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American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty are two of the top home warranty providers in the nation, and b...
In today’s constantly evolving landscape of American real estate, an intriguing movement has emerged: the sale of sma...
Bright paint colors are making way for darker, richer tones that add greater value to homes in 2023, according to a n...
It is fun and exciting to personalize your home with your own style, but going overboard with unique features may end...
Most folks have heard the comment, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!” And If you’ve ever been outside on a humid...
Think you’re ready to list your home? Especially if you’ve never sold a property before, there’s some homework you ha...
You’re finally ready to sell your home. You have meticulously staged it, completed every repair, and boosted its curb...
Many homeowners dream of building their own house, but steep building costs usually stop most homeowners from buildin...
Finding the right full-service moving company for the job is crucial when planning a relocation, and moves to and fro...
With everything that can go wrong when moving, it can't hurt to welcome in a bit of luck. A new home represents a fre...
There’s no easy way to say it: if you’re hunting for your next home, you’ll have a lot to contend with in this summer...
Q: I want to install a new septic system on my property, but before that can happen, the soil apparently needs to pas...
There are shower people, and then there are bath people. While these two groups may be able to debate the advantages ...
Even though both a home inspection and a home appraisal involve a certified professional visiting a house and evaluat...
Whether moving to or from San Diego or simply making a local move across this West Coast city, finding the right movi...
Homeowners can sit back and earn revenue from their vacation rental while a property management company handles the d...
Texas boasts some of the fastest-growing cities in the U. S. , offering plenty of opportunities for licensed real est...
The Hawkeye State is an appealing place to live. The cost of living is one of the most affordable in the country, and...
The real estate industry can offer a lucrative career, particularly in a place like California, which long has been k...
With its low taxes, range of job prospects, and affordable cost of living, many folks are choosing to build homes in ...
The explosion of the short-term vacation rental marketplace, fueled by Airbnb’s popularity, has changed the way trave...
Investing in your home's exterior is always a good idea, whether you’re hoping to impress prospective homebuyers or s...
It's normal to feel sad or disappointed after buying a home. In fact, a recent study from Zillow found that 75 percen...
You can learn a lot about American history by visiting homes on the National Register of Historic Places. From variou...
Installing an independent housing unit at your property can be a big investment, but if planned well, an income suite...
Moving to a new home is an exciting experience, but it can also be a stressful and overwhelming process. From packing...
Many people dream of moving to a warmer climate. While the idea of living in a place where the sun shines year-round ...
Welcome to The State of Rentals with Bob Vila, a series dedicated to showing both landlords and tenants the crucial s...
Welcome to The State of Rentals with Bob Vila, a series dedicated to showing both landlords and tenants the crucial s...
Whether you are looking to rent an apartment or considering buying a rental property, it is essential to know what la...
Q: I’m about to buy my first house and was told I needed to get title insurance. What is title insurance for a house,...
Welcome to The State of Rentals with Bob Vila, a series dedicated to showing both landlords and tenants the crucial s...
When it comes to renting a property, it’s essential to know the types of agreements that should be in writing. While ...
Investing in real estate is one of the best ways to create personal wealth, but, like any other investment, there are...
Selling a home is stressful enough. Selling a rental property with existing tenants can be downright overwhelming. Co...
Welcome to The State of Rentals with Bob Vila, a series dedicated to showing both landlords and tenants the crucial s...
Trees form the architecture of residential landscapes, adding beauty along with several practical benefits. The best ...
The real estate market can be confusing. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, are ready to start investing ...
The paint is dry, the apartment is spotless, and the appliances are plugged in. You're a new landlord, ready to earn ...
Although the profit generated from real estate investing is often referred to as “passive” income, property owners ca...
Certain principles hold true when buying an investment property, whether you want to become a real estate mogul or si...
Q: I recently read about tree equity in the infrastructure bill and the many tree benefits for communities. But some ...
Real estate is a relationship business that requires agents to juggle a list of current and past clients while consta...
A lease spells out the terms of a rental agreement between landlords and tenants. Because these documents are written...
Q: I’m shopping for a new home and keep seeing the term “en suite” in house listings. What does en suite mean?A: When...
In the midst of a rental housing crisis, properties become flooded with tenancy applications. Finding the right home ...
Standby generators are incredible pieces of equipment. They sit quietly outside until the second they’re needed, at w...
Finding a new place to live is only part one of the moving process. Once you’ve found your new digs, actually getting...
How much are you paying in property taxes? Depending on where you live, your property taxes may be modest, or they ma...
If you like the idea of living within a self-contained town, seeing the same types of houses in your neighborhood, an...
Much of the real estate experience has gone digital, which has perks. It’s much easier to find a home online from the...
If you’re selling your home or planning to sell it soon, you know how important it is to make sure that it looks tidy...
If your home improvement project list is overwhelming, you’re not alone. Here at Bob Vila, we editors are right there...
Q: I saw on the news that criminals can steal your home title through identity fraud. Is home title theft real? How c...
Climate change is a reality—and a sad one at that for many. Wildfires and other natural disasters have led some insur...
Homeownership is an aspiration for many people, but not all homeowners actually own a home in their name. There are t...
You’ve doubtless heard the mantra of “Location, Location, Location” as the defining factor when buying a home and kno...
Shopping for a mortgage can be stressful, even if the borrower understands what a mortgage is and how one works. With...
The death of a loved one can trigger many strong emotions—grief, anger, disbelief, or even guilt. Those emotions can ...
The short-term rental (STR) market has exploded in recent years, generating about 30 percent more income on average t...
Real estate agents see dozens of homes each week. They know which amenities sell a house, and which can cause a listi...
Like the hues you choose for indoor spaces, exterior house paint colors should put a smile on your face day after day...
Q: I’m ready to buy a house, but I keep hearing different opinions about whether now is a good time to buy because of...
If you're considering entering the short-term rental (STR) space, distinguishing yourself from your many competitors ...
Last year, American property owners earned more from real estate appreciation than they did at their jobs. This start...
The saying goes, "One person's trash is another person's treasure. " However, this may not be the case regarding your...
Since Airbnb’s inception in 2007, the platform has become a popular travel tool with over one billion people using it...
When a house goes on the market, it can be tough for prospective home buyers to imagine themselves living there when ...
After 2 years of a tight housing market driven by a pandemic and a shortage of inventory, real estate sales took a de...
The short-term rental space has become saturated in the past few years. Landlords looking to boost their rental incom...
Typical Range: $15,000 to $200,000Moving to a new location can be hard, especially for homeowners who are attached ...
‘Tis the season for swapping spackle and nails for frosting and gumdrops! The Bob Vila cookie construction crew recen...
Homeownership can offer big tax benefits. And with recent mortgage loans costing more due to higher interest rates, d...
For many, moving day is one of dread, exhaustion, and stress. People often feel overwhelmed by the chaos of packing e...
Small Town LivingIf you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of living in a big city or the traffic that follows you to ...
