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Living In

The Pros and Cons of Retiring in North Carolina

When you think “retirement destination,” North Carolina may not be what you immediately picture. But take a second look. The Tar Heel State does have a lot to love for retirement living. The state’s picturesque landscape, with its rugged inland mountains and windswept beaches, is sure to take your breath away. That variety, and a […]

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Image shows an aerial view of a neighborhood in Jacksonville, FL, during sunset. The text on the right reads, "BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN JACKSONVILLE, FL," with a hexagon logo containing "ez" and a house icon on the left. Explore the best places to live in Jacksonville, FL!

Living In

Top 16 Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL

If you’re looking for a sunny, laid-back place to call home, look no further than Jacksonville in northeast Florida. With miles of beaches, ample parks and good schools, Jacksonville has something to offer everyone. Plus, with its rich artistic tradition, there’s always something new to explore in this vibrant city. Jacksonville, known as “Jax” by […]

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Alabama retirement

Living in Alabama

The Pros and Cons of Retiring to Alabama

Have you been thinking of retiring to Alabama? It can be exciting to move somewhere new, start fresh, and make the most out of your golden years. But before you make this big decision, get to know as much as possible about your potential destination. Every retiree wants different amenities in their retirement, so picking […]

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Best Neighborhoods in Sarasota Florida

Living In

Best 10 Neighborhoods to Live in Sarasota, FL

Sarasota is a vibrant, coastal city located in southwest Florida. It’s known for its award-winning beaches, arts and culture scene, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The community is often highly ranked as a place to retire, partially because of the treasure trove of activities and the thriving cultural community. The world-class beaches help, too! If you’re […]

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A graphic with a teal hexagonal pattern and a house icon labeled "ez." Text reads "How to Assess Home Value: A Step-By-Step Guide." In the background, there's a house silhouette, stacked coins, and cubes spelling "HOME," illustrating the journey of learning how to assess home value.

Real Estate Tips

How to Assess Home Value: A Step-by-Step Guide

What you pay in property taxes hinges on what the government and third parties believe the property is worth.

So, what goes into assessing home value? Demystify the process, be confident in tackling property assessments, and fully understand your tax bill.

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A moving truck is parked outside a suburban house with boxes and furniture on the driveway. Text reads: "2025 Home Selling: Is Now the Right Time for Your Next Move?" The left side features a hexagon with "ez" inside.

Selling Your Home

2025 Home Seller’s Checklist: Is Now the Right Time for Your Next Move?

As a new year unfolds, many homeowners are rethinking their next steps. In 2025, they find themselves at a crossroads, navigating a complex real estate landscape shaped by high interest rates and evolving personal circumstances. The Federal Reserve’s recent decisions to pause interest rate cuts, as reported by the Associated Press, have significant implications for […]

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A teal-toned image showcases a house adorned with solar panels, prompting the question, "Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?" A hexagonal logo on the left highlights a house icon and the letters "ez.”.

Selling Your Home

Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?

The quick answer is yes—solar panels can increase your property’s resale value. But, like any major investment, nuances mean not all bumps in value are the same. Learn how to maximize your solar panel installation to boost home value.

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Background shows a family running towards a house with a bike to the side. Overlay text reads "HOW TO BUY YOUR PARENT'S HOUSE" next to a hexagonal logo with "ez" inside. Learn how to effortlessly buy your home from parents. Hexagon pattern on the left.

Buying a Home

How to Buy Your Parents’ House

Mixing family and finances can be tricky, and not just the emotional component of it. Both parties need to wrap their heads around important legal, tax, and financial implications.

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Image with the text "Understanding the Homestead Exemption: A Complete Guide" over a teal background. On the left, a hexagonal "ez" logo is displayed, while on the right, money and a piece of paper with "Homestead Exemption" are partially visible.

Real Estate Information

A Complete Guide to Understanding the Homestead Exemption

Nothing is as satisfying as knowing the beautiful space you call yours isn’t just a roof over your head—it’s an investment that grows your wealth and stability. But with great property ownership comes great property tax bills. Thankfully, the homestead tax exemption exists to take some of the sting out of those taxes. Read about […]

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Graphic illustrating a person engaged in roof maintenance beneath a sky-blue tint. The text "Essential Roof Care: How to Keep Your Roof in Top Shape" appears alongside a hexagon logo featuring "ez." A hexagonal pattern decorates the left side.

Home Safety

Essential Roof Care: How to Keep Your Roof in Top Shape

Think of your roof as your home’s first line of defense; it is silent, sturdy, and often overlooked until something goes wrong. Your roof takes care of you, but are you caring for it? According to a recent report from The Hanover Insurance Group, nearly 60% of homeowners in the nation did not inspect their […]

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An older couple stands close together, smiling outside a house. The image features the text "Understanding mortgage approval when retiring soon" with a logo displaying "ez" enclosed in a hexagon. The background is partially blurred.

Real Estate Information

How Does a Mortgage Approval Work If You’re Retiring Soon?

Retirement. It’s the golden chapter in life where you get to focus on hobbies and travel. Throw out the alarm clock and set your schedule. But what happens when you decide to add “buying a new home” or “refinancing” to your retirement preparation to-do list? Don’t panic. Securing a home mortgage when you’re nearing retirement […]

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Backyard Offices: Discover what you need to know before building one. The image showcases a shaded outdoor office complete with chairs and a work desk, nestled among trees. A hexagonal logo with "eZ," featuring a stylized house, graces the right side of the scene.

