(StatePoint) Summer is peak moving season—and peak pricing season, too. In fact, nearly half of all U.S. moves take place between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends each year, according to U-Haul, and, with gas prices on the rise, costs are expected to reach new heights.

(StatePoint) The flavors and aromas of global cuisines are closer than ever — no passport or flights required.

(StatePoint) As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, backyards across the country are gearing up for a milestone summer — and the grill is once again at the heart of the celebration.

(StatePoint) When homeowners doing work on their property consider a cheaper route, for example, hiring a contractor who doesn’t want to pull permits, they may not realize the risk they are taking. But they should know that there is no “undo” button on a disaster.

(StatePoint) Ever take a trip to the grocery store and feel overwhelmed by all the choices available? Save time and money by opting for products already tested by other consumers.

(StatePoint) Everyone knows the basics of home maintenance, but there are several less obvious hazards that can put people and property at risk. Learning more about building code safety is your best bet for protecting your home and the people within it.

(StatePoint) Lawn striping isn’t just a terrific way to elevate curb appeal, it’s key to a healthier lawn.

(StatePoint) Playing with fire has never been hotter when it comes to flavor and summer grilling. A new grilling trend report, released by the McCormick brand, spotlights three red-hot trends centering on new ways grillers are layering flavors, expanding the sizzle beyond steak, and taking advantage of the transformation of appliances.

(StatePoint) In addition to offering easy access to your home’s outdoor spaces, patio doors can enhance your life in a number of other key ways. Whether you’re installing patio doors for the first time or replacing existing ones, here are some of the advantages that patio doors provide, along with insights into maximizing these benefits:

(StatePoint) Cult-favorite products acquire that status for a good reason. They’ve already been purchased, tested and adored and by other consumers. The good news is that identifying the fan favorites that can help you revamp your routine doesn’t have to require hours of research. Simply looking for The Product of the Year red seal of approval when shopping means the product has the thumbs-up from consumers like year.

(StatePoint) How short to mow is a commonly debated topic, and getting it right is not only tricky, but critical to a healthy lawn.

(StatePoint) Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, flammable gas that is impossible to see, smell or taste — making it easy to assume you’re safe when danger may already be present. So, whether you’ll be vacationing away from home, or planning a “staycation” this summer, take extra steps to help protect yourself and your loved ones from CO.

(StatePoint) A great backyard is more than a place for shade and fun; it’s a sanctuary that should offer total peace of mind for the whole family, which includes your pets, too!

(StatePoint) With spring here, homeowners are tending their lawns to boost curb appeal and create an ideal space for kids, pets and gatherings.

(StatePoint) Cats are famously low-maintenance companions. They don’t need walks, they entertain themselves, and they’re perfectly happy ignoring you for hours at a time. But as any devoted cat owner knows, low-maintenance doesn’t mean no impact. From the food in their bowl to the litter in their box, cats leave a measurable mark on the planet. The good news is that a few small, practical changes can add up to something meaningful — without requiring a lifestyle overhaul or a bigger budget. Here’s where to start:

(StatePoint) Buying a home is one of the largest purchases most people will make in their lives, and taking out a home loan is a common way to finance the purchase. This primer on home loans explains the mortgage basics, including what a mortgage is, typical types of loans, and the concept of shopping for a lender.

(StatePoint) Spring is prime time for home painting projects—from refreshing walls to tackling trim, doors and cabinets. While a new coat of paint can transform a room, the difference between professional-looking results and a frustrating DIY experience can come down to one detail: clean, crisp edges.

(StatePoint) Even if you have lush, green grass, your lawn may still suffer from bare spots. These bare spots can happen for a variety of reasons, and when they do, seldom regrow on their own.

(StatePoint) While spring cleaning is not the most dreaded seasonal task among Americans — in an American Cleaning Institute survey, 80% of respondents said they would rather spring clean than fill out their tax forms — there’s no reason to make it harder than it needs to be.

(StatePoint) Qualifying for a mortgage can be intimidating. By learning what lenders assess when deciding whether to make a loan, you can take actionable steps now toward homeownership.

(StatePoint) Spring is the perfect time for a home refresh! While dusting the ceiling fan and scrubbing the tub are likely already on your to-do list, the most essential task of all may not be on your radar: cleaning and testing your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. A fresh home is great, but a safe one is even better. Did you know that working smoke alarms in the home doubles your chances of safely escaping a house fire? That’s according to the National Fire Protection Association. This spring, Kidde, a pioneer in early smoke detection for over 100 years, is highlighting the importance of keeping your smoke and CO alarms up to date. Here’s what they want you to know:

(StatePoint) With warmer weather here, spring cleaning and hosting season are in full swing. While you prep your home for guests, you may also be seeing an uptick of insect activity.

(StatePoint) Refinancing a home can be a smart move – if you time it well and understand the factors involved.

(StatePoint) About 20 years ago, chickens—long a staple of farms and homesteads—began showing up in urban and suburban yards. They enabled city dwellers to source homegrown food, provided a touch of nature amid the urban jungle, and have continued to rise in popularity ever since. According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2025 State of the Industry report, 11 million U.S. households own backyard chickens, a 28% increase from 2023.

(StatePoint) Curb appeal is all about first impressions, and your home’s entryway plays an important role in that. This spring, consider making a splash where it counts with these three entryway updates:

(StatePoint) Does homeownership feel out of reach? A manufactured home is an affordable alternative that you may not have considered before.

(StatePoint) Shopping for a new roof but unsure if metal is the right material for your home? Metal roofing is tougher, safer and longer-lasting than asphalt, with an expected lifespan of more than 50 years. Additionally, metal roof systems offer energy cost savings, withstand extreme weather, and boost resale value.

(StatePoint) As the weather starts to turn in early spring, giving your mower a tune-up is a must for performance, safety and efficiency.