Lifestyle & Trends

Designing a custom house can be daunting without sufficient planning. Thankfully, there are countless online tools to make this process a little easier. Check out some of our favorites in this article.

Date night should be something you look forward to and enjoy. Of course, you want to make sure what you wear is right for the occasion. We've got you covered with trendy date night outfits in this article.

You certainly don't want to show up at a housewarming party empty-handed. That said, make sure you put some thought into your present. Explore this housewarming gift guide for ideas and inspiration.

There's a great deal of excitement that comes with finally owning a home, including hosting your first holiday party. A little planning goes a long way with such an occasion. Check out these tips for making this day one to remember.

Every home, regardless of age, requires maintenance and repairs. Homeowners can rest easy knowing they have a comprehensive warranty when the unexpected happens. Learn how to get the best home warranty for your situation.

Have you thought about making your home more eco-friendly? Doing so can have a positive impact on both the environment and your bank account. Check out this article for additional info.

You may have a thousand ideas when it comes to updating your backyard. The good thing is that you don't have to do everything at once or break the bank with this project. Learn how to make your backyard transformation a success.

There are a lot of questions surrounding homeowners insurance and hazard insurance. You'll see in this article that hazard insurance will likely be a part of your homeowners insurance policy. Continue reading for a detailed look at this coverage.

High levels of radon can cause major concern for homeowners and home buyers alike. Fortunately, there are easy ways to mitigate this gas and keep your family safe. Continue reading for a detailed look at radon in homes.

Selling a home can be a daunting task. With so much to do, sellers often forget to disclose certain things to the buyer. Read this article to see what all a seller should disclose before moving forward with the process.

A well-designed home study space is critical to your child's academic development. Check out this article to see how you can enhance their remote learning setup.

We've got you covered with the latest fall home decor trends. Read this article for tips on how to update your living space this autumn.

No summer is complete without an outdoor movie night. But have you thought about hosting this kind of party from the comfort of your home? Continue reading for tips and inspiration. 

An iBuyer allows you to sell your home without having to go through a traditional real estate agent. It may not make sense for every seller, though, which is why it's important to fully understand the pros and cons of an iBuyer before making a decision.

With more people working remotely, home offices are becoming the norm. You can create your own work-from-space in just a few simple steps, and without breaking the bank. Read this article for DIY home office ideas and inspiration.

Homeowners often forget how much work goes into getting a garden ready for summer. That's why it's important to perform a few simple tasks ahead of time. Here's what we suggest in terms of summer garden preparation.

Puppy-proofing your home is an easy way to keep your curious best friend safe. With just a few small investments or changes, you’re sure to start your new relationship off right.

Another summer will be here before we know it. But is your house ready for the change in seasons? Here's what you can do to prepare it for the hotter months ahead.

American Financing has contributed $100,000 to the Food Bank of the Rockies, and we are prepared to double that contribution. With your help and monetary support, we pledge to match 100% of your donations up to $100,000.

There's no question that a clean, allergy-free home is a healthy, comfortable home. Here are ten ways to maintain a living space free of indoor pollutants. 

You've always wanted to host loved ones for regular get-togethers and celebrations. But first, you must have an ideal space for entertaining. Here are some remodeling tips to consider before you start your first project.

We're willing to bet that your house is nearly identical to others in your neighborhood. A few exterior decorations can make your residence appear different. Here are some outdoor décor ideas to consider this year.

Whether you're looking to improve your forever home or make your home more appealing to prospective buyers, a finished basement goes a long way. Here are the top five reasons to finish your basement, as well as options for funding your project.

Are you wanting a dog but aren't sure which breed is right for your busy lifestyle? Here are some of the best dogs for working people as well as popular mortgage options for borrowers who already have a furry friend.

There's a lot to account for when buying home insurance for the first time. Between choosing the type of coverage and the amount of coverage you need, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. We walk you through the ins and outs of home insurance in this article, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.

Moving with young kids can be challenging. After all, a lot of their daily routine may be changing. With these seven tips, you can feel confident you're making the moving process as easy as possible for your children.

Safeguarding your home is not as difficult, or expensive, as you may think. Here are a few DIY security tips that are practical and worth implementing when it comes to securing entry points and alerting you of potential intruders.