Once upon a time, travelers consulted a paper travel guide (or, in a splurge, a travel agent) to find a place to stay...
Q: My husband and I are hoping to buy a new home in a luxury neighborhood. Our mortgage broker told us the house we’r...
Q: I’m looking to buy a house soon, but I’ve heard real estate agent fees can really add up. How much does a real est...
Q: After a few weeks of searching, I found a home that suits my budget and seems to be in good condition. Before maki...
Virtual home tours have become increasingly popular as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, 42% of respondents...
Parents and advice go hand in hand, and parents often have relevant experience that can help guide you through big li...
Prepare Yourself for Updates and RenovationsThere will always be a market for old houses. They have charm and history...
Welcome to Old House Appreciation with Bob Vila, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the best places to find...
This article is part of Old House Appreciation with Bob Vila, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the best p...
This article is part of Old House Appreciation with Bob Vila, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the best p...
This article is part of Old House Appreciation with Bob Vila, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the best p...
This article is part of Old House Appreciation with Bob Vila, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the best p...
With names like “Purgatory Scream Park,” “Frightmare Farms,” “Blood Manor,” and “Edge of Hell Haunted House,” modern-...
Harness the Magic and Mystery of Old HomesEnticing old-home components are the stuff of beloved childhood books and c...
The current real estate market is making it difficult for many individuals to afford a single-family home or a townho...
This series ends with the renovation of a shed, but begins with the search for a home. Maybe that reads more like the...
Although real estate can be an excellent investment, managing a portfolio of rental properties can quickly become ove...
You can count on the real estate market to be consistent in one area: constant change. One day your house may be one ...
Selling a condo, townhome, or house can be daunting, and if you’re a condo owner, your sales tactics need to be tailo...
Q: I want to buy a house, but my credit score isn’t great and I don’t have enough saved for a down payment. I’ve hear...
Welcome to Bob Vila’s Guide to House Flipping in 2022, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the best places f...
This article is part of Bob Vila’s Guide to House Flipping in 2022, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the ...
This article is part of Bob Vila’s Guide to House Flipping in 2022, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the ...
This article is part of Bob Vila’s Guide to House Flipping in 2022, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the ...
While recent reports from industry experts have predicted a recession in the housing market, prices in densely popula...
If you’re planning to sell your house, you need to make it attractive to buyers, while also weighing what makes the m...
This article is part of Bob Vila’s Guide to House Flipping in 2022, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the ...
Increasing energy efficiency statewide can reduce emissions, including greenhouse gas and other pollutants. Energy ef...
This article is part of Bob Vila’s Guide to House Flipping in 2022, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the ...
This article is part of Bob Vila’s Guide to House Flipping in 2022, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the ...
Living in a condo certainly has some appeal. You are only personally responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of your ...
This article is part of Bob Vila's Guide to House Flipping in 2022, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the ...
This article is part of Bob Vila’s Guide to House Flipping in 2022, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the ...
This article is part of Bob Vila’s Guide to House Flipping in 2022, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the ...
Q: I recently graduated from college and am on the market to buy a new home. A few of my family members keep cautioni...
There are benefits to living in a community with a homeowners association, otherwise known as an HOA. What is an HOA,...
Although a global pandemic and strict zoning laws stymied tiny house purchases in recent years, the popularity of the...
Wildfires can wreak havoc on entire communities instantaneously. Unfortunately, wildfires are getting more intense an...
A foreclosure is certainly not an event to celebrate. A property lands in foreclosure after a homeowner has lost thei...
There’s a good reason moving is considered one of the most stressful life events. Moving from point A to point B invo...
Throughout much of 2022, a high percentage of home sellers were seeing bidding wars. Many sold their homes for signif...
We all know the importance of curb appeal when it’s time to sell a home, but did you know that the color of your fron...
If you intend to sell or buy a home, you will likely need the help of an experienced real estate professional to help...
Drones, technically known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), are capable of capturing aerial images and video footag...
The biggest, most insurmountable hurdle of a move is the move itself. Many people who have decided to move have a mom...
House prices have steadily risen across the country and show no signs of slowing. While location is often considered ...
This is the fourth installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2022, a month-long series featuring high-ROI h...
Q: I’m thinking about making an offer on a property. My real estate agent suggested that I should include an escalati...
Many people spend their lives dreaming of retiring to a warmer climate, but some are getting more than they bargained...
Whether you’re looking to buy your first home or you’re ready to retire and downsize, you might be wondering whether ...
Property management courses offer a wealth of information for students looking to break into the industry. They can c...
The terms “contingent” and “pending” are often used to describe real estate transactions. But what does it mean when ...
While you should watch out for potential red flags when looking for a new home, it’s just as important to know how to...
Moving is stressful, whether you move down the street or across the country. Meticulous organizers know the importanc...
A-frame homes are making a comeback. These cozy buildings are simple structures where the sloped sides of the A-shape...
If your home feels empty now that your children are grown, if you have high mortgage payments, or if you're looking t...
House hunting is exciting, but trying to get the most house for the money can be a nerve-wracking process. Many selle...
Real estate seems out of control as of late. In an ultra-hot real estate market, homes are being sold for as much as ...
Are you thinking about refinancing or selling your home? Then it’s helpful to know its value, and a home value estima...
Many home-buying hopefuls dutifully donned masks to attend open houses in late 2020 and 2021 only to find themselves ...
Counties calculate property taxes using two primary factors: a home's assessed value and the local millage, or "mill,...
Before spending money on renovations and home improvements, it’s important to consider which upgrades will actually a...
In 2021, solar energy accounted for 46 percent of all new electricity-generating capacity added in the United States....
You may already know that making your home more eco-friendly can increase your return on investment, but did you know...
During the past two years, home prices have been, for lack of a better word, crazy, so much so that we’ve been warnin...
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has brought major changes to the way we all live our lives and experience our homes. Th...
The time of year you list your house for sale has a significant impact on how quickly it sells and for how much. Righ...
Some home buyers don’t have to take out a mortgage on a home because they have enough cash. Perhaps they’ve earned th...
There was once a time when looking for a home involved driving through countless neighborhoods looking for “For Sale”...
Q: I’m in the process of buying my first home, and there are so many complexities to the process that I’m overwhelmed...
Alongside increasing home costs and higher mortgage rates, rent costs are also rising. This makes it more difficult f...
The hot housing market of the past couple of years saw home buyers in bidding wars and having to settle for less in a...
Spring is here, and with it comes a bouquet of seasonal responsibilities. It’s time to clean and repair outdoor eleme...
Q: When it comes to real estate, I’ve heard the term “pocket listing,” but I’m not entirely clear on what it means. W...
One of the biggest innovations in the housing market has been the introduction of 3D-printed homes, which builders ca...
Even though you love your new place, it can sometimes be difficult to make your rental house or apartment feel like y...
You may be on the verge of making an important financial decision about your home. Perhaps you are about to sell it b...
