House & home News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

Consumer Reports ranks best cleaning products

Cleaning the kitchen may not be your favorite job, but Consumer Reports says buying products that work can keep you from wasting money on ones that don't.

Don't Waste Your Money: What's next for mortgage rates?

Mortgage rates are now at a two year low and could soon go even lower. John Matarese shows what could happen next.

Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec

Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec offers pavings options for patios, pools, walkways, driveways, landscape walls and outdoor living solutions.

Summer maintenance tips: Do these things indoors and out to keep your home cool in summer heat

Home prepping is not just about spring cleaning. It's about ensuring your house is ready to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the summer.

If a tree falls, who pays to clean it up?

When a neighbor's tree falls on your home or yard, are they responsible or are you?

WRAL 5 On Your Side

Renters insurance is a must-have: Protect your belongings for less than a coffee a day

Renters insurance is a crucial safeguard against unexpected events. From personal property loss to liability coverage, discover how renters insurance can provide peace of mind, what it covers and why opting for full replacement cost is a wise choice.

Outpouring of support comes in for senior displaced by fire

A woman was gifted a new home in May. This comes after a North Carolina lawmaker rescued the woman from her previous home, which had gone up in flames.

Woman saved from house fire in February gifted new home

A woman was gifted a new home in May. It comes after a North Carolina lawmaker rescued the woman from her previous home, which caught on fire.

Summer maintenance tips: Do these things indoors and out to keep your home cool in summer heat

Home prepping is not just about spring cleaning. It's about ensuring your house is ready to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the summer.

Gardening guide: The best plants to add to your garden (and when) in North Carolina

Whether you're new to gardening or just want to expand your knowledge, here's everything you need to know to plant the perfect garden in North Carolina.

'A real problem': Garner neighbors frustrated over decades-long abandoned home

Garner neighbors are growing more frustrated with Wake County over an abandoned home that has been sitting vacant for roughly two decades.

Stinky, damaging Bradford pear trees have fallen out of favor

They're a tree you won't see in many nurseries anymore. The Bradford pear and its variations are all over the country, with ongoing efforts by environmental organizations to remove them.

10 common laundry mistakes you're probably making & how to avoid them

Laundry is a necessary chore for everyone. While you might think it's a straightforward task, some common laundry mistakes can lead to unfortunate results.

Lauren Thayne, Stackr

5 Fayetteville North Carolina real estate trends to watch

Uncover the charming value of Fayetteville, North Carolina real estate and how to find a home that fits your needs. Discover Fayetteville trends to watch here.

Score savings on spring essentials: March brings deals from vacuum cleaners to duvets

Consumer Reports highlights top deals on essential cleaning tools and home upgrades.

Bill would make it easier for homeowners to afford upgrades to protect from storm damage

A new bipartisan bill would exempt disaster mitigation grants from federal taxes, easing costs for homeowners who strengthen their homes against hurricanes, floods and wildfires.

Luxury townhome development to open near Crabtree Valley Mall

Approved by the Raleigh City Council, this Charlotte-based Pappas Properties project will introduce 65 upscale townhomes in a gated community.

36 Hours After Russell Vought Took Over Consumer Bureau, He Shut Its Operations

The day before Linda Wetzel closed on her retirement home in Southport, North Carolina, in 2012 — a cozy place where she could open the windows at night and catch an ocean breeze — the bank making the loan surprised her with a fee she hadn’t expected. Wetzel scoured her mortgage paperwork and couldn’t find the charge disclosed anywhere.

Stacy Cowley, New York Times

Tips to vet home contractors

5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur breaks down what to do to protect your investment.

How to vet home contractors

5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur breaks down what to do to protect your investment.

The top 7 best cities to live in North Carolina

Why is North Carolina an ideal place to live? From job opportunities to beautiful scenery, discover the best cities and make your move today.

Wildfire in McDowell County a warning about dangers of drought conditions statewide

The N.C. Forest Service is warning North Carolinians to be prepared for wildfires and take the necessary steps to help prevent any natural disasters.

Raleigh leaf collection starts Tuesday🍂

The city sends specialized vacuum trucks through residential neighborhoods in 12 zones throughout the winter months to collect the leaves.

WRAL staff

More affordable housing coming to downtown Durham

Downtown Durham is going to look much different in the next two years.

Kelsey Coffey, WRAL reporter

Groundbreaking Wednesday for affordable housing in Durham's southside community

More affordable housing is coming to Durham. On Wednesday, city officials will discuss plans for the new addition to the Lofts at Southside.