Jeff Somers

Lawsuits against incompetent or malicious condo boards or HOAs are difficult because the law favors them. But there’s one thing you can almost always do: Petition to remove them.

Check out your potential landlord—and find out what red flags they might find on you.

If you’re wondering what you can plug in and where, here’s everything you need to know so you don’t a) burn down your house or b) destroy your appliances.

If you have a large family or a small space, a tankless water heater may be more trouble than it’s worth.

More bathrooms isn't always better, despite what we've been told.

If your house has a chimney, it needs maintaining—whether you actually use it or not.

If you’re going to replace the siding or cladding on the exterior of your house, you should take the opportunity to add external insulation for a more comfortable house and lower energy bills.

Whether you're camping or navigating a blackout, a reliable solar generator can be a godsend.

Mechanical breakdown insurance can make it possible to get your car fixed without losing your shirt.

Lenders sometimes go ahead and purchase insurance you don’t need.

Often the police can legally seize your property—even if you haven’t done anything wrong.

Renovating a property you don’t own seems like a bad idea—but under the right circumstances, there are distinct benefits.

Make money as well as something to tell your grandkids about (or not).

When you tear your house apart to beautify it, it’s typical to just order a dumpster for the debris—but there might be scrap metal money in it for you.

We often get lured into a condo or rental with the promise of shared amenities, but they’re not worth anything if you don’t use them.

That so-called "balcony" can work for dining, food prep, storage, and more.

Solar thermal panels can heat your water. For free.

Warranties on roofs, houses, and other property and items often promise a “lifetime” of protection—they often actually last a lot less than that.

Hiring a contractor can seem like an exercise in endless check-writing—but sometimes you need to put that checkbook away.

You’d be surprised how much information about your private life is actually public record.