Real Estate and Housing — Whether you want to rent or own, buy or sell, fix up your home, or just land your first mortgage, we'll help you stay afloat in this competitive market.

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McMansion to McCottage: Why Smaller Houses Are Smarter

When it comes to our homes, is bigger always better? From saving money to cutting clutter and more, explore the benefits of buying or building small.

Latest Articles in Real Estate and Housing

The Process for Purchasing a House With Cash

Last year, one Wise Bread writer and her husband purchased a property with cash. That's right — cash. Here's the process they went through.

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent

You take time to research products that will cost you $20 — but how much do you research the person who advises you on spending thousands of dollars?

Best Money Tips: Retire Without a Mortgage

Today we found some great articles on retiring without a mortgage, making 2012 the year of spending less, and finding deals at thrift stores.

Best Money Tips: Hidden Costs of Buying a House

Today we found some awesome articles on the hidden costs of buying a house, vacations to take when your budget is low, and alternatives to traditional gift-wrapping.

Big Mistakes You Can Make When Selling Your Home

Selling your home can be stressful at the best of times. To ensure the process really goes well, avoid these common blunders.

Is Paying Off Your Mortgage Early Costing You Money?

Are you worrying too much about whether you should pay off your mortgage early or invest that extra cash? Here's an article for you.

3 Hidden Dangers of Refinancing Your Mortgage

Refinancing your mortgage can help ease your financial burden, especially at current low rates. Just make sure you're aware of these potential dangers.

Should Conforming Loan Limits Be Increased?

The conforming loan limit for home loans in the U.S. fell back to pre-2008 levels recently. Now lawmakers want to raise it again. Learn how it could affect you.

6 Cheap Ways to Stage Your Home in a Buyer's Market

Home sellers can be low on leverage in a buyer's market. But these six simple, inexpensive things can help you make the sale.

Farewell to Homeownership: Lessons to Share

Losing your home is not the end of all things. In fact, it could be the beginning of something better. Learn from one writer's experience.

VA Home Loan Benefits and Myths

Many veterans and active service members don't realize they're eligible for VA home loans, which can both save them money and provide other substantial benefits.

What if the Mortgage Interest Deduction Went Away?

What would happen if the mortgage interest deduction were eliminated?

The 7-Year Mortgage: Take It or Leave It?

Could a seven-year mortgage be the perfect for thing for you, or put your homeownership at risk? Understand your options with this guide.

5 Tips for Buying a Commercial Short Sale or Foreclosure

Short sales and foreclosures aren't limited to the residential market. High numbers of distressed commercial properties mean opportunities for savvy buyers who do their homework.

Home Improvements That Pay Off

If you're eventually planning to sell your home want to spruce it up, follow these suggestions to make savvy improvements that provide the best ROI.

U.S. Government Offers "Free" $50,000 to Troubled Homeowners

Are you struggling to pay for your mortgage? Uncle Sam is gearing up to pass out up to $50,000 to troubled homeowners, and it doesn't have to be repaid.

How to Get Into a Good School District for Less

You don't have to buy an extremely expensive house to get your child into a good school. Here are some other approaches to consider.

Why You Should Have Renters Insurance

If you rent your home or apartment, renters insurance can provide you with coverage in case of robbery, natural disaster, and other unexpected situations.

5 Things Our Realtor Told Us That Weren't True

Our realtor told us several things that turned out to be untrue. Learn from these situations before taking their word for it.

Military Members Can Still Utilize Homebuyer Tax Credits

Last year, homebuyer tax credits helped boost the real estate market. Until April 30, certain service members can still take advantage of this benefit.