Real Estate & Mortgages Articles

  1. How To Keep Costs Low When Refinancing Your Home

    With interest rates still being relatively low, now is a great time to capitalize on refinancing your home. Be aware of what fees are involved in a refinance, and how to keep these costs low.
  2. How To Properly Research For The Best Mortgage Rate

    You’ve probably been told to shop around for the best rate, but what exactly does that entail? Find out how to ensure you're getting the best possible rate on your mortgage.
  3. To Rent Or Buy? There's More To It Than Money

    Your lifestyle, level of commitment and the trade-offs need to be carefully weighed.
  4. To Rent Or Buy? The Financial Issues

    Thinking of buying a home? We look at the initial and ongoing costs, as well as the so-called benefits.
  5. A Lousy Investment That May Be A Good Source Of Income

    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.
  6. Helping Clients Navigate Short Sales And Foreclosures

    Both buyers and sellers can benefit from a real estate professional experienced in dealing with short sales and foreclosures.
  7. A Day In The Life Of A Real Estate Agent

    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.
  8. Real Estate Investing: Is Now the Time to Take Advantage of the Current Buyer’s Market?

    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.
  9. How Interest Rates Affect The Housing Market

    Understand how rate changes can affect home prices, and learn how you can keep up.
  10. Investing In Property Tax Liens

    Property tax liens can be a viable investment alternative for experienced investors that are familiar with the real estate market.
  11. Is Real Estate Ever A Wise Investment For Retirees?

    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.
  12. Understanding The Case-Shiller Housing Index

    This index is a widely-used and respected barometer of the U.S. housing market and the broader economy.
  13. The Smith Maneuver: A Canadian Mortgage Tax-Deductible Plan

    Canadian mortgages aren’t tax-deductible like the U.S.-based mortgages, but there's a way around this hurdle.
  14. 6 Things You Think Add Value To Your Home - But Really Don't

    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.
  15. 6 Tips For Selling Your Home Fast

    Find out what you can do to stand out from the competition and make your home an easy sell.
  16. Tips For Working As A Real Estate Agent

    Here are a few ideas that will help you advance your career as a successful real estate agent.
  17. Investing In REITs Instead Of Property

    Learn why this one particular REIT is a better investment than holding physical property in your retirement portfolio.
  18. 5 Smart Ways To Use Your Tax Return

    This year, find out how to stretch your tax refund further to strengthen your future.
  19. There Are New REITs On The Horizon

    For investors, the surge in new REIT activity is providing some pretty interesting dividend opportunities.
  20. The Riskiest Investment Moves for Retirement That Could Pay Off

    Before incurring additional risks in your retirement portfolio, be sure to understand the alternatives and the consequences of your strategy.
  21. Is Relying On Home Equity For Retirement A Good Idea?

    Of Americans aged 50 to 70, 47% have reported that they are relying on home equity to fund their retirements.
  22. Common Liabilities That Hurt Your Net Worth

    Every penny that you keep out of the liability side of the net worth equation essentially ends up on the asset side.
  23. The Dangers Of A Reverse Mortgage

    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.
  24. Automatic Cancellation Of PMI When You're Underwater On Your Mortgage

    You might be suprised to learn that after reaching certain criteria, your PMI will be automatically cancelled.
  25. What Homeowners Need To Know About Zombie Titles

    Understanding how the foreclosure process normally works - and how it dysfunctions in today’s market - will help you avoid becoming a victim.
  26. Homeowners Still Not Getting Money From $25-Billion Mortgage Settlement

    Was the recent mortgage settlement really worth it for homeowners, or are they still getting the short end of the stick?
  27. Are Distressed Homes Worth Buying?

    Here's a look at whether it is a good idea to buy a rundown home to repair for profit.
  28. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Mortgage Broker

    Mortgage brokers may be able to find you the loan of your dreams, but you should consider the potential downsides before hiring one.
  29. Reasons Renting Is Better Than Buying

    Owning a home is much more expensive than renting. Here are the places where the costs differ greatly.
  30. In Retirement, Snowbirds Leave Cold Weather Behind

    Rather than shivering away their golden years, retirees can fly south to winter in sunny locales.
  31. How Lender Overlays Prevent Mortgages

    Loan applications are increasingly being rejected because of lender overlays.
  32. Add Some Real Estate To Your Portfolio

    From REITs to owning your own home, find out how diversify your portfolio with real estate assets.
  33. A Guide To Real Estate Derivatives

    These instruments provide exposure to the real estate market without having to buy and sell property.
  34. Will Your Home Sale Leave You With Tax Shock?

