Get the Low Down

No need to feel discouraged if you lack the recommended minimum down payment of 20 percent, experts say. Qualifying for a low down-payment loan can be challenging, but there are more available options than people think.

Beware the lemon house

So-called “lemons” are consumer goods that fail quality and performance standards soon after purchased. Lemon laws (or warranties) protect consumers who buy defective products by offering a replacement or refund – but real estate is a different matter. In a market with many foreclosed, short…

Now or Later?

Buy now or wait on the sideline? That’s the question many prospective home purchasers are asking nowadays, especially considering how mixed the messages have been in the media about whether or not this is a buyer’s market.

Remodeling Rebounds

The remodeling market may be waking up from the doldrums, according to a biennial report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University (JCHSHU).

Subsidized Sprawl

Federal spending on real estate is more likely to benefit single-family homes than multifamily housing, advocacy group study shows.

Foreclosures are down nationwide, but rates remain high in certain areas

Foreclosure activity in December 2012 was at its lowest level since April 2007, down 21 percent from 2011, according to the “Year-End 2012 Foreclosure Market Report” by RealtyTrac, real estate data and listing site.

Local and national resources aim to teach homeowners in foreclosure how to fight back

In the fight against foreclosure, there could be hope for the underdog. The California Homeowner Bill of Rights went into effect on January 1, and real estate experts say this could be a win for homeowners everywhere.

Having trouble dealing with debt? Don’t put it off – potential homebuyers should manage credit and debt before applying for a loan

Uncle Sam isn’t the only one who has to try to pay off his debts and avoid going off the fiscal cliff. Prospective homebuyers seeking a mortgage loan also need to get their finances in order and better manage monies they owe to creditors.

Looking to downsize but can’t sell your house just yet? Try playing landlord-tenant. here’s how to have your house and rent it, too

Many empty nesters and other homeowners who yearn for a smaller footprint (and less upkeep) choose to sell their homes and downsize to smaller purchased properties.

Dec. 31 is the deadline for homeowners to apply for independent foreclosure review

Many foreclosure victims now have a referee to turn to for help – the federal banking agencies’ Independent Foreclosure Review program.

A look ahead at what the 2012 election and nascent housing recovery will mean for homebuyers, sellers and owners

The year of 2012 saw record-low mortgage rates, a fledgling recovery and a historical presidential election. Looking to 2013 and beyond, those who seek to buy or sell their homes should keep an eye on these government policies and proposals that may directly affect them.

It might be chilly outside, but the housing market is still looking hot. Find out why buyers and sellers can get excited this winter

The temperatures outside may be plummeting, but the potential for a hot homebuying and selling season this winter may be rising, the experts say.

Townhomes can provide The privacy of single-family homes with the convenience of multi-unit housing at an affordable price point

Homebuyers who want to have their cake and eat it, too – in the form of a residence that lives like a single-family house yet offers the conveniences of an urban condo – are choosing townhomes, and apparently in greater numbers.

Homeowners may see changes in insurance premiums and mortgage payments in Sandy’s wake

Now that Hurricane Sandy has passed, homeowners across the country are holding their breath, awaiting the impact that the disaster may have on their homeowner insurance premiums.

Think you’ve got a solid score? Lenders may have different numbers on you

Smart borrowers know to check their credit scores before applying for a home mortgage loan. But what if that score was unreliable? What if the scores that consumers can acquire from major credit bureaus or sites like Quizzle.com were different than the ones used by lenders?

How “best city” lists should factor into your decision to relocate

Itching to relocate? Many homeowners eventually get the “grass is always greener on the other side” urge and dream of moving to a more favorable location – perhaps one that is less expensive or brimming with greater educational, social and job opportunities.

Enticing low mortgage rates are available, but they’re not being handed to Americans on a silver platter

Despite record-low mortgage interest rates available for the past few years, far too many borrowers are holding onto high-interest loans.

Loan applicants may soon be guaranteed access to zero-fee, zero-point mortgage options for more transparency

The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the financial services watchdog, recently proposed that lenders be required to make no-point, no-fee mortgages available. This rule would simplify the process of choosing a mortgage for qualified prospective borrowers.

In a buyer’s market, contingency clauses gain importance. Here are the most common ones and what they mean for the sale

From trapeze artists to baseball spectators seated behind home plate, everyone appreciates a good safety net. Homebuyers and sellers are no exception, which is why contingency clauses continue to be popular for real estate contracts.

A reverse mortgage offers older homeowners more financial flexibility when they need it – but is it worth the hassle?

You can’t turn back the hands of time. But for borrowers who qualify, you can turn back the terms of your mortgage so that your lender pays you, instead of the other way around – in the form of a reverse mortgage.

A new study shows that buying is better than renting in more than 75 percent of cities

Renting or purchasing a home: Which is the better deal today? In most areas, buying is more cost-effective, according to the results of a recent study conducted by real estate listing site Zillow.

Agents and sellers agree, smart home improvement choices can speed up a sale

A new survey by Realtor.com, which polled hundreds of real estate agents and homeowners, shows that the two groups agree on the best home improvement strategies to sell a home.

A look back at previous Olympic host cities shows that real estate values don’t necessarily increase after the games

Ever dream of your city hosting the Olympics? Be careful what you wish for: That dream could turn into a nightmare for homeowners, based on the results of a recent study published by the New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate.

Manage expectations, be flexible and keep your eye on the prize for successful home showings

While buyers are advised to get their “financial house in order” to apply for a loan, sellers may find it just as difficult to get their physical house in order and ready for home showings. To avoid getting overwhelmed, prioritize the necessary steps and keep matters in proper perspective, t…

Is a short sale the way to a silver lining on your mortgage? Read on to find out

Can’t afford to pay your home mortgage any longer? Tried loan modification efforts but struck out? Want to avoid the hassles and shame of a foreclosure? A short sale could alleviate your mortgage woes – provided you understand what’s needed to complete one successfully.

States that lagged behind in energy efficiency are successfully hopping on the bandwagon

Politically, a map of America may show red and blue states. But environmentally, many of these states are trying to turn green – as indicated by new research published by the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy.