Stewart Title Homeland Division

08/20/2026

The monthly mortgage and homeowner’s insurance are obvious expenses for homeowners, but what else should you be budgeting for?

Here are five habits every homeowner should embrace to continue protecting their investment and peace of mind.

#1: Build an emergency fund. Unexpected repairs can pop up even in new builds! In addition to your personal savings, make sure you deposit money into an emergency fund to ensure major repairs don’t put a financial strain on you.

#2: Review your insurance coverage annually
From renovations and major purchases to changes in property value, your coverage needs can evolve over time. An annual review helps ensure you have the protection you need.

#3: Monitor your credit regularly
Your credit score can impact everything from refinancing opportunities to future lending options. Keeping an eye on your credit report can help you spot issues early and stay financially prepared.

#4: Budget for ongoing maintenance
Routine upkeep can help prevent minor issues from becoming major expenses. Planning for seasonal maintenance, repairs and replacements is an important part of responsible homeownership.

#5: Understand your home equity
As you pay down your mortgage and your home's value changes, your equity can become a valuable financial asset. Understanding how equity works can help you make informed decisions about refinancing, renovations or future investments.

Homeownership is about more than making a monthly payment. Building smart financial habits today can help you protect your home and your long-term financial goals.

08/19/2026

There is no denying that interest rates have climbed significantly since the pandemic, but how do they compare over the decades? Take a look at this analysis.

08/17/2026

Q: What is a 1031 exchange?

A 1031 exchange allows an investor to sell a property, to reinvest the proceeds in a new property and to defer all capital gain taxes.

Tax-deferred exchanges allow investors to defer capital gain taxes as well as facilitate significant portfolio growth and increased return on investment.

This strategy is a useful tool for real estate investors, startups and small businesses as it could help them reinvest in their next ventures. It’s also a useful tool for individuals planning their will.

Scroll to learn more about 1031 exchanges and share this post with someone you think should consider this tool.

For more real estate tips, definitions and guides, visit stewart.com/home.

08/14/2026

Happy National Financial Awareness Day! We’ve got your weekend homework ready. 😜

It’s important to assess your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) before you purchase a house, take out a loan, or to ensure your finances are in good health.

Understand your DTI and how to lower it with these 5 easy steps: https://www.stewart.com/en/insights/5-steps-to-lowering-your-debt-to-income-ratio

Learn 5 steps to lower your debt-to-income ratio for better financial health and improve your mortgage loan eligibility during your real estate journey.

08/13/2026

As a homeowner, there are several documents you should keep on hand. These records can help protect and prepare you for a sale, tax audit, insurance claim, legal issue and more:

Property Deed – This legal document proves the ownership of your home. While typically recorded with your county, homeowners should keep their own copy in a secure location.

Title Insurance Policy – If ownership disputes or title defects were ever to arise, your Owner’s Title Policy is critical to reference.

Home Improvement and Renovation Records – Keep contracts, permits, receipts and photos on hand of any work you get done on your home. These can help increase your cost basis and potentially help reduce capital gains taxes when you sell.

Warranties – Appliances, systems and structural warranties can help you save money. Always keep these for as long as the warranty is good.

Insurance Policies – If an issue surfaces, having insurance policies on hand can help you save time and money when dealing with a claim.

For more real estate tips and guides, visit stewart.com/home.

08/07/2026

A successful home purchase starts before you find the perfect house.

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is evaluating a property without evaluating the neighborhood around it.

The most informed buyers take a broader approach by asking:
✅ Is the community safe and well maintained?
✅ Are essential amenities nearby?
✅ Does the area offer strong educational and recreational opportunities?
✅ Will the commute support the lifestyle I want?

These factors can influence daily convenience, long-term satisfaction and even future marketability.

For real estate professionals, this is an important reminder: clients aren't just buying a home—they're investing in a community and a way of life.

For buyers, the goal shouldn't be finding the "best" neighborhood.

It's finding the neighborhood that best aligns with your priorities.

The right location can support everything from family goals and social connections to work-life balance and overall well-being.

💬 If you could only pick ONE factor—safety, schools, amenities or commute—which would be your top priority?

07/22/2026

Buying a home comes with a lot of new terms and earnest money is one many buyers encounter early in the process.

What is it? How much do you need? Where does it go?

Earnest money is a good-faith deposit that shows a buyer is serious about moving forward with a purchase. Understanding how it works can help you feel more prepared when making an offer and navigating the path to closing.

Swipe through for a simple breakdown of:

✔ What earnest money is
✔ Why buyers provide it
✔ Who holds the funds
✔ What happens to it at closing

Explore more home buying resources:
stewart.com/home

07/13/2026

A summer day by the pool is a great way to enjoy your home but safety should always come first.

From secure fencing and pool covers to having rescue equipment nearby, small steps can make a big difference in creating a safer environment for family, friends and pets.

With pool season in full swing, now is a good time for homeowners to review essential safety practices and help protect what matters most.

Read the full article for more pool safety tips:
https://www.stewart.com/en/insights/essential-pool-safety-tips-for-your-home

Learn essential pool safety tips for your home, covering supervision, barriers and emergency preparedness.

07/10/2026

A successful home sale is about more than finding the right buyer. Competitive pricing, strong first impressions, functional living spaces and a seamless closing experience can all play an important role in moving a transaction forward.
Explore some of the factors that can help attract buyer interest and contribute to a successful sale.

Swipe through for a closer look.

07/09/2026

Summer heat can drive energy bills higher, but small changes
around your home can make a big difference.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to reduce monthly
expenses or you’re preparing your property for the market,
improving energy efficiency can help increase comfort and
support long-term value.

From adjusting daily habits to simple home upgrades, these six
tips can help you conserve energy this summer:

Explore the full list:
https://www.stewart.com/en/insights/top-energy-conservation-tips-for-your-home

When temperatures fluctuate, so can your energy bill. Use the tips to reduce your utility bill and promote more sustainable energy use.