Moving is both a hassle and an adventure. There’s so much to do in so little time, yet there's something exciting abo...
Fresh paint, new carpeting, and other cosmetic touch-ups can hide a wealth of material defects in a house. When evalu...
It’s time to jump on the vacation rental bandwagon if you haven’t already. This growing market has exploded in popula...
Mobile, manufactured, and modular homes are all types of prefabricated homes. These "prefab" homes are built in a fac...
If you are a property owner looking to fill a vacancy, you’ll need a sophisticated way to vet potential tenants. Good...
When selling or buying a home or other property, most people expect to see the real estate agents for both parties at...
Buying a house is the most significant financial purchase many will make, which is why it's vital to know everything ...
Many regions of the United States are in a seller’s market as home prices continue to rise. In fact, December 2021 Zi...
First-time homeowners might be surprised at some of the things that they are responsible for maintaining, such as hav...
Home equity loans can be helpful when a homeowner needs to make home improvements, but they can also assist with othe...
Homeownership comes with many responsibilities, including the eventual need to perform renovations or repairs as the ...
Q: I’ve heard that it’s important to stage my home before I put it on the market, since this may help it sell faster...
In 2020, emergency eviction bans came amid a rash of layoffs and pandemic-related work shutdowns that left millions o...
Sellers may be surprised to find real estate agents describing their homes in new ways. To comply with Fair Housing l...
Q: I’ve been saving for a while to buy my first home, and just recently started looking at mortgage options. There ar...
Q: We’ve been trying to save for a home for years, but with rent being sky-high we haven’t been able to save enough. ...
Many homeowners don’t realize they’re sitting on an untapped source of money that they can use to finance other proje...
Spring is the traditional time to list a house, but the pandemic and resulting home-value surge have made the market ...
Many people are becoming interested in real estate these days, and you may be one of them. You may own numerous homes...
Q: We have decided to renovate our home to make it into our dream house rather than move, but it will be a pricey ren...
If you keep up with current affairs, you probably caught wind of the uproar over a viral TikTok video in which a real...
Hammers, cordless drills, reciprocating saws, and the like are all essentials for serious home renovation projects, b...
Nothing can beat the interaction that students can get from an in-person real estate course. Not only does the instru...
Moving a mobile home is a unique challenge that will require the assistance of the best mobile home movers available....
About 40 million Americans move every single year, and they generate a lot of waste as they head from one residence t...
It's not uncommon to fantasize about leaving the city for a country oasis or moving to a warmer climate. As remote wo...
Home buyers can gain a wealth of information about a property by attending an open house. Spotting problems that hide in plain sight can save trouble—and needless...
Renovations can make your home more comfortable and attractive, and can often increase your home’s value. However, it...
When home buyers compete to buy a house in a hot market, they’ll try all sorts of techniques to stand out above other...
Buying land to build a house is more complex than it might initially seem. For many, having a home built to their spe...
Q: My wife and I are looking at homes, and have come across a few in our area that have cesspools instead of municipa...
Streamline your search and find a home that checks all the boxes on your house-hunting checklist with one of these real estate apps.
The pandemic caused most of us to spend more time at home than we ever have, and for some—especially those with young...
If you’re currently in the market for a new home, you’re probably feeling the stress of being a buyer in a seller’s m...
Want top dollar when selling your home? It's a good idea to make these changes before the photographer—and home inspector—show up.
In 2021, Zillow commissioned a study involving “1,300 recent or prospective U. S. home buyers” and found that certain...
Leaving the simplest around-the-house repairs undone can cost you big when the appraiser comes around. Here's how to show your home in the best light and score a ...
Q: My partner and I purchased a house and recently moved in. The place is great, but one neighbor uses our driveway t...
Micro apartments, which are generally less than 350 square feet, are tight on living space but offer gigantic benefit...
Q: We’re shopping for our first home, and while we are certainly planning to get homeowners insurance, we’ve heard of...
Nothing turns your home into a summertime hangout quite like a swimming pool, but there’s more to pool ownership than providing towels and inflating a few floatie...
Q: During a recent renovation of our home, we found an old tin box hidden under some floorboards in one of the closet...
If you plan on purchasing a home this year, you’re not alone. There are currently more willing home buyers than homes...
Buying a first home can be a daunting experience, navigating the intricacies of down payments, mortgages, title searches, and closing costs. Here are a few must-h...
Moving means planning and completing a number of steps. One of the most overlooked steps is finding the best place to...
Typical Range: $312 to $408 National Average: $341Buying, selling, and refinancing have one thing in common: Each ...
Buying your first home is a rite of passage into adulthood. Yet, in a competitive real estate market, it’s common for...
Q: I’m renting and thinking about buying a home since I would be paying the same amount—if not less—than I’m paying n...
Even before the Covid era, the housing market had been competitive. But now, after spending 24 hours every day at hom...
Balance the purchase of a new home with budget-friendly decorating ideas.
Looking for a new home? You’re not alone. Demand is high and inventory is low, which means we’re in a seller’s market...
The housing market isn’t just hot—it’s on fire. According to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac)...
Buying a home is exciting, but it can also be a stressful, and at times drawn-out, process. In addition, in a hot mar...
If you’re about to put your house on the market, you likely have a laundry list of things to fix, open houses to orga...
Before putting their homes on the market, some sellers make expensive renovations that may or may not significantly i...
The final walk-through is a vitally important part of the homebuying process. Regardless of how many times you view a...
Get your house looking its best before inviting potential buyers in for an open house or a private showing.
Buying a home is a major decision and something you shouldn’t take lightly. It’s not a good idea to rush, because you...
The events of the past year or so have shifted our priorities and livelihoods tremendously, including how we use our ...
Barndominiums blend the airiness of a loft with a rural setting—and they may just be the next big home trend.
When buyers purchase a home from a seller, they expect to take possession of a relatively empty house. Maybe some ite...
Complete these simple aesthetic updates to ensure you don’t miss out on getting the top value for your home.
Entice buyers and increase your home’s value by following these landscaping tips.
Buying a home can be a lengthy and stressful process. First, you have to find a dream home that ticks all the boxes. ...
The perfect house may not exist, but there is such a thing as the perfect house for you. It may be the first home you...
When you find the perfect house, getting the seller to accept your bid is just the first step in the negotiation proc...
Prepping your home for potential buyers can be faster and more effective if you spring for a few helpful purchases.
Some homeowners balk at the idea of paying thousands of dollars to a real estate agent to help them sell their home. ...
Selling your home can be a hectic process, and the pandemic has certainly added another level of stress. Between soci...
In the past, open houses were seen as a crucial tool for buying or selling a home. But Covid-19 forced real estate ag...
Freelance workers play a major role in the U. S. workforce. According to a report by Freelancers Union and Upwork, 57...
Buying a home involves a lot of moving parts, and those parts need to move in sync. Complicating matters even more, m...
Save money and ensure the safety of your belongings by putting in the work to find a reputable moving company.
