In the market for a new home? You'll want to avoid these common mistakes made by first-time buyers - and even those who already have purchased a home or two before. Shopping before getting pre-approved. Without consulting with a mortgage company... (Read More)

You've waited for the housing recovery. Your down payment is in the bank and you're pre-approved for a mortgage. You're all ready to buy a home. Here are some tips for doing it the smart way: Make sure it's the right time. If you are planning to... (Read More)

Where have all the investors gone? Real estate investors now account for less than 20 percent of home buying activity, the lowest level since September 2012. And most experts agree that the share of home purchases by investors is expected to... (Read More)

Garage doors can be dangerous. Each year, more than 20,000 adults and children are injured by them! That's why if you're buying a home, having a professional check the garage door before you move in can be a good idea. Most newer garage... (Read More)

It's one of the most enduring myths in real estate today: You can't buy a home with a 20 percent down payment. In reality, there are a variety of federal, state and even city-level programs available to help people who don't have that much... (Read More)

You want to buy a home, but you don't have a 20 percent down payment saved. The good news is that in many cases, home buyers don't need that much money to buy a home. But you're going to have to set aside some money. How much? And how can you save... (Read More)

If you're buying or selling a home, you may be worried about the appraisal. What should you do if the appraisal comes up short?  Here are some options for both buyers and sellers: For sellers: • Walk away. If the appraised value comes in... (Read More)

Summer is here and that means it won't be long before you start to crank up your home cooling expenses. Did you know that according to the U.S. Department of Energy, nearly half of your yearly utility bills go to heating and cooling?  But... (Read More)

Ready to sell your home? You have some big decisions to make, such as setting a listing price. If your price is too high, it could scare away some prospective buyers. Too low, and you could leave some money on the table. Deciding what type of... (Read More)