Archive for 'Real Estate'

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Foreclosure
Oct 21, 2011 - Just because a foreclosure goes up for sale doesn't mean it's easy money for the buyer who scoops it up cheap. Unless you ask yourself some hard questions, you could lose big.

Why I’m Still a Happy Renter: 4 Tips for the Apartment Hunt
Oct 21, 2011 - Experts suggest potential homebuyers should snatch up cheap homes at low interest rates now – and that's fine if you have the cash. But there are plenty of great rentals seeking tenants for low rents right now, if you know how to look.

8 Must-Have Items for Your Next Kitchen Remodel
Oct 07, 2011 - If you're going to upgrade your kitchen, think about more than just the cabinets and countertops. Here are some amazing items that will make your cooking easier – and just might impress a future buyer of your house.

Ask Stacy: Are These Buyers Trying to Rip Me Off?
Oct 04, 2011 - This question involves a reader who's selling their house – or trying to – to a buyer who wants to tie it up with a 60-day inspection period. Is this a scam?

6 Tips to Taking a Renter Into Your Home
Sep 19, 2011 - It's one thing to own rental property. It's quite another to rent out a floor in your own home. Learn some key lessons this couple found out the hard way.

21 Reasons Why Corner Lots Are for Suckers
Sep 01, 2011 - Don't put yourself in a corner when it comes to buying a house. I did it, and I regret it.

Homes: Buying vs. Renting
Aug 31, 2011 - Plenty of calculators around the Web are supposed to help you decide whether to rent or buy. There's only one problem: They probably won't help much.

How to Build a Dream Home During a Recession
Aug 11, 2011 - Why did we build a house when buying an existing one would've been cheaper? It was an emotional decision, but my husband and I learned a lot. Too bad we didn't save a lot.

How to Live in Luxurious Homes for Free
Aug 10, 2011 - Living rent-free isn't something many of us can do past our teenage years – but for the right kind of person, it's possible. Learn how and see if you have what it takes to be a house-sitting pro.

Jobs Report is Out: Stock Market Update
Aug 05, 2011 - July's jobs report is out and it's better news than expected. But the stock market seems to be dropping anyway. Should you panic?

Ask Stacy: Should I Refinance My Home?
Jul 19, 2011 - Every homeowner's been there: Should I refinance or not? While both the math and paperwork seem complicated, the decision is often fairly straightforward.

Ask Stacy: Is This Company Legit?
Jul 05, 2011 - This reader is looking for a home and has come across ads from a company that promises to provide her with a rent-to-own home. Should she bite? The steps I took to find out will come in handy when it's time to check out any company.

Ask Stacy: How Do I Know If This Timeshare Company is Legit?
May 17, 2011 - Whether it's a timeshare company or any other kind, use this 3-step process to investigate before you hand over that hard-earned cash.

6 Signs of a Housing Rescue Scam and Where to Get Free Help
May 13, 2011 - The mortgage crisis has created a new breed of scammer — one that charges up-front fees and tells you to lie to your lender. Need help with a mortgage problem? Here's where to turn for free, honest help.

15 Tips to Find, Buy, and Rent Real Estate
May 11, 2011 - With home values down and rents up, renting out sounds smart. But it's not as easy as you think — so learn how to avoid bad tenants who can cost you money instead of making it.