Published by

Maria Salova

Hi! I’m Maria, the Marketing Coordinator for Homes.com. I am part of a dream team that is dedicated to running this awesome blog along with Homes.com’s social channels. If I am not busy writing blogs and socially sharing for Homes.com, you can find me painting, drinking tea with my friends, and doing DIY projects!

205 Articles

Buying, Renting

5 Ways to Know if Your Potential New Home’s Neighborhood is Safe

Buying or building a home is one of the biggest investments you can make in your lifetime. With the average home in the United States costing around $240,000, it is more important than ever to choose wisely where you purchase or build a home, as you’ll want to be happy with your investment… [read more]

Home Decor

Home Decor Trends: Incorporating Floral Patterns

Bold floral patterns have been trending, and they are a great addition to your home décor not just for spring,…

Buying, Finance

How Does Negative Equity Affect YOU as a Homebuyer?

After many years of saving up for a down payment, you may now be in a position to buy a new house. Before you can do that, there are some things that you need to be aware of when figuring out what you can qualify for, such as negative equity or the decline in the supply of inventory.. [read more]

Holidays, Kitchen Sink

Homes.com DIY Expert: Pumpkin Carving Like a Pro!

I know it seems hard to believe, but Halloween is just one week away! While it definitely feels as if…

Holidays, Kitchen Sink

13 Halloween Days Instagram Challenge

Homes.com is giving you thirteen days to enter our 13 Halloween Days Instagram Contest in which you could win $500!

Home Decor

Home Trends: Unique Kitchen Lighting

Use these unique kitchen island lighting ideas to add a wow factor and increase your home’s value.

Kitchen Sink

5 Strangest Must-See Museums in the U.S.

United States has some of the strangest museums and we’ve found five that are a must-see! There’s nothing like getting to know our bizarre history.

Home Decor, Lifestyle, Organization

3 Ideas for Back to School Organization

The school year is just around the corner and we’ve got the back to school organization tips to help your family start the school year on the right foot!

Kitchen Sink

Moving Hacks Twitter Chat with Co-Sponsor Penske!

Join ForRent.com, Homes.com, and Penske this month at the Moving Hacks #HomeChat! You’ll be surprised by these out-of-the-box ideas.

Home Decor

Home Decor Trend: Going Ombre

One of the top trends in home decor for 2014 is ombre and we’ve got examples that will inspire your colorful side!

Buying

First-Time Homebuyer Tips: Closing 101

The time has come for you to close. There are just a few simple tasks that stand between you and the threshold of your very first home. Here are some pointers to help you, as a first-time homebuyer, keep your cool and cross the finish line successfully… [read more]

Finance

Understand the Mortgage Process to Make Buying a Home Easy

When buying a home, mortgage lenders tend to be very strict on whether or not they will allow you to take a loan for a mortgage as a result of the recent housing bubble and consumers defaulting on loans. If the lender that you are speaking with is asking a lot of questions, don’t panic! Usually they are trying to figure out ways to assist you in getting the best possible mortgage rate… [read more]

Kitchen Sink

Housing Markets in the Northeast Gain Traction with Substantial Increases in April!

To understand how the housing recovery process is unfolding across the country, Homes.com has measured how far each market has recovered from its peak-to-trough decline in index value. These measurements are used to create the Homes.com Local Market Report, which showcases recovery rates for the Top 100 markets and Midsize 200 markets… [read more]

Buying, Finance

How Mortgage Restrictions Impact the Homebuying Process

When searching the local market for the perfect place to call home, there are a few things you need to be aware of as a buyer. Understanding the mortgage restrictions with lending and what interest rates you can qualify for are crucial aspects when it comes to purchasing a home. There are also 3 other recommendations to help you with the homebuying process… [read more]

Home Improvement

How to Set Up Your Garden in Your Home or Apartment

Sometimes, we don’t have the luxury of enough outdoor space to grow a garden at home. Instead, bring your garden…

Entertaining, Kitchen Sink

Score the Ultimate FIFA World Cup™ Party with These Ideas

The 2014 FIFA World Cup™ is coming up, which means it’s time to throw a soccer party! Here’s a round up of ideas…

Home Decor

Trending Design on a Dime

Design trends can be expensive, but we have tips and solutions to make your space look fabulous with inexpensive decor ideas.

Buying, Finance

First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Checklist

You’ve made the decision to buy your first home – congrats! Before you begin the house hunt, it is crucial that you understand the financing details needed to qualify for a mortgage… [read more]

Buying

The Perks and Pitfalls of Dealing with Relocation Companies

Having recently made the leap from being a renter to a first-time homeowner, I was naive to all of the aspects that go into the homebuying process. One in particular dealt with working with a relocation company in the negotiation process… [read more]

Home Improvement

Renovating? Protect Your New Space

If you’re planning a home renovation, here are a few ways your home insurance can protect your home during the renovation process.

Entertaining, Holidays, Home Decor

How to Incorporate Bright and Colorful Easter Decorations for Your Party

Style up a simple Easter holiday table with these bright and colorful DIY Easter decorations.

Home Improvement, Lifestyle

What is a “Smart TV”?

They’re all the rage right now: smart TVs. But what is a smart tv, exactly? In order for a TV…

Local Market Report

Top 100 Markets Show Annual Gains for Tenth Month in a Row!

For the tenth consecutive month, all of the top 100 local markets measured continued to show gains year over year for single-family properties, per the Homes.com Local Market Index. Eighty three markets witnessed month-to-month gains, up one market from the 82 that gained in last month’s report… [read more]

Buying, Selling a Home

Stay or Sell: Home Improvement Investments to Make on a Large Budget

Homes.com recently discussed investments you should make regarding home improvement projects for your home with a small budget or a medium budget. These home improvement projects included updates in electric, plumbing, furnace/HVAC, bathrooms, kitchen, and more… [read more]