Home Ownership

Lower Fed Rates Mean Lower Mortgages, Right? Not Exactly

Mortgage rates have been higher since the Federal Reserve began hiking interest rates to combat inflation in 2021, but what is the relationship between mortgage rates and Fed rates? Now that inflation has cooled, the public hopes interest rates will be dialed back, and prospective home buyers hope for lower mortgage rates. But are lower mortgage rates automatically tied to the Fed lowering interest rates?...

The role of the Federal Reserve and Fed rates

The Federal Reserve is not a government agency. It is a private corporation empowered by the government to serve as the nation’s bank, influencing interest rates and the supply of money for the entire U.S. banking system. Banks lend money to each other continually to restore regulatory reserve requirements. The interest rate they charge each other is called the federal funds rate, which is what the Fed raises or lowers. The Federal Reserve influences rates through the purchase and sale of U.S. government bonds and by creating additional money and distributing it into the banking system....

Think of the federal funds rate as being like the wholesale cost of money sold from one bank to another. The retail price for money is the rate banks charge customers for car loans, mortgages, and other lending products. However, between the federal funds rate and the mortgage rate, there are additional layers that influence the cost of car loans, mortgages, and other types of retail lending....

Meet the 10-Year Treasury Note

Between the wholesale federal funds rate and consumer interest rates lies the 10-Year Treasury rate. The 10-Year Treasury is a debt obligation of the U.S. government, its way of borrowing money from investors to fund government spending. The Federal Reserve does not set the rate paid on 10-Year Treasury notes. Instead, the rate rises or falls on the open market just like any other investment. The rate is higher than the federal funds wholesale rate but lower than the 30-year mortgage rate. The spreads between the three different lending rates are affected by expectations of investors:...

The 10-Year Treasury must pay a higher interest rate than competing shorter-term debt investments to make it worthwhile for investors to tie their money up for 10 years.
Investors have confidence that their Treasury investments are secure because the U.S. government backs them.
The spread between the federal funds rate and Treasury rates also includes various lending costs, such as fees, guarantees, and miscellaneous expenses.
Economic conditions, such as inflation, expectations of economic growth, or recession, spur investors to bid rates up or down.
Between the 10-Year Treasury and mortgage rates lie additional costs, including higher fees, investor profits, and compensation for taking on added risk. Mortgages are often bundled into investment products, and since mortgages can be defaulted on, unlike U.S. Treasury securities, investors want part of the spread to be profit that offsets the risk.

So why is it that sometimes the Federal Reserve lowers the federal funds rate, but mortgage rates don’t automatically follow suit? Between the federal funds rate and mortgage rates are the 10-Year Treasury, which is a much better predictor of mortgage rates, plus all the economic conditions that affect consumer and investor confidence. The Fed’s rate cuts are not an automatic guarantee of lower mortgage rates, given the complex relationship between the two....

Home Energy, Ownership,

Ultimate in Comfortable Ambience: Wood-Burning Stoves

As cold weather approaches, it’s a good time to learn the basics of one of life’s great comfort appliances: wood-burning stoves. Harkening back to ancient times, wood-burning stoves offer heat, cooking, and even hot water, but the aesthetic delight of a crackling fire tops all advantages. Here’s what you need to know....

A long, historic legacy

Wood-burning stoves go back to medieval times, even longer in some ancient cultures. Having a contained metal box for burning wood and coal for heat and cooking has served humans for millennia. ...

In America, wood-burning stoves evoke memories of early times, when family life centered on warmth and the aroma of wood smoke....

Benefits of wood-burning stoves

If you have the right space for a wood-burning stove, you can enjoy:...

Cost-effective heating because wood is a cheaper fuel source than oil and gas
Cozy ambience with toasty, snuggly winter nights
No dependence on power companies (staying warm even in power outages)
Up to 80% heating efficiency with modern stoves

Types of wood-burning stoves

There are five types to consider:...

