Real Estate & Mortgages Articles

Learn the key features of three subcategories of equity REITs: industrial, multifamily and hotel REITs.

Empty homes in your neighborhood aren't just eyesores - they can affect the value of your property.

Learn about nonpossessory interests and the various forms of encumbrances.

Investing in income-generating real estate involves market data and a degree of subjectivity.

Some things can get in the way of owning your dream home, but they don't have to.

If you're a homeowner, this is one item you want to understand and use on your return.

If you've inherited an IRA or any other retirement account, we tell you what deadlines you need to be aware of.

Co-op investors can often be penalized for other people's actions. Read on to learn about the most common types of co-op default.

A home equity line of credit is a convenient way to borrow money. But, there are things to be cautious about before you get into trouble.

If you're thinking about purchasing a home with an FHA loan, here are some standards that must be met for the deal to go through.

This insurance has an edge over private mortgage insurance. Find out why.

Mortgage payments aren't the only expense. Find what else you'll be on the hook for.

Answering this means number-crunching as well as factoring in other considerations and expenses.

Calculating return on real estate investments can be difficult. We help you figure it out.

Mortgage lenders don't factor the extra costs into your loan amount. Make sure you save for the "little" things.

Buying a home may be the biggest debt you'll ever incur. Learn why you should retire it sooner, rather than later.

Old age can make dealing with finances difficult. Find out how you can help aging parents manage their finances and estates.

There has been a lot of negativity over the real estate sector since 2008. Here are the reasons why you should be investing in it.

These tips can help you avoid financial risk, and are especially important during an economic slowdown.

Forming and managing a homeowners association is a huge task with significant responsibilities and major implications.

Don't let a slow real estate market drag you down - steer clear of these pitfalls.

Follow this step-by-step guide to make your homeownership dreams a reality.

Don't let buying a home bust your budget. Make sure the house you choose is worth the price you pay.

Don't put the sale of your home at risk by committing one of these dirty deeds.

Real estate and infrastructure are important sectors for risk-averse investors.

Find out how to choose which mortgage style is right for you.

Don't let the excitement of owning your own home lead you to make bad financial decisions.

Avoid being left behind as REITs expand beyond U.S. borders.

This real estate investment provides unique advantages - and challenges.

Learning these concepts is the first step in getting into the real estate investment game.

Find out how to determine whether refinancing will put you ahead or even more behind.

A home warranty may sound like a great form of protection against expensive, unforeseen home repairs. But is it worth it?

Find out if the house you're eyeing is really a good deal.

These futures are intended for institutional use, but retail investors looking to speculate on prices can benefit as well.

These common mistakes occur when you allow your emotions to take over.

Find out what factors you should weigh when searching for income-producing real estate.

Refinancing your mortgage can be a quick way to save on payments, but it's not for everyone.

REITs are much like dividend-paying companies, but analyzing them requires consideration of the accounting treatment of property.

Foreclosure is the biggest fear of any struggling homeowner. These tips just might save your credit rating.

Find out what options are available when your mortgage is greater than the value of your home.

Make sure you know what your real estate investment is worth before you sign the ownership papers.

There are both good and bad reasons to refinance. Learn more about both here.

Learn how to make your house appealing to the largest number of buyers and increase your chances at a fast sale.

Find out what you can do to improve your chances of having a quick sale.

Find out what steps you can take to reduce your bill.

The amount of money you save by paying your mortgage off quickly will far exceed any benefit from the mortgage interest tax deduction.

A "for sale" sign won't sell your house. Find out what it takes and whether you can do it all yourself.

Find out what you can do to polish up some of the common flaws that put off lenders.

Whether you are investing directly or indirectly in property, you need to know the factors that affect its value.

Though it's got merit, buying what you know could hold you back from achieving greater investment yields.

If you're interested in the real estate game, make sure you know what factors will affect whether you make money or not.

Discover everything new homeowners need to know before they sign on the dotted line.

Historical housing price data suggests ongoing increases in housing prices, but these numbers don't tell the whole truth.

There are plenty of ways to end up with a bad mortgage. The risks of these five should make every homebuyer think twice before signing.

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

It's possible to use a second mortgage to avoid this fee, but is it in your best interest?

The traditional real estate market isn't the only place to conduct your home search. Auctions also bring many buying opportunities.

Find out what you need to prepare to avoid serious estate planning mistakes.

Deciding which factor is more important can make a difference in monthly payments, ability to move and Homowners Association fees.

These common errors could end in foreclosure.

Take these steps seriously, and you'll have your first "sold" sign up with your savings account still intact.

Few homeowners think of their mortgages as leverage, but careful use of this asset can help them maximize their net worth.

There's more than one way to buy or sell a house. Seller financing presents yet another unique option.

The best real estate investors all share these traits and practices.

Co-ops are often less expensive than apartments and provide some unique benefits and drawbacks for owners.

If you can check off each of these points, you are likely a member of the middle class.

Restrictive rules and high fees are just some of the things to watch out for before joining an HOA.

If you have the time and energy, the 203(k) loan is often the only way to finance a property needing significant repairs.

If you're looking at a fixer-upper, the Federal Housing Administration rehab loan may be the mortgage for you.

Real estate investment trusts are a sound addition to a diversified portfolio. Learn what you need to know to invest.

You think your updated house looks great, but potential buyers may not feel the same way.

If you can't qualify for or don't want a traditional mortgage, one of these options might be right for you.

These errors could wind up costing you more than the coveted key to your first home.

Successful real estate investors are more than just landords - they are savvy business executives.

Home price appreciation is not assured. Can you withstand the volatility in this market?

Some renovations will mean a bigger sale price on your home, while others will just cost you.

If you are looking for a good deal and have time to wait, a short-sale house may be for you.

You can change your bank's answer to a loan request from 'No' to 'Yes'. Find out how.

Convince lenders that you're a good bet despite your lack of a steady income.

Ever considered investing in real estate? Read about the REIT and see if it's the investment for you.

Real estate investors can flip a property or use it for cash flow. Find out which will work in your neck of the woods.

The meltdown in mortgage-backed securities is bringing about reform in home financing.

Before tapping your home equity, find out what can go wrong.

Having to buy flood insurance shouldn't be a surprise. Find out what you need to know when purchasing or refinancing a house.

Find out how being a veteran can save you money on your mortgage.

It takes a lot more work, but selling your home without a realtor can have benefits.

Find out why funds from operations is a superior measure of REIT performance.

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

Investing in this kind of real estate takes capital, time and careful planning.

A long list of things needs to happen before a home becomes yours. Find out what to expect.

Inflation is a natural part of modern life - but there are some ways to cover your assets.

There are many different ways to be victimized through home ownership - learn how to identify and avoid these crimes.

Understanding these benchmarks can help you select the most competitive adjustable-rate loan.

Don't go it alone in the real estate market. We'll show you how to find the help you need.

Mathematically speaking, walking away can sometimes be the most prudent choice. Find out how to run the numbers.

Exotic mortgages allow you to decide how much to pay. Find out how much they really cost.

If you think holding several stocks means you're diversified, think again - there's much more to be done to reduce portfolio risk.