Jeff Somers
MORE BY Jeff
Seven Things You Didn’t Realize You Can Claim on Your Taxes
It’s tax season again, and you might be able to shave a bit off yours in some surprising ways.
How to Spot a 'Catfish House' (Before You Buy One)
Buying a house like this can leave you with a lot of expensive, troublesome repairs.
Why a Flat Fee Real Estate Broker Probably Isn’t Worth It
Paying a relatively low flat fee to sell your home can save you thousands—on paper. But in reality, it might not work out that way.
Five Hidden Parts of Your Home That Need Regular Maintenance
Eeverything in your home—from the wiring to the floors—has an expiration date.
The Best Deals on Cheap (or Free) Tax Prep Software in 2024
The bad news? It’s time to pay your taxes again. The good news? You can get a great deal on tax prep services—and maybe even get them done for free.
Are Your Walls Moldy, or Is It ‘Drywall Ghosting’?
Dark, ominous, shadowy streaks on your walls and ceilings? Your house isn’t haunted. It could be mold, but it could also be ghosting—here’s how to tell, and what to do.
Seven 'Home Improvements' You’ll Almost Certainly Regret
These home improvements might sound good on paper, but you’re probably going to regret doing them.
All the Ways an Outdoor Furnace Can Improve Your Winter
If you have access to firewood on your property, an outdoor furnace can provide heat for a lot of uses—including heating your home.
Five Ways Home Sellers Can Screw You Over After the Closing
From switching out appliances to dumbing down smart homes, sellers can play dirty at the very last minute.
Six ‘Builder-grade’ Home Features You Don’t Need to Upgrade
Builder-grade has become associated with low-quality stuff. But not every builder-grade thing in your house must be changed out.
How to Revoke a Company’s ACH Authorization to Stop Them From Debiting Your Account
Whether it’s a payday loan or some other regular debit, you always control who has access to your bank account.
Six Unconventional Tools Everyone Should Own
These uncommon tools aren’t found in every toolbox, but they probably should be.
These Are the Best Solar Panels You Can Put on Your House Right Now
If you’ve crunched the numbers and it’s time to go solar, your choice of hardware is crucial.
The First Six Things to Do When You're Facing Foreclosure
Being foreclosed on is a scary experience—but try not to panic.
How Fractional Ownership Can Help You Actually Afford a House or Car
You don’t have to buy all of something. You can buy just as much as you need.
These Five Analog Tools Are Superior to Their Digital Versions
From books to tape measures, there are reasons to ditch the apps and digital tools and stick to the old-school glory of physical tools.
Six Signs a Home Seller Is Hiding Something
Make sure you don’t get tricked by paying attention to details—and trusting your instincts.
Here's How Much Solar Panels Will Cost You
Sunlight is free—but converting that sunlight into electricity is not.
Where to Find U.S. Communities That Are Testing Universal Basic Income
If you’re looking for a place to live that offers a financial safety net, here’s where to look.
The Most Common Causes of Death in the Home (and How to Prevent Them)
Your house is your haven and your shelter. It’s also a pretty common place to die in usually preventable accident.