A free-standing model typically has an enclosed firebox and a front door with a glass window. It stands on a brick or other heat-resistant platform and has a “stovepipe” exhaust that rises through the roof or a high wall to the outside. Heat radiates from the door, the small window, and the firebox body.
An insert version is a firebox that fits into a fireplace, with the exhaust rising up the chimney. It has a glass door that radiates heat into the room.
A built-in stove is installed in a wall or on the floor; it heats through a glass front.
A boiler stove includes a water-supply line. The water is heated in a jacket space around the firebox, providing dual use: home heating and hot water for daily living.
A cooking stove provides a place on top (and sometimes in the firebox) for preparing meals.

Shopping for wood-burning stoves

Measure the square footage of the room you want to heat, and select a stove sized appropriately using the guide in the online listing or in-store box. You don’t want an undersized stove that leaves the room too cold, nor an oversized one that makes your home uncomfortably hot. ...

Choose the stove type based on your usage, and have it installed by a professional to ensure safety and warranty coverage....

Indoor Living, Ownership,

Transform Your Bathroom Into a Wellness Retreat

After a long day of work, carpools, errands, and family responsibilities, you deserve a space that restores your energy like a wellness retreat. More homeowners are transforming their primary bathrooms into private oases designed for relaxation, rejuvenation, and even a touch of luxury. From spa-inspired showers to mood-boosting lighting, here’s how to create a bathroom that feels like your personal sanctuary....

The rise of the bathroom wellness retreat

The bath is no longer just a functional space. In modern home design, the primary suite bathroom has evolved. Today’s bathrooms feature spa-like touches, innovative technology, and design elements that create calm and comfort....

Spa-inspired showers and soaking tubs

Therapeutic showers use multiple spray nozzles—from overhead rainfall to side jets—to create a massage-like experience. Handheld wands make it easy to target sore muscles. For those who prefer soaking, deep tubs with whirlpool jets or freestanding designs provide full-body relaxation. Some homeowners even trade bathtubs for oversize steam showers with built-in benches....

Functional luxury with double vanities

Double vanities maximize storage, counter space, and convenience. Pair custom cabinetry with sleek countertops for both style and function. Add light-framed mirrors and dimmer switches to adjust brightness, creating the perfect mood for morning or evening routines....

Lighting, color, and mood enhancement

Wellness bathrooms often use chromotherapy paint colors that enhance mood. Deep blues and muted earth tones encourage calmness, while skylights and natural light boost energy. Combine color with bright, motion-activated lighting for a soothing yet modern touch....

The smart bathroom: comfort meets technology

Welcome to the “smart bath.” Features like heated floors, motion-sensor lighting, built-in speakers, and even self-cleaning toilets make daily routines easier and more enjoyable. These tech upgrades combine convenience with comfort, elevating the wellness retreat experience....

Easy-care design for stress-free living

Wellness extends to maintenance. Choose easy-to-clean surfaces, tile with minimal grout lines, and fixtures that are easy to clean. A bathroom that looks good and is easy to maintain will genuinely feel like a sanctuary....

Cost of creating a wellness retreat bathroom

A luxury bathroom remodel doesn’t come cheap. Depending on size and location, expect to invest between $30,000 and $60,000 for a turnkey remodel. Always work with an experienced bath designer, not just a general contractor, to ensure your new space is both stylish and functional....

Budget-friendly ways to create a bathroom wellness retreat

Not ready for a complete remodel? You can still bring a spa-like feel to your bathroom without spending tens of thousands of dollars. Try these affordable upgrades:...

Add a rainfall shower. For less than $100, you can swap your old showerhead for a rainfall model that mimics a spa shower.
Invest in plush towels and bath mats. High-quality textiles instantly add comfort and luxury.
Use calming paint colors. A fresh coat of soft blue, sage green, or warm earth tones can transform your bathroom mood.
Upgrade your lighting. Install a dimmer switch or add LED candles for a relaxing ambience.
Bring in greenery. Plants like aloe vera, peace lilies, or bamboo thrive in bathroom humidity and create a natural spa vibe.
Add an essential oil diffuser. Aromatherapy can help you relax while you’re soaking in the tub or showering.
Declutter and organize. A clutter-free bathroom instantly feels more serene. Use baskets, trays, or floating shelves to keep things tidy.

