If you were thinking about replacing your hot water heater, you should know that new regulations went into effect in April. Now, heaters must comply with Department of Energy efficiency standards. The good news is that these regulations may create a modest savings on your utility bills.

So, you've decided to invest in real estate. Good move! Real estate is great way to build some passive income, or money that rolls into your bank account without you having to do much. Real estate is also a fairly safe investment. However, like most business ventures, you need to educate yourself before you get started. In order to help our readers get the most of their new investments, we've put together these 8 tips to help you get started on the right foot.

Recently, two of our favorite cities made Pots Planter's and More's list of the 25 Best Cities for Green Space! Baltimore comes in at 17, and Philadelphia is 22. We're hardly surprised that these cities are being recognized for their wonderful recreational areas. In honor of this award, we have compiled this list of Philadelphia's greatest parks. 

Many real estate investors are curious about exploring other markets but are nervous about taking the plunge. The idea of maintaining a property so far from home can sound complicated to some, but if you're only investing in the city you live in, there's a world of opportunity you aren't taking part in.

View of downtown Tampa from Harbor IslandIn 2018, US News and World Report ranked Tampa as one of the Best Places to Live in the United States, noting that living in Tampa is "like being on vacation all year." Located north of the bay, Tampa has a hip social scene and a thriving Hispanic community, and is notable for Ybor City, once known as 'the Cigar Capital of the World.'"

Starting in 2019, landlords in Baltimore will have to adjust to more stringent home inspections. Officials are calling this the most significant legislative change to Baltimore real estate law in more than 50 years. Councilman Bill Henry and several housing officials introduced the bill at the beginning of 2018.