Homeownership offers many advantages over renting, including a stable living environment, predictable monthly payments, and the freedom to make modifications. Neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership have less crime and more civic engagement. Additionally, studies show that homeowners are happier and healthier than renters, and their children do better in school.1 But one of the biggest perks of homeownership is the opportunity to build wealth over time. Researchers at

The current trends are all about utilizing rich color, maximizing texture and creating comfortable interiors you can’t wait to relax in. Use these trends to get inspired to makeover your home’s interiors and create spaces you love that also appeal to your personal style. Remember, if you plan to sell in the next few years, you may want to avoid doing anything dramatic and instead incorporate small changes that would appeal to buyers. Why are these trends gaining popularity?

What are the best first steps to buying a house? We put together the answers and support you need to make the home buying process smooth and free of regret. Read on for a step-by-step guide that can show you how to buy a home that will meet your needs for years to come. 1. Fall In Love with Your Job and Your City First The days of flipping real estate are over in most areas. These days, if you want to own a home, you need to be willing to commit. From Forbes Magazine: "Are re

When I was a child, every Saturday morning was the same: Wake up early, pile into the minivan with my mom and three siblings and start looking for . . . garage sales! Yes. I was raised by a "garage sale mom." Because we didn't have a lot of money, we bought nearly all of our clothes, furniture, toys and pretty much everything else from someone who no longer wanted those items. And, let me tell you -- my mom was the master at those sales. She knew how to find the coolest gadge

It is normal to harbor fears about making the wrong decision when you're looking at homes to buy. Many first-time home buyers wonder how they will know when they have found the right house. Here are 3 preliminary things you should know about finding the right house: First, an ethical real estate agent will never, ever, pressure into buying a house. Second, you will instinctively know it. Third, you may want to sleep on the decision. Don't. If You Have Found the Right House, C