Real Estate

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

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?

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

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

Your house has been sitting on the market for almost a year. Maybe it's time to call in a professional. But what's the difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent?

By Dave Roos

We know you're eager to get unpacked, but an apartment inspection 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

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