Articles on Real Estate and Housing

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.

Best Money Tips: Rent Your Spare Room

Today we found some great articles on how to rent your spare room, saving and spending habits to adopt today, and how to prepare for an emergency.

When You Should and Shouldn't Rent

There are many great debates in the world: The chicken or the egg? John or Paul? Should you rent or not? This helps answer one of those.

Houses You Can Build Yourself

From eco-friendly prefab kits to dwellings built out of other people's trash, the possibilities for building your own home are only limited by your imagination.

Want to Buy a Home With No Money Down? Try a USDA Loan

Despite the recent economic crunch, consumers can still purchase homes with no money down through the USDA Rural Development program.

How the Reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Will Affect You

On February 11, the government announced its plan to wind down mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. How will this historic reform affect you?

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.