For all the things I wish someone told me
Checklist
Welcome to Howe's Guide
How I write homeowner guides, what you will find in each article, and how I handle products and links.
Read checklistNew checklists land here first. Longer guides sit in the library below. Everything is written in plain language, with product links only when they fit the task.
Guide library
Longer reference articles. Each one uses headings so you can skip to the section you need.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying a Home in Loudoun County
What we learned buying homes in Virginia, including who hires the inspector, when to bring in roof, pool, and HVAC specialists, and what DIY work can cost after closing.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Selling an Old Home
What we learned while listing an older home in Loudoun County, going through contracts that did not close, and renting the property instead.
How to Keep Mice Out of Your Home Without Poisons
How I seal gaps, remove food sources, and use deterrents only after the house is harder for mice to enter.
Products that match the guides
These are items I link inside the articles when they fit the job. If you buy through Amazon, I may earn a small commission. It does not change what you pay.
Blocking holes before permanent seal
Copper mesh
You can use this copper mesh for rodent control to fill cracks, gaps and holes around kitchens, garages, foundations, vents and utility openings to help deter mice, cockroaches, bats and snails.
View on AmazonPantry and pet food storage
Airtight food containers
Keeps pantry food sealed so mice have less reason to stay once they are inside.
View on AmazonGarage and exterior doors
Door seal
Closes the gap around exterior doors, which is a common entry point for bugs and spiders.
View on Amazon
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What readers have said
“Straightforward steps. I knew what to buy and what to do first.”
— Reader
“The home buying article matched what our inspector told us, but with more detail.”
— First-time buyer
“I liked that the pest section told you to fix holes first. That matched my experience.”
— Homeowner
About Howe's Guide
I write the checklists and guides from work I have done on my own home and from helping friends with theirs. Long articles may include a few display ads (only when the site is configured for them) and Amazon links to tools that match the topic; if you buy through those links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If an article helped you, you can also share it or use the optional “buy me a coffee” link at the bottom of that page when it is set up. If you want hands-on help, use the form on the page closest to your question and I will get back when I can.