It's hot this week-end. Want Summer comfort but hate the AC? Maybe, like many homes in this area, you don't have AC in your house. Follow these tips, and you’ll keep your house cool without frosty air conditioning.

Block that Sun!
When sunlight enters your house, it turns into heat. You’ll keep your house cooler if you reduce solar heat gain by keeping sunlight out.

Close the drapes: Line them with light-colored fabric that reflects the sun, and close them during the hottest part of the day. Let them pillow onto the floor to block air movement.

Add awnings: Install them on south- and west-facing windows to reduce solar heat gain by up to 77%, says the U.S. Department of Energy. Make your own by tacking up sheets outside your windows and draping the ends over a railing or lawn chair.

Mortgage Loan Terms

With interest rates on the rise it may be time for some of us to think about something other than that ever popular 30-year fixed loan. Here’s a comparison that may make your decision easier.

How to buy a home with a pool

While the decision of whether or not to buy a home with a pool is a personal choice for homebuyers, there are several factors to consider which will have a serious financial impact over the short and long term.

Beyond deciding whether or not you want to own a pool, there are additional issues to consider, such as the insurance, maintenance and safety costs associated with pool ownership.

"Owning a pool can be a wonderful experience and can add to the beauty and desirability of your home," says Doug Hill, a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker in Phoenix, Ariz. "But, we recommend that buyers consider the pros and cons of pool ownership before they dive in."