Real Estate

Finding a real estate agent that you can trust is the first step toward a smooth process when buying a home. Learn about finding a real estate agent.

These ten moving tips will help you through the moving process. Learn the top ten moving tips from HowStuffWorks.

A landlord is the guy some people love to hate. He wants his money on time -- no excuses. But does renting and maintaining property really make him work hard for his money?

By Dave Roos

Buying or selling a home can be stressful, but choosing the right real estate agent can reduce the hassle. Proper interviewing will help you find one who sees you as more than just a fat paycheck.

By Caitlin Uttley

You may have seen advertisements staring celebrities James Garner or Robert Wagner that go something like this... "If you're 62 years of age or older and own your own home..." They're endorsing reverse mortgage loans. But is it a good idea, or are they just trying to make a buck?

By Sarah Siddons

You've found your dream home. The asking price is $300,000 -- an amount you've already been pre-approved for by your bank. But is the home really worth that amount? That's the question at the heart of the home appraisal.

By Sarah Siddons

You may have heard there's still money in real estate, but it seems so confusing. Is there a way to learn more, mingle with some like-minded people, perhaps find a more seasoned investor to mentor you? Absolutely. Just find a real estate investment club.

By Sarah Siddons

When you buy or sell a house, you'll probably encounter a multiple listing service. But some agents are concerned because people sidestep them and instead use the multiple listing services to share information.

By Sarah Siddons

For Sale By Owner signs are popping up all over the place. More and more people are sidestepping real estate agents and selling homes on their own. Some sellers save thousands of dollars this way.

By Sarah Siddons

The Beatles' John Lennon belonged to one. Madonna was rejected by one. So was former President Richard Nixon. What are they? Housing cooperatives, known as co-ops. But what are they? And why are they so exclusive?

By Sarah Siddons

Buying your first home can be a dream come true, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Realistic planning is key to avoiding the pitfalls that await first-time homebuyers.

By Jane McGrath

In medieval Europe, property taxes were based on the size of a piece of land: the larger the piece of land, the higher the real estate property tax. Today, property taxes in the United States are based mostly what's on the land, too.

By John Barrymore

Whether it's the inviting blue of a clear summer sky or the cold, impersonal gray of a waiting room, color can actually have a psychological and physical impact on us. But is the impact enough to sell your home?

By Jessika Toothman

What do you do when you work, but can't pay the rent? Section 8 is a federal housing assistance program designed to help families overspending on rent. However, families must meet stringent income requirements and can spend years languishing on a waiting list for prized housing vouchers.

By John Barrymore

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.

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?

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

Subprime mortgages allow people with a weak or limited credit history to purchase a house. Some people say that subprime lenders prey on minorities, while others claim that subprime lending is why the housing bubble has burst.

By Charles W. Bryant & Jane McGrath

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