Welcome to Howe's Guide

Many home sites repeat short tips and bury the useful answer below ads. Howe's Guide publishes longer articles because some home decisions need context. I focus on decisions that can cost money or time, such as buying, selling, maintenance, and pests.

• Headings that match the topic so you can jump to the section you need.
• Local detail when I have it, and clear context when a section is general.
• Trade-offs in plain language, including when the cheapest or fastest option is not the best fit.

If you are buying, start with Buying a home: before you offer and before you close. It is shorter than the full buying guide and covers house hunting, your offer, and due diligence after you are under contract.

I may link to products when they fit the topic. If a link is an affiliate link, I still describe the product on its merits. If the best answer is to hire a professional or use a basic tool, I say that.