NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Christmas is coming fast, and that means a lot of people will be decorating trees and their own homes with lights. But there's a few things you want to know before you start.

It might be a neighbour's car blocking your driveway, music vibrating through the walls, or a flashing inflatable Santa lighting up your bedroom at 3am. Whatever the issue, you're unlikely to be alone ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Terri Williams is a journalist covering housing trends. “Many homeowners wait until the last second, go to the store without any ...