay calm from the ones who don't.

Every home improvement you can't prove is money you've already spent — that the IRS gets to tax again when you sell. Here's exactly what's at stake, and what to do about it.

Home systems rarely fail without warning. They send signals for weeks — sometimes months — before they give out. Here's how to spot them, and why your inspection report is the most underused tool you have.

If you own a front-loading washing machine and haven't cleaned it this month, there is almost certainly mold growing inside it. Here's where it is, why it's there, and how to get rid of it permanently.

Before you spend $400 on a repair call, spend two minutes with this guide. Knowing your appliance's age — and the Rule of 50% — could save you thousands.

A new HVAC system is one of the largest investments a homeowner makes — and one of the most powerful cost basis adjustments the IRS allows. But only if you can prove you paid for it.

Don't wait for a burst pipe or a midnight lockout to realize you're unprepared. Here are the 10 essential contacts every homeowner needs saved before an emergency strikes — plus a free printable template.

A thoughtful closing gift does more than say "congratulations." Done right, it keeps you in your client's mind long after the ink dries. Here's how to get it right.

Spring cleaning goes beyond tidying up. Use this room-by-room home maintenance checklist to protect your home's value — and catch costly repairs before they happen.

Bill pay isn't your problem. Bill organization is. Here's how to turn scattered payments into a single financial record of your home, in 7 days.

You’ve finished the walkthrough, the home inspector packed up their tools, and now a 50-page PDF sits in your inbox. For most buyers, this moment triggers a mix of anticipation and dread. The home inspection report contains everything you need to know about your potential new house—but only if you can decode it.

Property maintenance programs are essential for anyone responsible for the upkeep and value of real estate assets, including property managers, landlords, and facility managers. This comprehensive guide explains the purpose and benefits of structured maintenance programs, offering actionable strategies to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance tenant satisfaction.

Centralize appliances, warranties, receipts and maintenance in an AI-assisted shared home inventory—collaborate faster, speed claims, and track upkeep.

Whether you’re looking for a new option after Centriq announced its closure, or you’re starting to manage your home records for the first time, the goal is the same: keeping important home information from getting lost.

Learn to track historical property values using public records, national data sources, and online tools for smarter real estate decisions.

Compare seven AI-powered apps that automate chores, sync with calendars, and help families divide tasks with free trials.

Yearly waterproofing checklist to inspect foundation, sump pump, gutters, roof, humidity, and grading to prevent leaks, mold, and costly repairs.

When it comes to keeping your home’s exterior clean and well-maintained, timing is everything. Cleaning at the right time of year improves results, prevents damage, and saves money on repairs.

Explore the key differences between home insurance and home warranties to make informed decisions on protecting your home and budget.

Centralized communication in property management enhances organization, speeds up maintenance, and improves collaboration among all stakeholders.

Most homeowners don't realize pest damage repairs can reduce their tax bill at sale. Here's what to document and why it matters at closing.

Most homeowners track expenses like a household. The smarter ones track them like an asset. Here's what the difference actually looks like — and why it pays off.

Nobody hands you the manual when you buy a house. Here's what to track, when to call a pro, and why your records matter when you eventually sell.

Digital tools, paper folders, or both? Here's the smarter way to split your home record — what actually belongs in each, and where most homeowners get it wrong.

Most homeowners who try to organize their records make it to Step 3 and quit. Here's why the project usually fails — and the version that actually works.

Managing two homes? Three? A parent's place from across the country? Here's how to use a shared calendar to keep multi-property maintenance from breaking down.

Explore the evolving expense trends for homeowners, from mortgage fluctuations to rising property taxes, and learn to manage costs effectively.

Explore the pros and cons of using spreadsheets, apps, and comprehensive solutions for efficient home expense tracking.

Living in an HOA community comes with rules, dues, and plenty of paperwork, but staying organized can save you from costly fines and disputes. This blog shares the top HOA pain points and how tools like HouseFacts help homeowners simplify compliance and communication.

Most homeowners who search for a property manager don't actually need one. Here's how to tell — and what to use instead if you don't.

