Home Cost Decisions

Make smart, data-driven financial choices for your property. From navigating first-time homeowner expenses and mapping out long-term maintenance costs to weighing the ROI of "repair vs. replace" and "buy vs. upgrade," this section breaks down the true cost of homeownership so you can invest your budget wisely.

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A storm shutter leaning against a stucco wall, rain beaded on its slats, a gutter downpipe beside it.

Your 5% Deductible Risks Your Claim

A 5% hurricane deductible on a $400,000 home hits $20,000 before your insurer pays a dime. The average home claim in 2023 landed at just $20,062.

Home Cost Decisions Oct 21, 2026 Read

A newly shingled roof edge against a flat overcast sky, underlayment visible beneath the first course.

Your 49% Discount Isn't All Roof

Louisiana will make standard insurers cut the hurricane part of a bill by up to 49% for a FORTIFIED roof, starting January 1, 2027.

Home Cost Decisions Oct 21, 2026 Read

An outdoor heat pump unit in autumn, its grille beaded with condensation, leaves banked at the base.

Heat Pumps Just Got Cheaper to Run — and Pricier to Buy

A new study shows heat pumps can save Maryland oil and propane users up to $1,600 a year, just as Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) makers raise equipment prices again [1][3]. The two numbers a homeowner needs to plan a system switch are moving in opposite ways at the exact same time.

Energy & Efficiency Oct 5, 2026 Read