Even with small touches, you can create a calming environment that feels like your own retreat....

Related – Is a Bathroom Redo In Your Future?...

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

Keep Your Engines Purring With Fuel Stabilizers

Today’s engines are more efficiently engineered than ever before, but you should still protect them with fuel stabilizers. Engines run on gasoline containing some percentage of ethanol. But gasoline left unused for more than a month in a gas tank degrades, burns poorly, and can eventually even cause engine failure. There is a way to protect your yard equipment and seldom-driven vehicles so those engines keep running smoothly....

How gasoline degrades

Fresh gasoline begins to degrade in as little as three weeks. Gas stored in jugs or in machine tanks for long periods can turn to varnish. This is particularly true of any gasoline with ethanol, which is found in most gasoline in use today. ...

Fuel stabilizers are bottled additives that can be measured and poured into jugs of stored gasoline, as well as into the tanks of yard machines and seldom-driven vehicles. ...

These additives slow—but do not entirely prevent—the degradation of gasoline. There are also stabilizers for diesel fuel....

How to use fuel stabilizers

When adding stabilizer to stored gasoline, read the specified mixture ratio per gallon and pour that amount into the storage jug. Then fill the jug with gas. ...

If you’re adding it directly to the machine’s tank, pour in the stabilizer required for the tank’s capacity, then fill the tank. Start and run the engine for 10 minutes to distribute the stabilizer throughout the engine, carburetor, or injection system. ...

One more tip

For machines that go for long periods without use, such as lawn mowers, tractors, and weed trimmers during the winter months, it is a good idea to start them every few weeks and let them run for about 10 minutes. This keeps the system from building up varnish during dormancy. For vehicles, start them up and drive them around for 20 to 30 minutes. Not only does this keep the fuel system clean, but it also lubricates seals as engine oil flows through. ...

Brands of fuel stabilizers

There are several brands of stabilizers on the market, with Sta-Bil being the most well-known. Products are available at any auto parts store or big-box home-improvement center....

Buying, Financing a Home,

Parents Helping With Home Purchases: Smart Ways to Assist With Your Child’s First Home

Buying a first home isn’t easy these days, as rising mortgage rates and student loan debt keep many young adults on the sidelines; that’s why more families are turning to parents helping with home purchases. Here’s what parents and their kids need to know before making this big move....

How are parents helping with home purchases today?

There are a variety of ways parents can help their young adult kids buy their first home, from gifting down payments to co-signing or co-buying. These forms of support can be life-changing, but they come with legal and financial implications. ...

Gifting money toward a home purchase: rules and tax tips

The most straightforward way to help is by gifting money to the kids. Current gift tax law allows each parent to gift up to $19,000 without the gift being reported by the parents for tax purposes. If you are married, you and your spouse can combine your exclusions. This effectively doubles the amount you can gift: $38,000 per child in 2025. However, if only one spouse makes the gift and exceeds the $19,000 limit, they must file a gift tax return (Form 709), and the other spouse must consent to the gift splitting. Since the taxable estate exemption threshold is almost $14 million, taxes are very rarely an issue for the parents. The recipient children owe no taxes, nor must they report the gift. ...

If the children are depending on the gift for a down payment on a mortgage, the lender may require a copy of a gift letter from the parents to the children. ...

Co-signing a mortgage: what parents should consider

Co-signing the mortgage is another way parents can help. This comes with an obligation on the children to make payments consistently and on time. If a payment is late, the lender’s collections representative will contact both the child and the co-signing parent. Late fees and default notices affect not only the child’s credit but also the parent’s, as a credit report on the parents reflects their co-signer status for the loan. ...