Real Estate Tips

Backyard Offices: Everything You Need to Know Before Building One

Working from home is ideal… until your “office” is the kitchen table, your coworkers noisy family members, and your Zoom meetings get interrupted by barking dogs. If you’ve ever dreamed of a quiet, dedicated workspace just a few steps from your back door, a backyard office might be the game-changer you need. Think of it […]

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A couple chats with a realtor in a stylish, teal-themed home. Text overlay says, "How to Buy a House with Friends: What You Need to Know." The image features hexagonal designs and the "ez" logo.

Buying a Home

Buying a Home with a Friend: What You Need to Know

Partnering to buy a house with a friend makes sense in some scenarios. The rising costs of real estate often make it feel out of reach—especially for solo buyers or those starting out as real estate investors. That’s where buying a home with a friend comes in handy. Pooling resources and sharing costs increases your […]

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A centered text asks, "Can I use my IRA to buy a house?" against a backdrop featuring an "Individual Retirement Account" document, a calculator, and a book. To the right is a hexagonal logo with "ez" inside.

Real Estate Information

Can I Use My IRA To Buy A House?

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are primarily designed to help people save for retirement with tax advantages. However, if you’re looking to buy a home, you might wonder if you can tap into your IRA for a down payment. The answer depends. The IRS has specific rules around IRA borrowing. As with any borrowing, there are […]

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A woman writes in a notebook. Overlaid text reads, "Home Selling Made Simple: Your Must-Have Pre-Listing Checklist for Sellers." The right side features a logo with "ez" inside a house icon, surrounded by a hexagonal pattern.

Real Estate Tips

Home Selling Made Simple: Your Must-Have Pre-Listing Checklist

Are you thinking about selling your home? It’s a huge decision that requires a whirlwind of preparation long before the first potential buyer steps inside! Getting your house ready for the market takes time, but don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be a hassle. From curb appeal to staging, there’s much to do if you want […]

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A teal and white graphic features a hexagon logo with "eZ." The text states "14 Projects to Do Before Selling Your House," offering essential things to do before listing your home, set against an aerial view of a serene rural landscape.

Real Estate Tips

14 Projects to Do Before Selling Your House

Are you ready to sell your home? Great! But here’s the thing—it’s not as simple as sticking a “For Sale” sign in the yard and crossing your fingers. Preparation is key to attracting buyers, maximizing the price of the offers, and closing the deal at the best price possible. Enter the project checklist for sellers. […]

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A person examines a ceiling with visible damage. Overlaid text reads, "WHAT’S THE ROOF LEAK REPAIR COST? EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW." The background features a blue hexagonal pattern and a logo showcasing "ez" with a house icon.

Real Estate Tips

What’s the Cost to Fix a Roof Leak? Everything You Should Know

Picture this: It’s been raining nonstop, you’re enjoying life at home, and that’s when you hear it—a slow, rhythmic drip that doesn’t belong. And just like that, your relaxing day turns into a roofing emergency. Roof leaks have a way of catching you off guard, but addressing them quickly can save you a world of […]

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A digital graphic showcasing the text "How to Buy a Home" alongside a dark teal hexagon with the letters "ez" inside. In the blurred background, a model house and a person's hands typing underscore the ease of home buying today.

Buying a Home

How To Buy A Home

Only a few events are special enough to be considered a lifetime milestone. Buying a house is one of those celebratory events–as it should be! It’s a big deal, both for your wallet and your future! You don’t just walk down the street and say, “I’ll take that one…” The investment is perhaps the largest […]

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Illustrated image showcasing a close-up of an ant on the left, accompanied by the bold text "How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally Outside." To the right, a hexagonal logo with "ez" is set against a hexagon-patterned background.

New Construction

How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally Outside

While ants are vital for the environment, helping with pollination and soil aeration, they can quickly become unwelcome when they take over your space. But can you keep them at bay without dusting harsh chemicals around the same yard your family plays in?

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Graphic with a teal hexagonal pattern and the ez logo, featuring text that reads, “When to Replace Roof?”. The image showcases a house roof with workers against a backdrop of a cloudy sky.

Real Estate Tips

How Do You Know When to Replace Your Roof?

Your roof does a lot more than just shelter you from the elements. It protects your home’s structure, safeguards your belongings, and keeps your family safe. Neglecting its maintenance can lead to issues like leaks, water damage, and energy inefficiency. All of that can cost you big in the long run. Although replacing a roof […]

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A graphic displays a combination lock in front of a house, surrounded by security icons. Text reads "How to Secure Your Home" next to the ez logo on a hexagonal background, emphasizing essential tips for effective home security.

Real Estate Tips

How to Secure Your Home

Your home is your sanctuary—a place where your family should feel safe, your valuables should stay protected, and your peace of mind reigns supreme. But with threats like burglary, vandalism, and even natural disasters, securing your home has never been more important. The good news? You don’t need to turn your house into Fort Knox […]

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The image features a person holding a clipboard in front of a modern house, with the text "How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?" prominently displayed. Beside it is a hexagonal logo labeled "ez," set against a backdrop of interlocking hexagons.

Buying a Home

How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost

Imagine making one of the biggest purchases of your life, only to discover hidden problems that could drain your wallet and peace of mind. A quality home inspection is your safety net, revealing the unseen and ensuring a safe investment. Skipping it—or going with a bargain option—could leave you with unexpected headaches and hefty bills […]

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Text overlaid on an image of a house with a sold sign reads: "Home Purchase: What to Expect in Your Closing Costs Breakdown." A teal hexagon with a house icon and "ez" is on the right side.

Buying a Home

Closing Costs Breakdown: What to Expect in Your Home Purchase

Buying a home is a big life milestone, but it comes with a bunch of costs that can really confuse buyers. Closing costs, for example, often catch first-time buyers off guard because they add so much to the final price. That’s why getting a handle on these expenses is super important before you sign on […]

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