If you’re wondering why mortgage interest rates for consumers don’t follow the Federal Reserve’s fund rates to banks, there’s a good reason.

Interest rates are tied to benchmarks based on how long the debt lasts. The federal funds rate applies to overnight lending between banks, while consumer mortgages are typically long-term, as much as 30 years.

That’s why mortgage rates are more closely aligned with the 10-year Treasury note yield. According to Investopedia, the yield reflects the interest the government pays to investors over 10 years, making it a more relevant benchmark for long-term loans like mortgages. Most homeowners don’t stay in their homes for 30 years anyway—the average is eight years, while the median is 13.2 years.

Lenders set mortgage rates by adding a “spread” on top of the 10-year Treasury yield. This spread accounts for the difference between mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and Treasury yields, as well as risk, inflation expectations, and market demand.

Collecting rainwater is as ancient as farming itself, but rainwater harvesting is useful for modern urban households, too. All it takes is directing roof runoff through gutters and downspouts into a rain barrel or a more advanced system—one that can supply water for many, or even all, of your household needs.

The advantages are numerous, and disadvantages are few:

• Rainwater is free and suitable for landscape irrigation, power washing, filling swimming pools, ponds and fountains, flushing toilets, and more.
• With proper water filtration, rainwater can be used for any household purpose, but some areas restrict rainwater harvesting for potable uses, such as drinking and cooking.
• Rainwater harvesting helps conserve water and gives you more control over your water supply, especially in areas with water restrictions.
• Rainwater harvesting technologies are relatively inexpensive to install, from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, but they require frequent maintenance.
• Rainwater harvesting is an excellent back-up in water emergencies, and it helps prevent stormwater drainage overflows.

To learn your state’s guidelines on rainwater harvesting, click here.

You’re used to living in your home, but homebuyers notice things you may overlook. What you don’t want is for a buyer to ever get the “ick” over something you could easily have fixed.

Icky odors: No matter how loveable your pet is, a homebuyer doesn’t want to step over stinky dog beds and slobbery toys. People smells are even worse, so put out fresh linens before showings. Empty bedroom closets of odiferous shoes, athletic equipment or unwashed laundry. Clean refrigerators and empty trash cans.

Icky grout/caulking: Worn grout and shrunken caulking lead to mildewy smells and blackish mold that can grow in the crevices. Take the time to strip, replace and seal surfaces that touch water.

Icky dark rooms: Rooms in older homes tend to have insufficient fixtures for lighting. Use brighter bulbs, leave all the lights on for showings, open the curtains and make sure windows are washed. 

Icky problem fixes: Too many extension cords, space heaters, and fans make your home look dangerously out of date as well as unsightly.