Rent News, How-To's, and Advice
Helpful reads to guide you through finding and benefiting from
rental assistance and other housing programs
How to Get Your Landlord to Lower Your Rent
Rent prices can be really high sometimes, eating up a big part of what people earn, especially in places like Oakland and New York City where more than 70% of what households make goes straight to rent. It often feels lik...
The Best Cities for Renters: A Closer Look at Forbes Advisor's Ranking
In a recent study conducted by Forbes Advisor, the best cities for renters in the United States were identified based on several key metrics. This analysis considered factors such as: average re...
Beware of Rental Fraud: Your Guide to Avoiding Common Scams
Finding a new place to call home is an exciting venture, but it also comes with potential pitfalls. Rental fraud is a real concern, and it's essential to stay informed to protect yourself from scams. We...
The Housing Affordability Quagmire: A Disturbing Reality for Half of U.S. Renters
Across the United States, housing affordability has reached crisis levels, with a recent study revealing that a record 50% of American renters are struggling with unaffo...
The Current Challenges of Homebuying and How Nine Families Overcame Them
Buying a home is a big part of the American Dream for many people, but right now, it's getting harder to make that dream come true. The Washington Post shared stories of people who managed to buy hom...
Making a Smart Home Budget to Avoid Being House Poor
House poor is a term for a situation in which a person spends a large proportion of their total income on home ownership, leaving them with very little discretionary income for other necessities or enjoyable activities.&n...
It's Time for a New Cell Phone and Plan!
Did you know that you can get a a new cell phone and very low rate plan if you already qualify for one of these: - Food Stamps or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) - Medicaid - Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Fede...
How to Refinance Your Mortgage for the Right Reasons
Homeowners often reflexively consider refinancing when interest rates drop, hoping for lower payments. However, refinancing solely for a lower rate may not actually save you money in the long run. Here are some guida...
5 Things You Need to Know When Renting a House for the First Time
Renting a house for the first time can be intimidating. You might not know what to look for, the questions to ask the property owner, and how to find the most affordable house in your preferred neighborhood...