Real Estate

The housing market in the U.S. is off the charts. Housing inventory is at record lows, and median existing-home sales prices are up 19.1 percent year-over-year. So how's a buyer supposed to win in this seller's market?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

When it comes to buying that spooky-ish-looking Victorian mansion, the word is "buyer beware." No states mandate disclosure that a house is haunted and only a few require disclosure if the seller is asked directly.

By Dave Roos

Comparing home loans can be confusing, but there is a method to the madness. We'll explain why the annual percentage rate is the figure you should be paying attention to.

By Kathryn Whitbourne

If you own a home, you most likely have homeowners insurance, but how sure are you about what is and isn't covered under your policy?

By Patrick J. Kiger

You'll deal with a lot of different people in your quest to buy or sell a home: a realtor, inspector and lender. But the one who might have the most power over the outcome is the appraiser. Learn how to get the best appraisal.

By Dave Roos

That friend or relative who said they only needed somewhere to stay for a few days is still on your couch a few months later. Getting them out legally might be harder than you think.

By Dave Roos

The home-sharing marketplace is booming but you could be exposed to liability without the proper insurance.

By Sarah Gleim

Millennials are buying homes in record numbers — for their dogs.

By Sarah Gleim

Those ocean views could be doing good things for your mental health.

By Kate Kershner

Space isn't so far away, and falling junk can cause personal and property damage. What to do? The risk and remedies aren’t completely clear.

By Patrick J. Kiger

You can almost picture your dream home now: a small, sky-blue craftsman tucked into a peaceful neighborhood near the city. Now it's just a matter of finding and buying it. Here's a handy list of home-buying tips to help you along.

By Karen Kirkpatrick

In the midst of the 2008 housing crisis, the U.S. government introduced a program to encourage consumers to buy houses by offering a tax credit. It was expanded in 2009 and 2010. But did it ultimately help or hurt homebuyers and sellers?

By Alia Hoyt

Lack of funds doesn't have to be an obstacle to home ownership. There are many programs out there to help you get into your very own dream house – or at least a comfy condo.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

When you can't afford your mortgage any longer and don't want to foreclose, a short sale seems like a good idea. How do you qualify for one, and what should you watch out for?

By Dave Roos

So, you've found the perfect apartment -- the location is great, there's lots of space, and you're ready to move in with some close friends. But before you pack everything up, make sure you take a close look at the lease.

By Brian Boone

So you're too young, fit and fantastic for assisted living or a nursing home? Do you want a little security mixed in with remaining social? A senior apartment may be the best option.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

We know you're eager to get unpacked, but this is important. If you aren't meticulous about documenting pre-existing damage in your new apartment, the manager might keep your security deposit.

By Patrick E. George

You're ready to buy that beautiful new condo, but you're not quite ready to sign on the dotted line just yet -- and you won't be until you ask some very important questions.

By Allison Wachtel

The rise of litigation -- and a slew of unhappy tenants -- in the U.S. have led to the proliferation of Directors and Officers liability insurance policies. What are they and how do they protect you?

By Allison Wachtel

You've committed to paying a set HOA fee per month. That you can handle. But when and if the dreaded special assessment hits, will it be even more expensive because of inflation?

By Christine Venzon

Condo fees pay for ongoing costs like landscaping as well as into reserves for major expenses like replacing the roof. How can you tell if your association has enough set aside so they won't be hitting you up later?

By Becky Striepe

Condo living seems pretty sweet -- until your HOA slaps you with an unexpected assessment fee. What exactly are you paying for?

By Christine Venzon

If owning a little piece of planet Earth is on your bucket list, then buying a townhouse will let you live that dream. But don't confuse a townhouse with a condo -- they're not the same.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

When you rent a place to live, you provide the landlord with a security deposit. And if you didn't damage anything, you get that money back. Of course, it's not always that simple.

By Jamie Page Deaton

They have a lot of the same perks that condos do, but in a townhome, you're only sharing the walls with neighbors, not the ceiling and floor. You'll need to keep a few questions in mind if you're thinking of buying one, though.

By Jessika Toothman