Real Estate

So maybe you don't have a great credit history, or you're having trouble coming up with a down payment. Renting to own is one way to become a homeowner -- but it has its pitfalls.

By Sarah Siddons & Chris Opfer

If you own a home or are interested in owning one in the future, take a look at our real estate pictures. See how the market works, what affects it and what it takes to become a homeowner or landlord.

When this non-profit organization isn't storming Wall Street, it's busy hammering out affordable mortgages for low-income and middle-income people. What's the catch?

By Maria Trimarchi & Molly Edmonds

Foreclosure is a frightening and increasingly common scenario in which homeowners lose their home because they can't make their mortgage payment. Why is this scenario playing out in a neighborhood near you?

By Molly Edmonds

Real estate agents tend to promote and encourage homes with southern exposure to the sun's rays. Why is this so important for a home?

Do you want to buy a house for $1? You can, if you're willing to pick it up, haul it somewhere else and finance the whole move. But is house moving more of a headache than a bargain?

By Molly Edmonds

Home staging isn't decorating -- it's more like depersonalizing your home to make it more attractive to potential buyers.

By Tiffany Connors

House flipping is buying a house or property and selling it for a profit. If everything works, you could make out well. But if something goes wrong, you could be stuck with an extra mortgage payment.

By Tiffany Connors

Selling a house is a complicated process, no matter how good the real estate market is. Whether you're a first-time home seller or not, you probably have a bunch of questions.

By Jacob Silverman

Investing in income-generating real estate can be a great way to increase your net worth. But for many people, investing in real estate, particularly commercial real estate, is simply out of reach financially. Enter real estate investment trusts, or REITs

By Lee Ann Obringer

Homeowners insurance can help if your home suffers any sort of damage. Find out how homeowners insurance works and how to save money on premiums.

By Jacob Silverman

You know that you've stepped up and claimed your piece of the American dream when you finally get the keys to your first home. But how do you get there?

By Lee Ann Obringer & Dave Roos

The purchase of a home is the embodiment of the American dream, but the road to home ownership has evolved over the years. Did you know that mortgages didn't even exist until the 1930s? Here, we'll explore what finances the biggest purchase most people will ever make.

By Lee Ann Obringer & Dave Roos

Home equity loans can provide you with valuable financial flexibility, so long as the market is stable. Learn about the types of home equity loans and how to get the best rates.

By Jacob Silverman

When I look at the real estate section of a newspaper, I see houses, mobile homes, condominiums, co-ops and townhouses. Why do people use all these different words, and is there really a difference in these types of housing?