--- title: The Porch Blog by Ruoff Mortgage | Cameron Maggart description: Exploring homeownership - from mortgage finance to home DIY, from gardening to budgeting tips and more! --- [![ThePorch\_Color](https://blog.ruoff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ThePorch_Color.png?width=2001&height=753&name=ThePorch_Color.png "ThePorch_Color")](http://www.ruoff.com) # The Porch The Keys to Homeownership ![Background with awesome gradient](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/8534459/photos/Homepage-1-1.png) Latest Articles [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1985598655.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/pets-home-alone-more-here-are-some-ideas) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle), [House to Home](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/house-to-home) ## [Pets Home Alone More? Here are Some Ideas](https://blog.ruoff.com/pets-home-alone-more-here-are-some-ideas) [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/pets-home-alone-more-here-are-some-ideas) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1833722144.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/a-future-homebuyers-checklist) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [A Future Homebuyer's Checklist](https://blog.ruoff.com/a-future-homebuyers-checklist) Buying a home comes with an assortment of its own necessary evils. The thorns of extra costs, renovation plans, and hidden fees can stick... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/a-future-homebuyers-checklist) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_533511402.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/a-guide-to-remodeling-your-bathroom) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle), [House to Home](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/house-to-home) ## [A Guide to Remodeling Your Bathroom:](https://blog.ruoff.com/a-guide-to-remodeling-your-bathroom) The bathrooms of yesteryear may hold a certain charm in the hearts of some, but for most, these wallpaper-laden historical artifacts seem... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/a-guide-to-remodeling-your-bathroom) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_360943439%20(1).jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-the-school-season) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle), [House to Home](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/house-to-home) ## [How to Prepare Your Home for The School Season](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-the-school-season) As the seasons gradually change from the hot summer to autumn, the tone may be changing in your household. School season comes with this... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-the-school-season) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_243914354.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/simplifying-the-30-home-remodeling-rule) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle), [House to Home](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/house-to-home) ## [Simplifying the 30% Home Remodeling Rule:](https://blog.ruoff.com/simplifying-the-30-home-remodeling-rule) The seasons have changed from rainy to dry, and thus, remodeling season is upon us. Considering this, it’s particularly pertinent to know... 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[Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-keep-your-lawn-vibrant-and-bright-this-summer) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1928801417.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/patio-vs.-deck-which-is-for-you) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle), [House to Home](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/house-to-home) ## [Patio vs. Deck: Which is For You?](https://blog.ruoff.com/patio-vs.-deck-which-is-for-you) To elevate or not to elevate?: This question has been ingrained in the minds of home improvers around the nation for years. The National... 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