How to Finance a Second Home

Thinking about buying a vacation property? Here's what you need to know.

How to Get Started Buying a Home

Is Foreclosure Relief Fair to Everyone Else?

We're seeing state and federal foreclosure relief that looks unfair to taxpayers and arbitrary in its benefits.

How to Sell Your Home Fast

Following these three steps will help make your home irresistible to buyers.

Economy Warming with the Weather

Though the risk of a spike in energy prices looms, there's mounting evidence that this time, economic recovery is for real.

Stock Markets Seem to Be in Lock Step

High correlation across asset classes is the norm today. But in the long-run, diversification will still be the key to a winning portfolio.

Refinance at Today’s Lower Interest Rates to Save Money on Your Mortgage

For a lot of borrowers, it makes sense to refinance.

Finally, a Bottom for Home Prices

Plenty of people would like to set up their own household. More-affordable houses could bring them into the market.

The Fatal Flaw of Obama's Mortgage Plan

Until Americans see owning a home as a good investment again, housing will continue to be a drag on the economy.

Is Gentrification a Plus for the Neighbors?

Gentrification is often used unfairly to describe what should be viewed as a normal and positive stage in the life cycle of cities.

The Dismal Long-Term Prospects for the U.S. Economy

Is America toast? Maybe not, but the middle class will likely spend some hard time in the toaster oven.

Qualifying for a Mortgage When You Already Own a Home

Having renters for a house you can't sell might not help you qualify for a new loan.

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Follow these steps to protect your home and property from storms.

Housing Will Add to the Economy's Growth This Year

The sector’s collapse is just about over, but don’t look for the typical boomy recovery.

Helping You Make Sense of the Markets

Looking ahead, we think the stock market could return 7% to 10% over the next 12 months.

Looking Back at 2010: How Did We Do?

We know you count on our advice. So we're our own harshest critic.

How to Profit in Today's Economy: Rentals Surge, Homes Shrink

As the housing market resets, families take another look at whether they should buy.

Robert Shiller Sees More Housing Pain Ahead

The Yale economist who called the housing bubble says foreclosure-gate is sapping confidence and more home price declines are likely.

It's Not Okay to Skip Out on a Mortgage

Default is ethical only for people who can no longer afford their home because of circumstances beyond their control, such as job loss.

What Could Slay the Bull

With stocks up sharply from their bear-market bottoms, investors have regained their confidence. But a lot could still go wrong.

What It Takes to Get a Mortgage

Rates are still low, but you'll have to jump through a few hoops to qualify.

A Sign of Improvement for
High-End Home Sales

A successful deal involving mortgages that aren’t federally guaranteed signals a healing housing market.

Now's the Time to Buy a Home

Prices are near bottom, rates are cheap and there are plenty of houses to choose from.

Are Distressed Homes Worth the Hassle?

Home Buying for Beginners

With the tax-credit deadline looming, our reporter decides whether to jump in now or bide his time.

Shop Smart

Start your search by looking at homes at the bottom of your price range, giving you room to make a higher offer.

Clinch the Deal

Before you make an offer, know how motivated the sellers are.

Housing Crawling Back

It looks like sales, starts have found a bottom -- but the market's far from healthy.

All About Rents, Costs and Taxes

Let's consider a home near Pigeon Forge, Tenn., in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. You pay $600,000 with 30% down.

Vacation Homes: Deal or No Deal?

Prices are attractive, but it's still tough to make the numbers add up.

When You Make Your Vacation Home a Business

Should You Buy or Rent?

Renting may be smarter if home prices in your area will fall further.

3 Keys to Selling Your Home

It's still a buyer's market, But we show you how to make a quick sale and get a fair price.

Prepping Your Home for a Sale

Give your home a face-lift and stage it to get a quicker sale and a higher price.

Finding a Real Estate Agent Online

You want an agent who is full-time, experienced, energetic and congenial. Prescreen agents by checking their listings online.

Pricing Your Home for a Sale

Be prepared to strike a happy medium, but don't low-ball your initial price.

Contingency Strategies for a Smooth Sale

Contingencies protect you and your buyer, but they can also sabotage a sale.

How to Get a Fair Appraisal

A Challenge for Borrowers

Tighter lending standards imposed by banks are thwarting even low-risk home loans.

Glimmers of Light on Home Prices

Sales are ticking up, but don’t expect prices to follow until the middle of the year.