Co-buying a home with your child: shared ownership basics

Increasingly, parents are assisting by becoming co-buyers with their kids. In this scenario, an equity partnership is established, with co-ownership divided by percentage based on the kids’ and the parents’ respective contributions to the purchase. ...

Setting clear boundaries

When aid to the child’s home purchase is in the form of a gift, boundaries and expectations may be few or nonexistent....

However, parental co-signing or shared equity requires setting out in writing the requirements for all parties. It is not a matter of trust, but of clear communication to avoid disputes later about what was agreed upon. Money disputes have driven wedges between even close families....

In a co-signing situation, the children must make timely payments. There should be a written agreement between the children and parents for repaying the parents in the event of late payments, default, or short sale. The parents’ credit will be damaged, so the consequences must be clear.
In a shared equity situation, an agreement should outline the percentage of shared ownership by parties, who has decision-making rights for remodeling or leasing out the property, what to do if anyone wants out of the deal, how to handle a future sale, and any other decisions that affect the condition and value of the property.

When to involve a CPA or estate attorney

Parents and children should consult with a CPA and, if necessary, an estate attorney to understand how their decisions may affect everyone involved....

Home Technology, Ownership,

Don’t Send a Personal Invitation to Home Burglars

Many security articles focus on obvious steps to protect against home burglars, such as installing alarm systems. But there are also ways to keep your property safe by avoiding specific actions. Here are 10 things you can do to ensure you aren’t inviting the bad actors to your home....

Don’t make it easy for home burglars.

In addition to installing a monitored alarm system, simple prevention goes a long way. There are several practices you can follow that will encourage home burglars to move on....

10 preventative steps to protect your home:

Don’t hide a house key outside, especially in easy-to-guess places like under the doormat or in the mailbox. Believe it or not, some people think that no burglar would consider looking in those places. Really.
Keep shrubs cut low enough to reduce cover that burglars could use during a break-in.
Say no to on-all-night flood lights, and put them on motion detectors instead. These lights deter prowlers while reducing electricity costs.
Outdoor cameras should be positioned to avoid blind spots near bushes, trees, and outdoor structures.
Don’t leave window shades and blinds open at night, as they reveal your expensive home theater electronics or other valuables. Thieves could case your home from the street at night, then return during the day when you’re away at work.
Don’t leave a ladder outside, even in the backyard, where a thief can use it to climb to an upstairs window.
Lock upstairs windows. Don’t assume a burglar won’t try to access them.
When you get that new big-screen TV, don’t put the box at the curb beside the trash bin. You may as well say, “Come and get it!” Cut the box into smaller pieces and place them in the bin.
Wait to post your vacation beach photos on social media until after you return. Or set your page to “private.”
Eliminate most paper mail by switching to electronic statements. Otherwise, notify the post office to hold your mail while you are gone, or have a neighbor clear your box a couple of times during your week away.

Home Technology, Ownership,

Tech Devices for Emergencies – Must-Have Gadgets for Your Emergency Kit

Each year brings its share of natural disasters—from severe storms and floods to wildfires—often leaving families without power, cell service, or reliable communication. It’s essential to be prepared with the right tech devices for emergencies. These can be a lifeline, keeping you connected, safe, and informed when it matters most. From backup power supplies to emergency radios, here are the essential gadgets every household should include in an emergency preparedness kit....

Tech devices for emergencies: what to keep on hand

A backup power supply keeps your mobile phone charged. A backup battery or power bank charger with at least 10,000 mAh is good for two cell phone recharges before it needs recharging.
A solar-powered battery charger is a good backup when there is adequate sunshine.
Have plenty of charging cords with a variety of plug types, USB, and USB-C.
A hand-crank-powered radio with AM, FM, and NOAA weather bands can keep you informed indefinitely when there is no power.
A portable generator can power larger devices such as refrigerators, space heaters, or portable air conditioners. A dual-fuel generator runs on gasoline or propane.
Google Maps offers downloadable versions of specific maps that you can save. This comes in handy if cell service is down. Or you can go retro and order a hard-copy paper map online to keep in your emergency kit.