Three-dimensional printing isn't just for little things—SQ4D, pronounced "S-squared," a New York construction company...
COVID-19 disrupted not only lives, but also lifestyles. A Pew Research report reveals that for the first time since t...
Moving out of your home tends to include some hidden costs, plus a lot of chaotic packing, taping, and loading before...
Buying a house is an emotional experience. Even though buyers know they should focus on what they actually need—perha...
Moving out of a home can be very stressful. Finding a new home, dealing with the reason for moving, and tracking the ...
The historic mansion where John F. Kennedy once lived recently sold—and the listing photos are simply beautiful.
Ready to swap city life for solitude in the suburbs? Here are some unexpected things that might happen.
The right staging almost works miracles—with an emphasis on “almost. ” But it won’t distract buyers from noticing maj...
Condos are great introductions to homeownership. A condo is usually larger than an apartment, and it comes with many ...
Flipping houses always looks so cool on reality TV, and it’s no doubt that those shows, compressed into 60-minute seg...
Just because it’s your home doesn’t make you the resident expert on how to sell it.
Putting in an offer on a home without seeing it in person has become more common than ever. Given the magnitude of this purchase, it’s important to avoid these po...
Your home search and purchase will go more smoothly if you’re prepared. Here’s your to-do list.
‘Tis the season to be festive and jolly, but if your home is on the market, it’s also the season to sell. Selling a h...
Real estate contracts are binding once both parties sign on the dotted line. But when contingencies are written into the contracts, one or both of the parties can...
Nothing about selling the family home after the death of a parent is easy. Going into the process with your eyes open can help you navigate the pain and avoid the...
Making the right renovation decisions can help you sell your house quicker, and for more money.
While buyer's agents provide a valuable service, it is possible to search for a home and seal the deal without using one. Here's how.
Attending an open house? Make the most of your visit by asking the right questions.
So, the listing makes the house sound like a steal and the property is stunning in person—but wait. Before you rush into anything you may regret, watch out for th...
The reality shows make it seem like a surefire way to rake in some dough, but is flipping a house truly a royal road to riches? Read on to find out what real peop...
Homebuyers often negotiate to get sellers to come down on their asking price. In some situations, however, offering more may be the only way your offer will be ac...
Along with shorter days and cool temps, autumn brings with it a host of home-selling challenges. But with a little attention to detail and some creative marketing...
Think you know how much your house is worth? Before being disappointed with low offers, make sure your house is in tip-top shape. Scroll through to see what parts...
Secrets don’t make friends: Always fess up about these issues to stay on your landlord’s good side.
When it's time to put your property on the market, maximizing curb appeal is crucial. We reveal the exterior house colors that are most likely to win over potenti...
A real estate agent who communicates well and whose values align with yours can go a long way toward making your home buying experience a pleasure.
Many apartment dwellers make the common mistake of assuming that they are covered under their landlord’s insurance policy…but this is rarely the case. Renter’s in...
While it’s ideal to sell during a hot market, if you must sell your house during a slow period, tweak your marketing approach to get the best possible price.
Discover the real reasons behind home insurance premiums—and how to keep yours from rising.
First-time home ownership ushers in an era of new responsibilities. Here’s how to make wise decisions and avoid common structural, financial, and legal mistakes.
You’ve heard that you can get good deals on houses at auction, but along with those good deals come some considerations you should be aware of before you bid.
If you need money, you can use your home as collateral for a second mortgage loan. But beware: Should your finances change, you may be putting your home at stake.
When it comes to downsizing your home, less can be more. Less debt, less maintenance, and less to clean translates into more cash flow and more free time. If you'...
Buying or selling a home at any time is complex and potentially confusing, but during a pandemic the transaction becomes subject to a whole new set of rules. To f...
You’ve probably heard that no debt is good debt, and if you have the ability to pay off your home mortgage (perhaps you lucked into an inheritance), your first th...
Make sure you pay a fair price for that property by following these simple rules to getting the best deal.
Sometimes a real estate deal is simply too good to be true, while at other times a change in circumstances may cause you to have second thoughts. Here are some of...
After the housing crisis of 2008, lenders tightened their mortgage requirements and potential home buyers, worried about the security of their investment, became ...
If you’re green to the real estate game, target these ultra-livable, wallet-friendly cities in your search for your first home.
Find out what popular accessories and decor trends real estate agents would never put in their own homes.
Buying a house is already a tedious process, and buying a foreclosure adds another layer to it. Learn from experts and homeowners who have already been through th...
Don't get discouraged or misled by certain real estate "rules." Find the right home for you by ignoring these 11 home buying myths.
A house is a big-ticket item—indeed, buying or selling one may amount to the biggest transaction of your life. So you ought to be aware that with smart negotiatio...
There are times when buying the priciest house your lender allows could doom you financially. Many homebuyers get preapproved for a home loan before starting they...
Learn how to recoup some cash from your next renovation project.
Make the most out of an open house by showing up with the right tools and in the right frame of mind.
Put your fears to rest: You are not alone in your household worries, obsessions, and triumphs. But with a little self-awareness, you can learn how to make those t...
Use this vital info to find a buyer and manage all the house-selling processes as smoothly and safely as possible now.
Living in these communities doesn't come cheap. Check out the most expensive neighborhoods in America, you just might live near—or in—one.
Increase your chances of selling your home quickly at the right price by troubleshooting these potential potholes in the road to real estate success.
If you're wondering how big the houses in your state are compared with houses in the other 49, this quick look will let you size up your neighbors.
Seller beware! Understand the common problems owners encounter when going it alone without a real estate agent.
Beware the common but not always obvious costs of buying a house in less-than-mint condition.
Paint can go a long way toward making a house more sellable. Here are the key spots both inside and outside your home that should get a fresh coat before it goes ...
As a homeowner, you will experience the need to make repairs from time to time. Whether you need a new roof, window, ...
If it’s been a while since you bought a house, you may be surprised to learn how things have changed. In the decade prior to the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008,...
Sure, you can do whatever you want at your house, but it doesn’t hurt to have the decency to think of your neighbors. Consider changing these 12 annoying habits t...
Knowing the meaning of these 10 terms will help you negotiate your next real estate deal like a pro.
Buying a house is one of the most expensive purchases most people make—the last thing you want to do is spend even more money than necessary. Find out the most ex...
Searching for a new home can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-timer. Don't worry—we’ve got you covered. Just take a deep breath, and read on.
You may be a homeowner or a potential buyer, or you might just be addicted to the real estate listings, but whoever you are, you know that the best direction for ...
If you’re like many homeowners, your house is your single largest financial investment, so it’s only natural to protect that investment and hope it gains in value...
These home improvement projects will make you happier at home and will increase the value of your house when you’re ready to put it on the market.
Make these improvements before you put your home on the market to wow buyers and maximize your sales price.
Shopping for a new home can be exciting, and it’s tempting to grab the first house you fall in love with. But exercis...
