Resources and Services
Realty.com is your source for all kinds of helpful information about buying, selling, or owning your home.
Consumer Guides
Maintaining Fireplaces and Chimneys
This homeowner’s guide to fireplaces and chimneys covers safety issues, inspection and cleaning, and the simple maintenance required to ensure years of safe enjoyment of your fireplace, wood stove, and chimney. Introduction Most folks consider their fireplaces and chimneys to be…
Consumer Guides
Misting Systems and Their Positive Effects on Plants
Misting works by forcing water through a brass and stainless steel mist nozzle producing a micro-fine mist. The water droplets that create the mist are so small, about one-half the diameter of a strand of hair, that they instantly flash evaporate. This flash evaporation can…
Consumer Guides
Modern Roofing Options
Modern roofing options are the result of eons of invention and experimentation. Some, such as slate and wood shakes, have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Others, such as asphalt/fiberglass composites, lightweight concrete, and coated-metal tile, are products of the technological revolution. Each has slightly different…
Consumer Guides
Avoiding Fraudulent Contractors
When selecting a home professional, using a few guidelines can help protect you from fraudulent contractors. These warning signs indicate a contractor who may be running a scam: Does not list a number in the phone book. This may indicate…
More Popular Entries
Additions & Remodels
Tip: Basic Bathroom Remodeling Tips
Remodeling Opportunities in the Kitchen
Create an Ideal Kitchen
Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors
Choosing a Mortgage
Condominiums
Glossary of Real Estate Terms
Appliances
Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Repair Dishwasher and Water Damage
Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers
Checklist: Preventing Builder Fraud
Workout Room
Appraisals
Carpentry & Cabinets
Tip: Dealing with Dryrot
Cabinet Options
Tip: Repair Laminate Countertops
Cleaning Services
Prevent Wear with Fabric Protection
Ways to Clean Your Carpet
Choosing a Carpet Cleaning Service
Concrete, Brick & Stone
Tip: Repair Concrete Steps
Wunderbar Rebar!
Repair Cinderblock Foundation
Consumer Guides
Working with Interior Decorators
Is It Time to Replace Your Windows?
Even Masonry Fireplaces Need Maintenance
Design Ideas
Information About Pools
Masonry Materials
Getting Design Help for Remodeling or a New Home
Electrical, Telephone & Data
Tip: Repair Home Entertainment Equipment
Convenient Electrical Fixtures
“Install Switches, Outlets and Fixtures”
Expert Advice
Peeling Paint
Loss of Pressure
Nicotine Stains on Walls and Ceilings
Flooring
Cleaning Hardwood Floor Inlay
Steam Cleaning Grout
Choosing the Best Carpet for Your Home
Handyman Services
Avoiding Home Repair Rip-offs
Some Assembly Required
The Benefits of Weatherstripping
Heating & Cooling
Heat Pumps
Environmentally Friendly Solar Heat
Checklist: Cleaning the Air in Your Home
Home Construction
Checklist: Recommended Questions to Ask a Contractor
Do-It-Yourself Compared to Hiring a Pro
Timber Framed Homes
Landscape, Decks & Fences
Hiring a Gardener
How to Identify Sick Trees
Landscaping Has Come a Long Way
Moving & Storage
Preparing a House for Sale
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It
Finding a Truck Rental Service
Other Services
Checklist: Hurricane Tips
Find a Furniture Rental Service
Checklist: Childproofing Your Home and Yard
Painting & Staining
The Right Tools for Interior Painting
The Basics of Interior Painting
Checklist: Interior Paint Prep
Plumbing
The Importance of Clean Water
Find a Water Treatment Service
Installation of Various Sump Pumps
Quick Tips
Tip: Drain Clearing Service
Checklist: Preventing Builder Fraud
Checklist: When Hiring a Plumber
Roofing, Siding & Gutters
Install or Replace Flat Roofing
Modern Roofing Options
General Roofing Information
SP Feature Article
The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services
Walls & Ceilings
Install Ceiling Fan
Understanding Plaster
Designer Touches with Drywall
Windows & Doors
Is It Time to Replace Your Windows?
Window and Door Solutions
Add Curb Appeal With Awnings