Donna Boyle Schwartz

Applying for a home mortgage can be a time-consuming, costly, and frustrating process. When the housing crisis hit in 2008, banks and other mortgage lenders dramatically tightened the req...

A die-hard gardener’s ultimate dream is having a greenhouse in the backyard. If this is your dream, it’s not as far away as you might think. You don’t necessarily have to enlist a contrac...

Americans are generally civic-minded and conscientious, and have for the most part adopted the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra popularized by the environmental movement of the 1970s. Neve...

Most of us take electricity for granted, fully expecting that the outlets, wiring, extension cords, and power strips in our homes will operate safely and reliably. But electricity can be ...

The line between indoors and out continues to blur as Americans take full advantage of longer days and warmer temperatures by dining al fresco and moving leisure-time activities onto porc...

No matter where you live—house, apartment, dorm room, mobile home—one factor remains constant: There never seem to be enough power outlets. This may explain the popularity of multi-outlet...

Living in a neighborhood is generally a delight that's marked by lasting friendships and a shared sense of community and civic responsibility, but there are times when proximity to others...

You may think you keep a clean kitchen, but all of those nooks, crannies, and corners are perfect hiding places for bacteria and other nasty bugs. Even some seemingly innocuous items—dish...

Your home is a refuge from the dangers and anxieties of the outside world—or is it? Statistics indicate that Americans are more likely to be injured at home than just about anywhere else....

From HVAC repair to electrical upgrades, some home improvement projects require the help of a professional. But even though contractors are well versed in repairs and remodeling, they can...