If you dream of owning a home that looks like it was taken straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, you’re not alone. Older homes appeal to a wide range of buy...
Say the wrong in your real estate listing and potential buyers won't even bother checking out your house.
Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it can also be nerve-racking. You may have just a few short weeks (or days) to pack your belongings, hire a moving compa...
Owning a home is usually a good investment, but buying one can be a huge financial risk if you're not prepared for the costs that come with ownership—costs that r...
Housing markets vary from community to community and from year to year. While some areas of the country are expected to see a slight decline in home sales in 2020...
Don't despair if your house is hitting the market this winter. Purchasing a home might not be at the top of everyone's list during this time of year, but there ar...
Split level homes, with their three staggered floors, began appearing in American suburbs in the 1950s and reached pe...
If you’re like many homeowners, your house is your biggest financial investment, so when it's time to sell, you’ll want to get as much money as possible from the ...
Whether you’re on the hunt for a new home or you’re just admiring the architecture in your neighborhood, learn about the different house styles in America and the...
Moving up in the world—or downsizing—often involves buying a bigger—or smaller—house. In such situations, it may have been a while since you were last in the mark...
“Going viral” can mean fame—or infamy. Here are a dozen houses that secured their 15 minutes of fame in unusual ways.
Be prepared for the financial bites that are bound to ensue when you sell your house, you can plan accordingly.
Ever want to get away from the hustle and grind of life on the grid? These off-the-grid houses could give you just the retreat you're hoping to find. Read on for ...
If your most recent property tax assessment caught you by surprise, you have options beyond simply paying it. With a little research and a lot of determination, y...
Purchasing a duplex—also known as a two-family house—or a multi-family property can be a smart money-making move as a...
Selling your home will probably be one of the biggest (and most nerve-racking) transactions of your lifetime. The process is riddled with anxiety—getting your pro...
There’s nothing like the greeting of a wagging tail and a wet nose at the end of a long day (or maybe an indifferent tail flick if you own a cat). Pets do so much...
Find the right pro for every household chore—big, small, majorly messy, or just plain pesky! This content is paid advertising created in partnership with Thu...
If you think mobile homes are low cost—and also low on style, space, and amenities—it's time to think again. In cities across the United States, these mobile home...
The secret to snagging an affordable home? Purchase one in the right location, like these 15 cities that are considered among the best places to buy an inexpensiv...
While you can’t do much to change the major determinant of your home’s value–its location–your decorating and remodeling choices can certainly affect its value, f...
If you’re house hunting and come across the term “summer kitchen” in a real estate listing, you’re in for a treat. If...
You’ve seen the infomercial—all you have to do is order the video and you’ll be making a fortune flipping houses. The reality of house-flipping is slightly differ...
Buying a house is the single most expensive purchase most people will ever make, so it pays to know a few savvy negotiation tips before submitting an offer. An of...
Putting into action a few simple home staging tips will help your house stand out from the pack in today's real estate market.
Tiny houses are on trend for many reasons—they are eco-friendly and anti-consumerist, and they offer an affordable path to homeownership. But if you are consideri...
Moving is expensive. Whether you’re moving to a new place down the street or crossing state lines, the costs add up quickly. In the United States, the average pri...
As a homeowner, you have the responsibility to keep your home safe, clean, and in compliance with city ordinances. While you may already be aware that you’re not ...
Just as when you get married, you're marrying an entire family, when you buy a house, you are buying into a whole neighborhood. What you thought was your dream ho...
Many prospective homeowners dream of buying a brand-new house, or having one built to their specifications. But a number of disadvantages come along with the exci...
Buying a home is the single largest investment most people will ever make, but if you’re not familiar with the process and you don’t take steps to protect yoursel...
Your home is only as secure as the locks on its doors. Over time, or as a result of security situations, you may feel...
There are plenty of good reasons to rent out your home rather than sell. Maybe you're upgrading to a bigger house and are counting on reliable rent from your exis...
Exterior upgrades enhance the look of your property and can offer recreational benefits. Not every renovation, however, produces a return on investment, and some ...
A home is probably the largest purchase you’ll ever make, both in size and cost, so it helps to approach the home-buying process with a solid plan, a healthy dose...
Selling your house—or buying a new one—is a multifaceted process that typically involves the services of a licensed real estate agent. You already know that agent...
Purchasing a new home can be as stressful as it is exciting. In addition to choosing a house that suits your budget a...
Buying a house has long been the American Dream—a dream preceded by years of working saving, and renting. But if you make that transition from renter to buyer pre...
Successfully buying a home in a different state is doable—it happens all the time—but because you must take care of many details from afar, it's a bit trickier th...
Flipping houses can be a profitable endeavor if you’re in the right spot at the right time—and finding the right spot is becoming increasingly important. In the p...
Reality TV shows that open a window onto the world of real estate have been entertaining us for years. But if you look beyond the spectacle, you can actually lear...
Property rights are the foundation of homeownership, but this collection of privileges and protections varies from state to state and from neighborhood to neighbo...
Tired of rising rent prices? Looking for a place to really call home? The lack of quality affordable housing can make the dream of homeownership seem unreachable....
Buying a house is the single largest purchase most people will ever make, and while the process is exciting, it’s also complex. If you’re not careful, you could e...
Q: I’ve been researching the tiny house movement and I think I’d like to take the plunge into serious downsizing. Wha...
Have you decided to pursue the American Dream of homeownership? While the process of purchasing a home is exciting, i...
You expect your homeowners insurance to pay for damage caused by storms and fire, but unless you’ve read your entire policy (usually 30 pages or more), you might ...
Homeowners associations (HOAs) exist to ensure visual uniformity and to protect the property rights of residents of a specific neighborhood. Most of the time they...
Buying your first home is an exciting experience, but it can also trigger uncertainty and trepidation. With so much to do and so many decisions to make, it's not ...
Packing up and moving is expensive, costing an average of $1,200 to $6,000, depending on the distance to your new home and whether you move your own possessions o...
Mansions usually carry sky-high price tags that keep them out of reach for most of us. But believe it or not, a small selection of these elegant edifices can be y...
It is always fascinating to peek inside other people's lives, and there is no better way to do it than by seeing the inside of their home. That is why real estate...
If you’re planning on selling your property, don’t let your house sit on the market any longer than necessary. Take a page from our book and avoid these 11 common...
You just moved into a new home—congratulations! Now that the moving truck is unloaded, you probably have a million things to do before getting settled. Prioritize...
On the lookout for a new home? First, peruse our list of negotiation dos and don’ts, culled from the advice of industry professionals. The bottom line? As you emb...
Most lease agreements spell out exactly what a tenant can and cannot do, but some renters neglect to read the fine print. Avoid hefty fines and tedious legal issu...
This article has been brought to you by Clopay. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Hoping to sell your...
Selling your house can be a high-stress undertaking. You want potential buyers to see your home at its best, so you might wonder whether you really need to disclo...
