Lock bumping is not a new lock picking technique, but it has attracted some press lately.

Lock bumping is the lock-busting practice of using a specially-crafted key to open a pin tumbler lock.

Most homes feature these types of lock exclusively.

According to Wikipedia, a “cheap” lock may actually offer better protection [...]

Radiators can be a fantastic way to heat a room. Unlike central heating systems that alternate a room between “too hot” and “too cold”, a radiator by contrast emits a steady heat.

A major disadvantage of radiators, though, is that they occupy floor space and can make designing a room’s layout difficult. It’s a [...]

Most sellers know that their home will sell faster and for more money if it is clean and de-cluttered.

Many don’t understand, however, the impact that a home’s brightness can have on a buyer’s overall mood, and the their first impression of a home.

A home makes a more favorable impression if it [...]

Absorption Rate is a real estate term for the length of time required to sell all of a given stock in a given area.

We can use it to determine how quickly homes are selling in a neighborhood, city, or region.

The formula to calculate Absorption Rate is simple.

Add up the number [...]

Studies show that Americans are spending more time than ever commuting to work and, for a growing number, the commute is reaching epic lengths.

A recent Census Bureau study revealed that 2.8 million people have “extreme commutes” — drive-times that tops 90 minutes.

Before choosing a new neighborhood in which to love, be sure [...]

A postal inspector once called a real estate agent about a listed property that was vacant.

The USPS guy was not interested in buying the home (too bad for the agent!); he instead needed a way to get in touch with the sellers.

Many people leave their homes vacant and forget to stop [...]

Have you just purchased a new home? Did you change the locks?

Probably not, right? You just got handed the keys and the code for the garage door from the previous owners. They seem like nice people and they probably are, too.

What you don’t know, though, is to whom else they gave [...]

Whether you are buying a home, selling a home, or living in one, from time to time you need to decide how to arrange furniture.

There is a lot of advice on the HGTV web site including a terrific room planner for all of your furniture layout questions.

For home sellers, rearranging [...]

A tip for sellers:

Buyers will offer 3-4 times less than the cost of a simple repair or paint job required to make a home perfect for them.

So, if $500 dollars fixes a real (or perceived) problem, buyers will reduce their offer by $1,500-$2,000 for the property, or will make no [...]

There are many homes on the market right now that are bank-owned. Are they a bargain? In most cases, no.

There seems to be a myth that banks sell these homes for what is owed on them or at a discounted price. Not true. Banks usually get a couple of price opinions and an [...]