    Learn how the newest tax laws apply to the proceeds you earn.
  35. 6 Ways To Make Your Home More Enticing To Buyers

    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.
  36. 4 Most Expensive Homes In America

    These luxurious homes are exclusively for the one percenters. Each property sold for huge sums and features extravagant renovations.
  37. 3 Of The Most Lucrative Land Deals In History

    Some modern real estate purchases may seem overly expensive, but they are nowhere close to the priciest land deals in history.
  38. 6 Wealthy People Who Owned Private Islands

    Larry Ellison and Richard Branson are just two of the people who bought their own private islands.
  39. Retirement Living: Renting Vs. Home Ownership

    Here are three simple questions you should consider when weighing this decision.
  40. What You Should Know About Home Appraisals

    Home appraisals are an unbiased way to determine a home's value. Here is what you need to know about obtaining one.
  41. Why You May Want To Think Twice About Renting Out Your Home

    Short-term renting is not for everyone. Significant risks to opening up your home to strangers may outweigh the inflow of cash.
  42. A Tax Primer For Homeowners

    Go beyond interest and find out how mortgage points affect your taxable income.
  43. 5 Things That'll Ruin Your Chances Of Selling Your Home

    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.
  44. 6 Ways To Get Your Full Security Deposit Back

    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.
  45. Mortgage Points: What's The Point?

    Learn how to pay less for your home in the long run, or save in the short run.
  46. Moving Back Home: A Win-Win Situation

    When a young adult moves back home it can be beneficial for their finances and their parents'.
  47. Should You Join A Sorority Or Fraternity?

    Consider the many expenses and possible advantages associated with Greek life before joining a sorority or fraternity.
  48. The Income Property: Your Late-In-Life Retirement Plan

    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.
  49. Re-Amortizing Or Refinancing Your Home

    Re-amortization is a lesser known alternative to refinancing when it comes to dealing with your mortgage.
  50. 5 Ways To Take Advantage Of Europe's Situation

    With the euro underperforming, now is a great time to travel, buy a home or go to school in Europe.
  51. Going To College Without Going Broke

    Learn some simple, yet effective tips for saving money in your college years.
  52. Moving Up: Dream House Or Money Pit?

    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.
  53. Why People Are Having Difficulty Making Mortgage Payments

    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.
  54. Got A Good Mortgage Rate? Lock It Up!

    Rising rates mean rising profits for lenders, providing incentive to increase rates whenever possible.
  55. Tax Rules For Renting Out Your Vacation Home

    Here's a rundown of the specific tax rules that apply to homeowners renting out a vacation property.
  56. 3 Scenarios Where Downsizing Your Home Is Smart

    Downsizing your home can be a great step towards less financial stress, and leave you more time for family and travel
  57. How Much Money Do You Need To Invest In Real Estate?

    Here's a rundown of how much investors need to get started in real estate investing.
  58. 5 Steps To Qualify For A Mortgage If You're Self-Employed

    Qualifying for a mortgage is a little more complicated for borrowers who are self-employed.
  59. What Are Mortgage Lenders Allowed To Ask Borrowers?

    Seemingly intrusive or irrelevant questions are actually legal for lenders to ask of mortgage applicants.
  60. A Broker's Open House Can Help You Sell Your Home

    This special type of open house can provide targeted marketing and yield expert advice.
  61. Best Places In The U.S. To Buy A Summer Home

    Here are the best spots in America to buy a summer home, based on price, exclusivity and other enticing features.
  62. The Risks Of Real Estate Sector Funds

    Discover the risks and rewards of investing in real estate funds, as well as some of the best and worst performers.
  63. How To Find The Perfect Apartment

    Here are some useful tips to help you find an apartment that's affordable and livable.
  64. The Benefits And Pitfalls Of Joint Tenancy

    This arrangement allows beneficiaries to access your account without having to go to court.
  65. Understanding Your Mortgage

