Real Estate & Mortgages Articles

Thinking of buying a home? We look at the initial and ongoing costs, as well as the so-called benefits.

In the past few years reverse mortgages have been heavily marketed as the way to become debt, and worry, free. For some seniors a reverse mortgage makes sense, for other though this dream product can quickly become a nightmare.

Both buyers and sellers can benefit from a real estate professional experienced in dealing with short sales and foreclosures.

While every day is unique for a real estate agent, there are some activities that may be a typical part of an agent's day.

Even though Dennis Miller spent well over three decades writing books and teaching the subject of negotiations, some of the best lessons he learned on the subject came from luck.

Understand how rate changes can affect home prices, and learn how you can keep up.

Property tax liens can be a viable investment alternative for experienced investors that are familiar with the real estate market.

Being a landlord sounds like the path to riches: you buy some property, rent it out and watch the checks come in every month. The reality is that it’s a young man’s game. There’s just too much hassle, full time commitment, and risk associated with rental properties to be worthwhile for most retirees.

This index is a widely-used and respected barometer of the U.S. housing market and the broader economy.

Canadian mortgages aren’t tax-deductible like the U.S.-based mortgages, but there's a way around this hurdle.

Not everyone wants to spend their weekends shaping backyard topiaries. Even though you may enjoy the improvements you make to your house, it doesn't mean that they'll increase its value.

Find out what you can do to stand out from the competition and make your home an easy sell.

Here are a few ideas that will help you advance your career as a successful real estate agent.

Learn why this one particular REIT is a better investment than holding physical property in your retirement portfolio.

This year, find out how to stretch your tax refund further to strengthen your future.

For investors, the surge in new REIT activity is providing some pretty interesting dividend opportunities.

Before incurring additional risks in your retirement portfolio, be sure to understand the alternatives and the consequences of your strategy.

Of Americans aged 50 to 70, 47% have reported that they are relying on home equity to fund their retirements.

Every penny that you keep out of the liability side of the net worth equation essentially ends up on the asset side.

In many circumstances, a reverse mortgage can be a risk to your financial security. Here are six dangers you should consider before signing on the bottom line.

You might be suprised to learn that after reaching certain criteria, your PMI will be automatically cancelled.

Understanding how the foreclosure process normally works - and how it dysfunctions in today’s market - will help you avoid becoming a victim.

Was the recent mortgage settlement really worth it for homeowners, or are they still getting the short end of the stick?

Here's a look at whether it is a good idea to buy a rundown home to repair for profit.

Mortgage brokers may be able to find you the loan of your dreams, but you should consider the potential downsides before hiring one.

Owning a home is much more expensive than renting. Here are the places where the costs differ greatly.

Rather than shivering away their golden years, retirees can fly south to winter in sunny locales.

Loan applications are increasingly being rejected because of lender overlays.

From REITs to owning your own home, find out how diversify your portfolio with real estate assets.

These instruments provide exposure to the real estate market without having to buy and sell property.

Learn how the newest tax laws apply to the proceeds you earn.

The real estate market is on the recovery, and there are ways you can ensure your home sells faster and for the price you want.

These luxurious homes are exclusively for the one percenters. Each property sold for huge sums and features extravagant renovations.

Some modern real estate purchases may seem overly expensive, but they are nowhere close to the priciest land deals in history.

Larry Ellison and Richard Branson are just two of the people who bought their own private islands.

Here are three simple questions you should consider when weighing this decision.

Home appraisals are an unbiased way to determine a home's value. Here is what you need to know about obtaining one.

Short-term renting is not for everyone. Significant risks to opening up your home to strangers may outweigh the inflow of cash.

Go beyond interest and find out how mortgage points affect your taxable income.

Failing to properly promote your house when it is on the market can wreck your chances of selling quickly and for the price you want.

When renting an apartment, a security or damage deposit is almost always required. Here are some tips to help you avoid unforeseen circumstances and get your money back in its entirety when you move out.

Learn how to pay less for your home in the long run, or save in the short run.

When a young adult moves back home it can be beneficial for their finances and their parents'.