Other important tips for emergency preparedness

FEMA will send you emergency information specific to your area if you text keywords such as “Prepare” and “Shelter” to 43362....

Many metro and county governments offer mobile phone emergency alert services that you can sign up for. You will receive push notifications whenever severe conditions are possible. ...

It is important to keep devices dry and store them at the right temperature. A cell phone operates properly within a range of 32º to 95º Fahrenheit. If your cell phone gets wet, place it in a sealed Ziploc bag filled with rice to dry it out....

Store backup batteries and charger devices during non-emergency times in a cool, dry place, protected within a plastic storage container....

The American Red Cross offers a downloadable app that continues to operate even when cellular service is down. It contains potentially life-saving information....

Indoor Living, Ownership,

Indoor Air Pollution – Meet the Dirty Seven

There are many reasons for indoor air pollution in our homes. Most metro areas issue alerts when air pollution levels are high. We may be cautious about our outdoor activities to avoid poor air quality, but we should also consider that indoor environments can harbor harmful pollutants. Here are the seven most common sources of contaminated air in our homes and businesses....

The dirty truth about indoor air pollution

There are quite a few ways that your home’s interior can harbor harmful irritants. You may be surprised to find that some steps meant to improve your indoor air quality actually do more harm than good. Here are the dirty seven:...

Cooking is the most significant source of indoor air pollution. The aroma of your favorite foods is enticing, but smoke and certain gases are respiratory irritants. Consider converting to induction cookware and installing a ventilation fan that carries cooking odors outside. Additionally, opening a window while cooking can also help.
Dirty HVAC filters, clogged with dust and allergens from infrequent changing, increase the airborne particulate matter in your house and cause your system to labor harder to operate. Change or clean filters monthly. Consider upgrading your filters to a higher MERV rating, but consult your HVAC professional to ensure your system can handle the increased airflow required by denser filters. Not all can.
Pets bring us love and joy, along with nasal irritation from shedding hair and dander. Vacuum upholstery and floors often to keep the flying hair down.
Mold can grow in appliances and plumbing fixtures, as well as in any place that is continually wet. Drains, washing machines, and refrigerator water dispensers are all sources. Leave the door partly open for 30 minutes after washing a load of clothes or dishes. Keep showers, tubs, and sinks clean to prevent mildew from gathering. Leave the shower door open for 30 minutes after use.
Cleaners make surfaces shiny, but the chemicals can be respiratory irritants, especially if the label boasts of its germ-killing prowess. This usually means it contains bleach or other pungent agents to prevent pathogens. Use the cleaner sparingly or dilute it with water.
Now for the surprising pollutants: Lighting aromatic candles or burning incense may smell heavenly, but both produce smoke. They essentially release carbon emissions into your house! Use things that burn only for special occasions to limit your exposure.
Likewise, sprayed air fresheners, although they smell fragrant and mask odors, contain strong chemicals that can also irritate the breathing passages. It’s better to simply open windows for a while to banish odors and let fresh breezes naturally cleanse the air.

Money, Mortgage,

Crypto-Backed Mortgages—Get the Scoop on a Dawning Trend

Cryptocurrency has moved beyond the novelty stage and is increasingly accepted for transactions and investing; in fact, there are even crypto-backed mortgages. In mortgage lending, some mortgages are being collateralized by crypto assets rather than by the property itself. How do crypto-backed mortgages work?...

Cryptocurrency defined

Currency of any type is a common medium of exchange by which people transact business to buy and sell goods and services, rather than using a clunky barter system. Historically, early forms of money were gold and silver coins, followed by paper money backed by gold and silver held in reserves. Now, worldwide, money is simply backed by “the good faith and credit” of the issuing government. ...

Cryptocurrency is a new type of money, distinct from traditional physical forms like coins or bills, as it exists in digital tokens on computer servers. Transactions are recorded in online ledgers using blockchain technology....

