Selling a home can be difficult. But by employing the right tactics, you can find a buyer who's willing to pay the price you want. Here are four tips to help you sell your home for top dollar: * Create competition for the property. Create an environment where multiple buyers are competing to buy. Stack appointments to show the house in a narrow window so that several buyers are at the property at the same time. This ... [full story]

As the stock market remains bearish and portfolios continue to make only minor gains, the demand for homes has never been higher. It is with this economic trend that more people are opting to invest in one of the most enduring forms of equity: real estate. Nevertheless, according to the 2000 census, there are more than 35 million families who rent. Experts say that while many families are interested in home ownership, a major obstacle they face ... [full story]

For first-time buyers of modest means, the goal of home ownership is more difficult to attain today. But a new initiative spearheaded by the nation's credit unions is helping more people qualify for home loans. "Real estate prices are still high all over the country," said Daniel A. Mica, president and chief executive officer of the Credit Union National Association. "Mortgage rates are headed upward as well. The gap between the incomes of average families ... [full story]

Few things are more disruptive and frustrating than unexpected home repairs. And when they occur, they can be budget-busters. From water heaters to air conditioners to dishwashers, homeowners spend hundreds of dollars annually to maintain and repair their home's systems and appliances. When major systems fail, expenses are even greater, averaging more than $1,000 in repairs, according to experts. The good news is, there's a practical and affordable solution to the surprise costs and hassles when home ... [full story]

How can you find and buy a home to enjoy for years to come? The first step is to answer this simple question honestly: Is it the right time for you to buy? You need to consider the tax deduction, building equity, monthly mortgage payments and maintenance expenses, funding for a down payment and closing costs, and staying in the home long enough for its appreciation to cover your transaction costs. If you can afford and ... [full story]

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. It's a small piece of advice that becomes ever more valuable when you're trying to sell your home. The first impression your home leaves is based on its "curb appeal," which correlates directly to the home's perceived value. In fact, attractive, high-quality landscaping can lead to a 100 percent return on investment when a home is sold. Finding quality home-improvement products is the first ... [full story]

If you live in an average market and paid $200,000 for your home just four years ago, it is now likely to be worth more than $292,000. And if you were able to purchase just three more houses, then in four years, you could have sold those three homes and made enough money to pay off your mortgage. If you think this is impossible because you are worried about finding the money to use as ... [full story]

Nothing compares to the excitement of buying a home for the first time. However, purchasing a home also can be a nerve-racking experience, particularly if this is the first time you have dealt with real estate agents, shopped for a home loan or negotiated for the price you want. Being prepared and well-informed can help you reduce stress and make the process a success. American Home Shield, a national home warranty company based in Memphis, Tenn., ... [full story]

The recent housing market boom has resulted in a substantial rise in the number of new property investors. What new investors might not know is that investment property depreciation is the second most frequently missed deduction on federal income tax forms. But there's help. A new service created by three real estate experts enables property investors to quickly identify and track personal property, or "chattels," to accelerate their depreciation deductions. Chattel Appraisals - an easy-to-use online ... [full story]

 If you want to increase the value of your home, invest in landscaping. A Clemson University study found that landscaping around your home can result in more than a 100 percent return on investment. Since the return on investment is contingent upon the quality of the landscaping job, it's important that you find the right landscaping contractor for your project and use high-quality materials like segmental retaining walls and interlocking concrete pavers. Homeowners should consider ... [full story]

(NewsUSA) - You've decided to move, but the housing market is more competitive than ever. To get an edge on your competition, it's important to make your home as appealing as possible so that you can sell it quickly and at its maximum value. The experts at Nailite, a manufacturer and distributor of premium residential and commercial siding, provide the following tips to increase the resale value of your home: * Give it curb appeal. A home's ... [full story]

A foreclosure is something that all homeowners definately want to avoid. A foreclosure can have long-term, damaging effects on your credit history because a foreclosue becomes a matter of public record and can stay on your credit for seven years. There are many public and private organizations that are eager to help you out during your financial crisis and hold on to your home. If you are in a bad financial situation, no one can ... [full story]

Q: My wife and I purchased our new home in December, 2004. The builder financed 100 percent of the purchase price of $146,500 at 5 percent, which was great. We added around $10,000 in upgrades that we paid for out-of-pocket, which actually brought the purchase price to $156,500. At the last minute, the builder asked us to do a lease option for a year to help him on his taxes, and we agreed as long ... [full story]