If you’ve thought about owning a home, but feel there’d be too much space to maintain, you need to evaluate townhouse vs. condo purchases. They are often less expensive than single-family homes in regard to both the initial investment as well as monthly payments, even when factoring in various fees.

Living on your own, for the first time, is the ultimate right of passage — whether it’s in a dorm, a rental apartment, or even a home. We here to help you start off on the right foot with budgeting and planning.

The words renovation and remodel are used interchangeably, though they have entirely different meanings. So, what is the meaning behind each, and how exactly do they differ? Let’s find out!

A desire for independence and purposeful work drive many young people to be cautious with investing. How does this apply to homeownership? You may be surprised. Let’s check out some of the financial behaviors of Millennials.

With the good old days behind you and the golden years ahead, what style of home makes the most sense for your retirement? It all depends on your financial situation, your physical abilities, and, of course, your neighborhood preferences. Find the right fit by considering these five home types.

Emergency home repairs happen to everyone, and they always seem to happen at the worst time. Here's a breakdown of potential costs and the best ways to budget for these unplanned expenses.

Filing for divorce will not affect your credit score. Though, there are ways it could indirectly hit your creditworthiness. Protect yourself with these seven tips.

Selling your home is no walk in the park and there are no guarantees. This is why we’ve provided an easy home seller’s guide to navigate the home selling process and establish a timeline of what to expect.

A well-staged home is aesthetically pleasing. It’s inviting, it’s desirable, it’s comforting, and it’s sometimes pricey. So what are your options — and related costs — when it comes to home staging? Here’s what you need to know.

From tiny homes, ranches, tri-levels, and even McMansions, home architecture can vary greatly. Learn more about the key elements of these and a handful of other home styles to see which defines your idea of a dream home.

Combat those pesky weeds homeowners! Learn all about the best natural weed killers that will keep your lawn green and healthy. You probably own most if not all of these organic weed killers already!

Homeowners, don't feel restricted to only traditional renovation projects for potential home buyers! Unconventional home improvement projects, such as dog shower stations, are attracting more and more buyers. Learn more about these type of renovations.

Fresh air, warm sunshine, and a clean house are all signs that Spring has arrived. Make sure your home is ready for the new season by giving it a good cleaning. You may be surprised how easy it can be done using everyday household items.

Every American expecting a tax refund loves when the tax season rolls around. Tax Day is the day when individual income tax returns are due to the government so be diligent and use your refund wisely this year. Learn 10 ways to use your tax refund for homeownership.

There is a lot of work that goes into preparing a home for the arrival of a new baby. Learn what to prepare for and what to consider when it come to bringing your little bundle of joy home.

There is a lot that goes into finding the right starter home for buyers, from choosing the right location to choosing the right mortgage lender. Purchasing your first home is a big deal so do your research and weigh your options carefully.

Use this complete home maintenance checklist to organize your schedule monthly, quarterly, and seasonally. See what is needed to maintain each system in your home and get additional resources to help prevent costly surprises.

Plan for a killer date night without spending a ton and impacting your monthly budget. We have the perfect plan for a romantic date night in or out that’s sure to please your special someone and your budget.

Planning a party for one of the biggest sporting events in the country? Check out our easy to follow Super Bowl party planning tips and make sure your party is the real MVP this year.

You know what they say: presentation is everything—and when it comes to selling a home, this sentiment rings especially true. When executed properly, staging a home can play a significant role in a potential buyer’s decision to put in an offer. Not only can staging help the buyer visualize the space as their future home, but it may even lead them to put in a higher offer.

Home improvement projects big and small can have a huge impact on your return on investment. Get the latest information on the top home renovation projects from the experts at American Financing and get the most bang for your buck!

Natural disasters can be as devastating as they are hard to predict so having adequate home insurance is critical. Shopping for the right insurance policy and knowing what key factors to look for are just as important. Review home insurance basics from the mortgage experts at American Financing.

Increasing your home’s value can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. Outside of the obvious advantages of selling, increasing your home’s value may also allow you to complete a cash-out refinance to take advantage of the extra equity in your home while enjoying lower mortgage rates and raising the funds to renovate. What’s the best way to use that money to increase your home’s value? Here are a few ideas...