Closing your pool this fall? Winterizing costs just a few hundred dollars, but skipping it can mean thousands in repairs. Our latest guide breaks down when to winterize, what supplies you’ll need, and how to save money with preventive care.

This blog highlights why basements are often the source of costly home repairs—from flooding and leaks to mold and utility issues—and shows homeowners how to prevent them with a clear, seasonal maintenance checklist.

Owning a second home is exciting. It’s a retreat, an investment, and a place to gather. But behind the dream lies the reality for absentee homeowners: second homes come with double the maintenance, double the paperwork, and double the stress if something goes wrong while you’re away.

Winterizing outdoor appliances like grills, fridges, and fire pits prevents costly damage from freezing temperatures, rust, and corrosion. With the right seasonal prep — and a ready-to-use checklist from HouseFacts — you can protect your investment and extend the life of your outdoor living space.

Managing two homes is rewarding but comes with double the costs, maintenance, and paperwork. This guide breaks down the biggest challenges absentee homeowners face and offers practical tips, from using departure checklists and automating tasks to creating a digital binder in HouseFacts.

This blog explains why absentee homeowners must winterize their vacation or second homes and provides a step-by-step checklist, plus tips on using digital tools like HouseFacts to stay organized and protected all season long.‍

Owning a home you don’t live in full-time comes with hidden risks, but with preventive maintenance, smart reminders, and digital organization tools like HouseFacts, you can manage your property confidently from anywhere.

From missed deadlines to money-saving exemptions, here’s your essential guide to mastering the property tax calendar, and how to stay ahead with tools like HouseFacts.

Buyers want receipts, not just curb appeal. Here's why a documented home sells faster, appraises higher, and protects your cost basis at tax time.

Inheriting a home is also inheriting a tax event. Here's why the documents you keep — or don't — can be worth tens of thousands at sale.

The final walkthrough is your last chance to ensure the home you’re buying meets all agreed-upon conditions, protecting you from unexpected repairs, costs, or disputes before closing.

Choosing the right house sitter isn’t about chance. It’s like hiring for a critical role where mistakes can be costly and trust is essential. Here’s how to conduct a “candidate search” that ensures your home is in safe hands while you’re away.

Most homeowners still manage their biggest asset like it’s 1995—stacks of paper warranties in a kitchen drawer, paint swatches taped to a wall, sticky notes with “plumber’s number” fading in the sun. It works until it doesn’t.

A mid-year audit helps you catch wear-and-tear early, before it turns into expensive problems. Use this room-by-room guide to check key areas, log important updates, and keep your home running smoothly.

Imagine your upstairs pipe bursts. Water’s pouring through the ceiling. You’re scrambling to find the number for the plumber—was it in your phone? A receipt somewhere? And when you finally get it fixed, you realize you can’t find the warranty paperwork for the brand-new washer you just installed. Moments like this are when a home binder becomes your most underrated tool.

If you’re already considering your home’s cost basis, you understand why it matters. However, awareness alone doesn’t yield tax savings; documentation does. Whether you’re prepping for sale or tax time, here’s exactly what to track for any improvement project and why it matters.

Not all upgrades pay off—here’s what home improvements are actually boosting resale value in 2025 (and which ones to skip).

Storms move fast. Preparation doesn’t have to be hard. Tick off these items now, and enjoy summer knowing your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind are protected.‍

How to plan a major home improvement without blowing your budget. Includes the 15% contingency rule, contractor vetting, and what to document for cost basis.

Avoid the chaos of a homeowners insurance claim. Learn what to document before and after damage to make the process faster, smoother, and less stressful.

Discover how to adjust your property's cost basis, track capital improvements, and understand the tax implications for selling primary and secondary homes, including exclusions and deductions to minimize capital gains taxes.

Coming home after time away should be stress-free, not a nightmare of repairs and insurance claims. By taking proactive steps—turning off water sources, inspecting for early warning signs, protecting against frozen pipes, and maintaining clean gutters —you can minimize the risk of costly water damage.