Cryptocurrencies are purchased through exchanges. Some investment brokerage firms can help you with crypto transactions. ...

How do crypto-backed mortgages work?

In a traditional mortgage, the borrower goes through a mortgage credit approval process. The borrower pays a certain percentage down, such as 20%, and then the lender pays the seller the remaining 80% of the purchase price. The borrower pays back the loan over time, and the house serves as collateral under a Deed of Trust. ...

Crypto-backed mortgages share some similarities but also have key differences. First, the borrower must have a cryptocurrency portfolio equivalent to the full loan amount. Second, the lender may not require a down payment at all, although the borrower can make one if he so desires. The borrower pledges a cryptocurrency account as collateral for the loan rather than the house. The borrower pays back the loan in regular dollars. In the event of default, the lender seizes the cryptocurrency account rather than foreclosing on the property. The lender will then liquidate the crypto account into regular dollars to recover the loan....

What you should know

There are important considerations with crypto-backed mortgages:...

You must have a portfolio of cryptocurrency equal to or exceeding the expected loan amount.
You may not have to undergo as stringent a credit check as long as you have the loan value in cryptocurrency to pledge.
Mortgage approvals are faster—sometimes as little as 2 weeks—compared to 1 month or more for traditional mortgages.
Your crypto account will be held in an escrowed custody account and will not be available for transactions until the loan is paid in full.
You may be required to have purchased the cryptocurrency at least 60 days before the loan application.
There typically is no mortgage insurance premium on a crypto-backed loan.
Acceptance is slowly growing among mortgage lenders, although many traditional lenders remain on the sidelines, awaiting a better understanding of crypto valuation. Those making crypto loans accept established currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin, and Tether.

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

Grill Goodbye: Smart and Safe Ways to Dispose of an Old Barbecue Grill

Is your old barbecue grill past its prime? Whether it’s rusted, dented, or just plain worn out, figuring out what to do with an outdated grill can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Tossing it in the trash isn’t the best solution for your wallet or the environment. Instead, try one of these eco-friendly and creative ways to say goodbye to your grill....

Curbside giveaway: letting it go for free

You’d be surprised what people are willing to fix up. Put your old grill by the curb with a “Free” sign, and you may find it gone within hours. This is a simple, no-hassle way to pass it on to someone who may have a use for its parts or plans to give it new life....

Donating it: giving your old barbecue grill a second chance

If the grill still has some life left, consider donating it. Organizations such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and local thrift stores may accept used grills, especially if they’re repairable....

Just be sure to clean it up first and call ahead to confirm it can be donated....

Recycling it: breaking your grill down responsibly

Grills are made of metal, plastic, and, in some cases, electronic components. Most of these can be recycled, but not always at the same location. Here’s how to break it down:...

Remove and separate metal parts for scrap recycling.
Take plastic and electronic parts (like igniters or thermometers) to an e-waste facility.
Call your city’s recycling center for location-specific rules.
Repurposing it: turning your grill into garden art

Why toss your old barbecue grill when you can transform it? A grill’s firebox or lid can make a unique planter. Add a coat of outdoor paint, drill some drainage holes, and you’ve got yourself a quirky flower bed. It’s an eco-friendly conversation piece perfect for any backyard....

Not trashing it: avoiding the landfill

Avoid simply dumping your old appliance into the trash. Many grill components, like treated metal and plastic, don’t break down easily and can release toxins into the environment. There are safer, more responsible options. Recycling or reusing is always better....

A final word on propane tanks: handling with care

Never toss a propane tank in the trash! It’s flammable, toxic, and potentially explosive. Here’s what to do instead:...

Reuse: If your new barbeque uses the same type of tank, keep it.
Return: Many propane dealers offer buyback programs or trade-ins.
Recycle: Check with hazardous-waste centers or home-improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot.

Related – Safety First When Grilling Great Food...

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