Taking out a home mortgage is a rite of passage for many Americans. According to real estate authority Zillow, fewer than a quarter of buyers pay with cash; the r...
If you hope to build your dream house or even a getaway cabin, you’ve probably been thinking about finding the perfec...
Most homeowners are under the impression that real estate agents are dying to list their houses and that they’ll do virtually anything to get a listing. Yet, whil...
Creating a desirable neighborhood requires commitment and participation from the people who reside there. When you get to know your neighbors, you’ll not only fee...
You’ve heard the rags-to-riches tales, but house flipping is a risky business full of potential roadblocks. This sage advice can help keep house flippers’ budgets...
Everyone makes mistakes—especially in the course of owning and maintaining a home: One wrong turn and a seeming straightforward job can turn into a money pit proj...
Who doesn’t harbor fantasies of transforming a seen-better-days abode into a showplace? Whether hoping to live in the resulting residence, use it as a rental prop...
If you’re a millennial, which puts you anywhere from about 20 through 36, you’re in the age range where young people in generations past would have purchased thei...
Moving to new digs? Make sure your belongings are well packed, so they make the trip safely. Of course to do that, yo...
Home inspections are not cheap. But if you’re looking to purchase a home, having it thoroughly inspected before you c...
While real estate prices soar in some markets around the country, there are still a number of cities where you can find a real steal. Click through to see what a ...
Your home isn't just a house—it's where you unwind, work, play, and spend time with those you love. So, every remodel or renovation you tackle should take into ac...
You can probably recite your home’s square footage, your property's acreage, and your community's school district—but do you know your neighborhood's noise policy...
When the time comes to sell, homeowners always want to get the best possible price so they can recoup their significant financial—and emotional—investment. It is ...
Downsizing your digs won't always spare your wallet. For proof, look no further than this selection of amenity-rich (and richly priced) tiny apartments scattered ...
Have you ever passed by a wow-worthy residence that's had a "For Sale" sign on display for what seems like an eternity and wondered why no one has scooped up the ...
Buying a new home can be a thrilling and terrifying adventure. During the process, you’ll need to address dozens of d...
As homeowners pack moving boxes and wrap furniture in blankets, one question inevitably runs through their minds: How did I accumulate so many things? Moving is a...
While the average lot size of a home in the United States is about one-fifth of an acre, some super-size abodes boast ginormous backyards that span 50 acres or mo...
Remodeling is a big investment—and whether you’re doing it for your own benefit or with an eye towards selling your house, it’s nice to know which redos are going...
The grass may be greener on the other side of the fence, but you won’t know for sure if you never move. According to data analysis site FiveThirtyEight, the avera...
Q: My wife and I are moving to our first house next week and were told that the move would take a full day. Will the ...
Many consumers don’t pay much attention to the cost of homeowner’s insurance, simply accepting the fact that they have to pay steep prices to protect their bigges...
Homes with great floor plans and awesome curb appeal generate loads of interest from buyers, making these properties easy sellers. By contrast, the ugly house on ...
It was recently disclosed that some of the homeowners on the popular HGTV series "Fixer Upper" had already purchased their home before the show started filming—sh...
Boasting a compact yet durable construction and an energy-efficient curved shape, dome homes have made a memorable entrance into towns across America and beyond—a...
An Internet real estate listing can be crucial in attracting buyers, and the photos that accompany that listing are incredibly important. They are the first impre...
If you're looking to relocate, there are several cities in the United States that offer big incentives to new residents. Check out these cities that will pay you,...
Shotgun houses, traditionally no wider than 12 feet, feature a cascaded floor plan, wherein each room is arranged behind the other. These popular residential arch...
If you’re thinking of building out toward the edges of your lot, you first need to determine the exact location of yo...
From Pittsburgh to Kansas City, the most economical cities in America are also home to some of the most extravagant abodes standing today. For proof, take a grand...
For camera-shy celebrities, the best way to dodge paparazzi is often to get out of Dodge. These 14 notable names have done just that, temporarily—or even permanen...
Who said you had to be a royal to live like one? Everyday house hunters looking for a new place to call home can snag any one of these on-the-market castles and c...
Ever wished you could live in the home of Harry Potter, Royal Tenenbaum, or Kevin McCallister? For 11 buyers, movie magic became a reality when they scooped up th...
The housing market has definitely rebounded since the Great Recession, but if you know where to look, you can still get a home for well under $100,000—especially ...
Real estate listings are written to sell houses, period. While most agents maintain an honesty-is-best policy when writing house listings, that won't keep them fr...
The property professionals who show and sell houses for a living have to live somewhere too! So what’s on their “must" list for homes of their own? Real estate ag...
A competitive housing market may require fast action, but buyers, sellers, and renters still need to proceed with extreme caution. Home-purchase and rental transa...
It’s a well-established pattern: Home sales heat up every spring and summer, and then, as the leaves begin to change, the market begins to cool. By November, with...
Good fences may make good neighbors, but accidentally erecting one on or across a neighbor’s property line can lead t...
So, you think you're ready to put your house on the market? Not so fast! First, find an experienced selling agent and start looking at other neighborhood properti...
In almost every city in the United States, certain neighborhoods are in hot demand, and real estate dealings in those areas can become alarmingly cutthroat. Don’t...
Attending open houses can feel a bit awkward at first—after all, you’re basically invading the private space of a perfect stranger. But buying a home is a time to...
Whether you move during peak season or in the depths of winter, you'll probably have to deal with stress and a dwindling supply of energy and funds. When it's tim...
Are you getting ready to put your home on the market? If so, you probably want the sale to go as quickly and smoothly as possible. Well then, get ready to put in ...
When you put your home up for sale, you need to put in quite a bit of work to make it an attractive competitor on the real estate market. Location, price, and a h...
The best listing agents serve as coaches and copilots, helping home sellers navigate a market that can be lucrative and treacherous in equal amounts. It’s wise to...
Purchasing a house is a major undertaking--and, even for folks who’ve been through it before, the process can be a bit terrifying. The sums are usually huge, the ...
Whether a town’s market is hot or not, certain homes seem to effortlessly attract packed open houses and multiple bids. What’s the secret behind these brisk and b...
Selling a home can be an emotional process, but in order to get the place ready for sale, you’ll need to set your emotions aside. With a ruthlessly objective eye,...
While a fixer-upper can be a lot cheaper than a home that's move-in ready, some fixer-uppers just aren't worth the headache. If the home you have your eye is plag...
It is possible to wow and delight potential purchasers without investing crazy amounts of time and money. Read on for 10 minor changes that can inspire real esta...
While laws vary from state to state, generally speaking, sellers are responsible for disclosing only information within their personal knowledge that could affect...
Before you decide to go the "For Sale by Owner" route, it's a good idea to figure out what you're getting yourself into. You might find that the time commitment, ...
To increase your chances of a quick sale, there's a long list of tasks you should complete before you post a "For Sale" sign in your front yard. If you're getting...