    We walk through the steps needed to secure the best loan to finance the purchase of your home.
  66. Mortgages: Fixed-Rate Versus Adjustable-Rate

    Both of these have advantages and disadvantages depending on your financial needs and prospects.
  67. Tips For The Prospective Landlord

    Investing in rental property can generate serious income, but there's more to it than collecting rent.
  68. Real Estate Speculation In College Towns

    Is this an investing option you should consider? Find out here.
  69. 7 Steps To A Hot Commercial Real Estate Deal

    For savvy real estate investors, times of lower prices reveal investment opportunity.
  70. A Career In Real Estate Portfolio Management

    Find out why this job more closely resembles the role of a CEO than an asset manager.
  71. Tips For Getting A Permanent Visa

    Many countries can help you establish a path towards residency. Before you move, read this article first.
  72. Canada: A New Frontier For Real Estate Investors

    This property market is easy to access and provides profitable opportunities.
  73. Making Money In Residential Real Estate

    Even in a down market, local real estate properties have inefficiencies that investors can exploit.
  74. How To Buy Your Own Private Island

    We look at some people who own private islands, and give you tips for making a massive purchase like this.
  75. What You Should Know About Real Estate Valuation

    Anyone involved in a real transaction can benefit from gaining a basic understanding of the different methods of real estate valuation.
  76. Making A Larger Down Payment Vs. Buying a Cheaper House

    We look at the financial differences between purchasing a cheaper home and making a larger down payment on a more expensive home.
  77. 10 Legal Business Practices Of Dubious Ethics

    Being aware of these unscrupulous methods can help you avoid them as best you can.
  78. Have Housing Prices Bottomed Out?

    Here are some of the key figures on the current housing market and how you might interpret them.
  79. 11 Hidden Costs Of Owning A Home

    The cost of buying a home extends beyond the down payment, closing costs and your mortgage. Watch out for these costs.
  80. 5 Reasons To Use A Real Estate Agent In A Down Market

    Home sales continue to struggle. Now more than ever, you need a good agent to help you sell your home. Here's why.
  81. Top 6 Mortgage Mistakes

    These common errors could end in foreclosure.
  82. New Construction's Hidden Costs Can Burn Buyers

    Before you buy that brand-new home, read this first. There are some things you should know about.
  83. The Financial Considerations Of Building Vs. Buying

    Here's a rundown of how building your own home compares to buying one already built.
  84. Investing In Property Out Of State

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

    Here are the cities in the U.S. that offer the best home prices.
  86. When Owning Your Home Doesn't Pay

    You may think it's better to own than rent, but there are many overlooked costs that could change your mind.
  87. Is Making Biweekly Mortgage Payments A Good Idea?

    Do you think making two payments a month for your mortgage is a good idea? Think twice about that. We tell you why.
  88. Can Real Estate Stabilize Your Portfolio?

    History suggests that real estate can provide diversification and a hedge against inflation.
  89. Condo Complications: The Issues Behind Ownership

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

    We help you figure out the terminology and types of deeds, and how to make it legal.
  91. 5 Common Budgeting Mistakes When Buying A Home

    Remember to research thoroughly and look for a contingency plan before buying your first home.
  92. Closing A Real Estate Deal In A Down Market

    We provide top tips on how to help sell your home in a rough market.
  93. Rental Properties: Cash Cow Or Money Pit?

    Create a valuation system to forecast the profitability of an income-producing property.
  94. Do You Need A Home Inspection?

    This step is important when purchasing a property because it may save you thousands.
  95. Real Estate Traps To Avoid

    Here are some tips to help you make sure you don't fall victim to these real estate pitfalls.
  96. Credit Scores And Your Mortgage Payment: It Matters

    Your credit score can have a huge impact on your mortgage payments. Here are some reasons why.
  97. Homeowners, Beware These Scams!

    If you're in a pinch for money, you're the prime target for con artists and thieves.
  98. Golden Opportunity For Real Estate Investors

    There's a pilot program in the works to have more rental properties. Read on to see how you can get in on it.
  99. The Oddest Houses You Can Rent Or Buy

    Converted schoolhouses, box bungalows and cohousing are just three places you can reside other than a typical house, condo or apartment.
  100. How Renting Out Your Spare Room Can Backfire

    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.
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