Blog | Mary Ellen Maloney

5 Smart home features that pay for themselves

When we think of smart home appliances, it can be easy to think of virtual assistants or high-tech gadgets with amazing features. While some of these devices are created primarily for convenience, others are designed to pay for themselves many times over. Here are five examples of smart home features that ...

Improving your yard drainage

If your yard is full of puddles, soggy soil and waterlogged plants, it’s time to invest in better yard drainage. Depending on the cause and severity of the issue, there are plenty of DIY options you can handle without spending a fortune. Understanding common causes leading to drainage problems and ...

DTI basics: All about debt-to-income ratio

Your credit score isn’t the only financial factor that matters when applying for a mortgage. Your debt to income ratio, or DTI, is an important indicator of your financial situation. Lenders use DTI - with other financial facts - to determine whether you’re a ...

Prepare for seasonal changes with a monthly home inspection checklist

Homes are one of the biggest investments most folks have in their lifetime. By performing monthly maintenance on your home, you can make certain your home is kept in great condition. A monthly checklist for home maintenance helps to identify and check key areas of your home needing examination. Winter home ...