Not all advice is good advice. When it comes to the real estate market, friends and family may offer their unsolicited opinions based on common beliefs, but it’s ...
Homeownership is on the rise again. With mortgage applications surging and homeownership experiencing its first uptick since 2013, now seems like a good time to b...
If you plan to sell your home someday (and most people do), it's important to always consider the long-term consequences of short-term design decisions. Remember,...
Most homeowners insurance policies get squared away in the early stages of home buying and aren't much looked at agai...
While renting has the advantage of being affordable and carefree, purchasing your own home can be a great investment opportunity—if you’re prepared. Unlike with ...
Not all home improvements are created equal. In fact, some so-called “upgrades” actually can decrease the value of your home, especially if you are planning on se...
Congratulations, you’re officially a homeowner! But along with the new address comes a new set of responsibilities, including some you may not even know about. Th...
Once the excitement of closing on a new house or locking down a great apartment wears off, reality sets in: Time to p...
Even the most experienced homeowners can get sucked into spending a lot of money on maintenance costs or home improvements that just don’t deliver. For those who ...
You’ll be amazed at how a little prep work before moving will make for a smoother transition between homes. There are some tried-and-true packing tips you can hee...
Whether you are buying or selling a home, it's a challenge to find the best real estate agent. Our tips will help you simplify the agent-selecting process.
If you think your home insurance policy will protect you in the event of a flood, you may be in for a shock. Because standard homeowner’s policies do not cover fl...
Conventional wisdom holds that upgrades and improvements will enhance a home’s value. But some improvements are better—and more cost-effective—investments than ot...
Let's face it: For homeowners in most cities, the real estate boom is far, far behind us. Most folks need to squeeze every last penny out of their investment when...
Throughout the years you live in a house, you pour your heart and soul into maintaining it and making it comfortable and attractive. When it comes time to sell, y...
So the new house isn't perfect—it needs a little fixing up. A house that needs some TLC might seem like a bargain, especially if it's your first home, but are you...
Oh, wait. . . you WANTED your security deposit back?!Well, buckle your seat belt, responsible former tenant: You are ...
Whether you're looking to relocate, retire, downsize, or upsize, the process of selling your home can create a long and wild to-do list. But putting your place on...
Preparing to sell your house? You should have two separate to-do lists. In one, itemize the issues a good home inspector is likely to find. Those are matters you ...
So you’ve bought your first house—congratulations! You’ve searched for and found a place that you love. You've secure...
Before disaster strikes, make sure to check for potential potholes in your property insurance policy. Doing so now could save you money—and heartache—later.
You don't think twice about commissioning professional photos of your children, right? Even if you don't have any imm...
Groomed and energetic, the real estate agent seated on your sofa seems like a perfect fit for the job of helping you ...
In the past, retirees have fled south, eschewing the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest in favor of sunnier, more b...
Well, that didn’t last long. The buoyant housing market of this past spring has already sputtered out, and mounting e...
If you're house hunting, here are some things to keep in mind on your walk-through. Check for structural integrity. ...
If you're planning on putting your house on the market this fall, be aware that folks at different stages of life ent...
In the weeks before you close on a new house, it's tempting to think you've overcome the most challenging financial h...
Risky practices consigned to the past, mortgage lenders are now returning to applying the same standards that your pa...
As founder and president of The Rural Connection, a real estate company based in Upstate New York, Randy Florke has p...
You don't need children to understand that good public schools support the value of homes in their district. And whil...
Millennials can’t seem to catch a break. Saddled with student loan debt and facing some tough employment challenges, ...
We've all heard the real estate maxim, "location, location, location," but not everyone fully appreciates how neighbo...
If you're refinancing or selling your home and wish to find its estimated value, a handful of online tools can help y...
Real estate agents like to say that house hunters make offers based not on price, but emotions. Recently, Duke Univer...
Mortgage interest rates continue at record lows, but if you're hoping to snag a home equity loan for a planned renova...
Jean Nayar is a licensed real estate agent with Bond New York and the author of several books on decorating and desig...
Housing used to be a fairly safe investment — you put your money in and, in a few years when it was time to sell, you...
Even if you’ve had numerous yard sales in the past, here are a few pointers to make yours more successful. Start Earl...
With a glut of distressed properties on the market now, people are eager to make deals. But there’s little room for e...
It was an unsuccessful attempt to downsize for a smaller house payment that led Joseph Cortez, a realtor in Corpus Ch...
Much like detailing a used car prior to sale, staging a home allows it to put on its best face. Not to be confused wi...
In most areas of the U. S. , housing costs are rising faster than wages. To meet the federal government’s definition ...
Since World War II, the federal government has had its hand in promoting and supporting affordable housing through GI...
Perhaps you have been searching for several months or even years, and now you have found the perfect home. Your dream...
Bob Vila’s Home Again opened its fifteenth season with a bay-front condo remodel along the Venetian Island stretch of...
So you like the way the house looks and believe the footprint will accommodate your family’s needs. But how does it f...
The Floor PlanFind out how many rooms the house has and whether or not the number will meet your family’s needs. In p...
Before you buy a home, you should hire a professional inspector to conduct a thorough analysis of the true state of t...
The average American is said to move every five to seven years. As that statistic suggests, you would be wise to thin...
With home sales running a solid 12% ahead of last spring, some house hunters are waiving the inspection contingency. ...
When is a trailer park not a trailer park? When it’s being designed and developed by nationally recognized small-spac...
For the past several years, 20% has been the minimum down payment for standard loans, but as the market recovers and ...
The residential housing market is finally experiencing an upswing across most markets. Even relatively stable regions...
Dreading the big move? Here are ten tips to help you pack smarter, load better, and get your stuff from where you are to where you want to be—without the stress.
Owning a home is the best way to build family wealth—that's been the prevailing wisdom, at least, for the last severa...
Common sense dictates that homes in walkable neighborhoods, with easy access to public transit, would pull higher val...
One of the joys of homeownership is having the freedom to do exactly what you want with your house or apartment—as lo...
All real estate is local, but it’s national real estate statistics that dominate headlines. If you wish to identify e...
All of a sudden there are not enough houses for sale to meet homebuyers' rising level of demand. Could you pull off ...
At times it's necessary to walk a fine line when remodeling. On the one hand, you want to give your house distinct ap...
House hunters today aren’t necessarily fixated on luxury finishes like stainless steel. They are practical and focuse...
Will your project pay off? For a trustworthy estimate, consult Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value report to ...
That choking sound you hear is the echo of real estate deals not getting done, because suddenly, buyers can’t find ho...
“Curb appeal” is real estate jargon referring to the first impression your home makes on prospective buyers. With ab...
Selling a house can yield some unexpected tax benefits. Few of us buy or sell often enough to stay abreast of the lat...
What do Bob Vila and Taylor Swift have in common, you ask? Apparently, a love for Cape Cod-style architecture! Taylor...