Consider the many expenses and possible advantages associated with Greek life before joining a sorority or fraternity.

You're nearing retirement age and you don't have the nest egg you need. Here's how an income property can help you make up the shortfall.

Re-amortization is a lesser known alternative to refinancing when it comes to dealing with your mortgage.

With the euro underperforming, now is a great time to travel, buy a home or go to school in Europe.

Learn some simple, yet effective tips for saving money in your college years.

If you are upgrading your home, here are some things you'll need to know so you don't spend more money than you need to.

Many Americans are having a tough time paying their mortgages. Here are some reasons why some homeowners fared better than others during the housing crisis.

Rising rates mean rising profits for lenders, providing incentive to increase rates whenever possible.

Here's a rundown of the specific tax rules that apply to homeowners renting out a vacation property.

Downsizing your home can be a great step towards less financial stress, and leave you more time for family and travel

Here's a rundown of how much investors need to get started in real estate investing.

Qualifying for a mortgage is a little more complicated for borrowers who are self-employed.

Seemingly intrusive or irrelevant questions are actually legal for lenders to ask of mortgage applicants.

This special type of open house can provide targeted marketing and yield expert advice.

Here are the best spots in America to buy a summer home, based on price, exclusivity and other enticing features.

Discover the risks and rewards of investing in real estate funds, as well as some of the best and worst performers.

Here are some useful tips to help you find an apartment that's affordable and livable.

This arrangement allows beneficiaries to access your account without having to go to court.

We walk through the steps needed to secure the best loan to finance the purchase of your home.

Both of these have advantages and disadvantages depending on your financial needs and prospects.

Investing in rental property can generate serious income, but there's more to it than collecting rent.

Is this an investing option you should consider? Find out here.

For savvy real estate investors, times of lower prices reveal investment opportunity.

Find out why this job more closely resembles the role of a CEO than an asset manager.

Many countries can help you establish a path towards residency. Before you move, read this article first.

This property market is easy to access and provides profitable opportunities.

Even in a down market, local real estate properties have inefficiencies that investors can exploit.

We look at some people who own private islands, and give you tips for making a massive purchase like this.

Anyone involved in a real transaction can benefit from gaining a basic understanding of the different methods of real estate valuation.

We look at the financial differences between purchasing a cheaper home and making a larger down payment on a more expensive home.

Being aware of these unscrupulous methods can help you avoid them as best you can.

Here are some of the key figures on the current housing market and how you might interpret them.

The cost of buying a home extends beyond the down payment, closing costs and your mortgage. Watch out for these costs.

Home sales continue to struggle. Now more than ever, you need a good agent to help you sell your home. Here's why.

These common errors could end in foreclosure.

Before you buy that brand-new home, read this first. There are some things you should know about.

Here's a rundown of how building your own home compares to buying one already built.

If you can't afford property close to home, consider taking the real estate plunge elsewhere in the country.

Here are the cities in the U.S. that offer the best home prices.

You may think it's better to own than rent, but there are many overlooked costs that could change your mind.

Do you think making two payments a month for your mortgage is a good idea? Think twice about that. We tell you why.

History suggests that real estate can provide diversification and a hedge against inflation.

Being a "condo person" is just one of the issues you'll have to examine when deciding if a condo is right for you.

We help you figure out the terminology and types of deeds, and how to make it legal.

Remember to research thoroughly and look for a contingency plan before buying your first home.

We provide top tips on how to help sell your home in a rough market.

Create a valuation system to forecast the profitability of an income-producing property.

This step is important when purchasing a property because it may save you thousands.

Here are some tips to help you make sure you don't fall victim to these real estate pitfalls.

Your credit score can have a huge impact on your mortgage payments. Here are some reasons why.

If you're in a pinch for money, you're the prime target for con artists and thieves.

There's a pilot program in the works to have more rental properties. Read on to see how you can get in on it.

Converted schoolhouses, box bungalows and cohousing are just three places you can reside other than a typical house, condo or apartment.

Renting out a portion of your home to help pay the mortgage sounds like a great idea, but it doesn't always work out the way you planned.