Despite all of our exciting advances in technology, buying a new home can still seem like an old game. We still spend countless hours browsing postings of homes for sale, followed by even more hours walking all over unfamiliar neighborhoods looking at homes that can’t help but mirror back the family that currently lives there.

New construction is a popular alternative to buying an existing home, but that path has its own pitfalls and challenges. Typically, you would find a contractor you like and then begin a three to six month ordeal that may not offer as many choices as you had hoped. The ability to “shop around” for new construction has been limited… [...]

If a fire weather watch has been issued, then weather that would enable a wildfire is possible over the next 12 to 72 hours. Turn on your TV and/or radio to listen for updates, or keep your phone handy and turned on if you have an emergency alert app. Be aware that the power might go out, so you need a way to stay informed regardless. Be prepared to evacuate if a wildfire is spotted. Research and learn your evacuation routes in advance, and share your planned routes with family and friends. Keep your phone charged, your car fueled, some cash on hand, and keep emergency supplies, medications, important documents, and a change of clothes in your car. If an evacuation [...]

Turkey time will be here before you know it, which means Thanksgiving Day preparation is among us. Although traditions and plans vary among families, many would agree that a lot of planning goes into this memory filled feast from the turkey and meal preparation to the entertainment for the guest. When certain precautions are not taken, Thanksgiving has the potential to be the most horrifying holiday of them all. To help take a load off, we are giving you five tips to keep in mind this Thanksgiving season in order to avoid having a Turkey Day disaster!

Whether you are the host or hostess who does all of the food preparation or the turkey day chief [...]