Hyperventilation over the housing market recovery is reaching gale force. National news outlets are quoting some expe...
The unexpected has become the norm for the US real estate market. As evidenced by the annual Profile of Home Buyers a...
If you’ve inherited or converted even a small slice of space to a standalone living unit that could be rented, you’ve...
While analysts argue whether 2012 was in fact the turnaround year for home sales, it’s clear that home remodeling is ...
That sacred cow, the home mortgage deduction, is likely headed for the slaughterhouse. As Congress explores ways to r...
Savvy homebuyers these days know that a home is worth more based on its location than on its square footage. Listen t...
Price is the number one factor for home buyers, according to the annual Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers recently r...
For the DIY-minded, it makes perfect sense. If you've fixed up the house on your own, why shouldn't you sell it on yo...
Brace for a remodeling revival in 2013. The Harvard Joint Center on Housing is predicting double-digit growth for ho...
Homeownership is widely considered to be a bedrock of family financial stability, but as aftershocks continue to reve...
Hooray! The housing market is bouncing back from the depths! No, wait, prices are going sideways—in some markets. Who...
You saw its potential. You designed, bought, plumbed, wired and painted it. Now that you are thinking of selling your...
Documenting your project makes for great before-and-after photos to impress friends. A scrapbook can also validate yo...
Traditional real estate wisdom dictates that you should never buy the nicest house on the block. Calibrate potential ...
Good news! Real estate prices are firming up, and sales are on an upswing. You may soon be able to cash in on your ho...
Keeping up with the Joneses can actually be a good rule of thumb if you’re planning to sell your house within the nex...
Kitchens sell houses. That's still true. But if you are remodeling your kitchen with an eye towards recapturing your ...
Here's some context for the old adage that home values are based on location, location, location: We identify three w...
Baked-in obsolescence is the last thing you want in your kitchen remodel. Classic layouts, finishes, and styles are ...
Whether you are selling or buying a house, your plans are likely to be derailed by one of three factors that are trip...
The smart way to buy today is with resale in mind. Here are four long-term trends that will likely shape the marketab...
Lots of home-buyers look for “short sales”, because on the surface, they can seem like a bargain. CM_BVILANOTES-6 Buy...
In the current real estate market, it’s not hard to find foreclosed properties to buy. But a home that looks like a g...
Photo: shutterstock. comBasements are a common target for the supposedly easy and fast addition of livable space. Aft...
Home values continue to vacillate in most markets, which means that it's difficult to estimate exactly how much equit...
Though they've seen their parents lose equity, today's 20-somethings have home-buying on their minds. A just-released...
Summer’s here, and it’s a great time to expand your living space—and your home’s value—by making the most of the grea...
It's a realty agent's dream: bidding wars are back! At least, that's the hyperventilation du jour. From Boston to Los...
Not much has been guaranteed in the housing industry in the past seven years, but there's one trend that is sure to r...
Did you know that making your home look like a stage set can actually add 10 or 15% to the selling price? You can hir...
You stripped the woodwork, replaced the windows, and brought the kitchen from the dark ages into the light. You poure...
Five years ago today, I moved into my condo. It was the first home that I purchased. Not only did I have a new home, ...
Quality home renovation got a shout-out from Wall St. recently with Morgan Stanley analyst Oliver Chang recommending ...
Ask any realtor how to maximize your home’s value; they’ll tell you to grab a paintbrush. LISTENListen to BOB VILA ON...
Ah, a secluded, peaceful vacation home, far from the madding crowd. . . But not far enough to be away from the IRS. T...
Renting is suddenly cool: these days, renting is about lifestyle and flexibility, says Jane Hodges, author of the new...
Following some simple guidelines can safeguard your property, keep your family protected, and lower your insurance pr...
In the wake of the housing bust, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), once a lender of "near-last resort" for moderat...
Talk isn't cheap, not when it comes to picking the right words to describe the house you are selling. Paul Anglin, an...
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
You're proud of your work. But the ultimate validation comes from househunters and real estate agents. In today's unf...
Realty agents have clung to their traditional 6% fee structure through boom and bust, insisting that 6% of the home s...
If you're tackling a home improvement project this spring, you're not the only one reinvesting sweat equity in your h...
Search for Hidden ProblemsNow, more than ever, buyer beware. Most sellers just aren’t motivated to do expensive repai...
Loaning money is at the heart of a bank's business. But to stay in business, the bank must do it carefully, lending i...
Inviting Spaces SellStaging your home or creating a clean, well-presented space that draws positive attention can add...
Mark Brock is a fan of fixer-uppers. He bought his first in the midseventies, a circa-1935 house in Columbia, SC, tha...
Tom Fox, founder and former president of New York Water Taxi, takes Bob on a tour of the Brooklyn waterfront, highlighting various points of interest.
Bob reviews the site preparation process with the on-site contractor, Michael Sheils.
Bob introduces an 1890s Brownstone on New York City's Upper West Side.
Bob visits with Jim Vaccaro and Tom Ferontie of Mashpee Commons, in Mashpee, Massachusetts and talks with Pat Fiero of the Housing Assistance Corporation about th...
Bob meets with Joe Valle, the developer and general contractor for the River Hill development in Mashpee, Massachusetts on Cape Cod.
Realtor Lynn Zekis leads Bob on a tour of her own loft conversion in the Boston Leather District.
In touring the neighborhood, Bob introduces the nine-unit Roxbury affordable housing project.
Bob talks with Evelyn Friedman Vargas and Robert Vargas (from Nuestra Comunidad) to learn more about rebuilding efforts in this low-income area.
The home's side entry will be restored using the original columns, which homeowner Jim Verity found in the basement. On the front porch, new support beams and rai...
Bob meets with the contractor to inspect the poured footings and discuss the pouring process. Next, Bob helps install the sill plate and explains the various type...
Bob goes on a helicopter ride over the Los Angeles area, passing such famous landmarks as the Hollywood Bowl, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and the perpetually p...
Real estate agent Lois Bostic shows Bob some interesting properties in the area representing a variety of styles-- cottage, Spanish, contemporary, and ranch.
In Malibu, Bob tours a house that was built in the mid-50s and really looks that way, from the tile to the windows. Bob decides to undertake an ambitious overhaul...
The search for Bob's next project house ends, when he finds a small 19th-century home on a large plot of land in East Chop, a laid-back, picturesque part of the i...
Bob goes house hunting in Plymouth, MA, talking with the realtor while he tours the area homes for sale.
After house hunting with a realtor, Bob inspects one home in particular to check for structural and cosmetic problems before buying.
Bob accompanies carpenter-contractor Bob Ryley on a "contractor's tour" of the home with the aim of assessing any needed modifications to the interior.
In search of the perfect "cracker" cottage to remodel, Bob goes on a neighborhood tour of Naples, FL, both by car and by boat.
Bob takes a driving tour with realtor Catherine Caravette of two Chicago suburbs, Wicker Park and Lincoln Park.
