Buying a Home

Million-Dollar Mania

You don't need a bright idea or a winning lottery ticket to amass that much cash.

Lower the Rate on All Your Loans

Cutting the interest rates on your credit card and auto loans could be as easy as asking.

What It Takes to Buy a Home

Homes are affordable and mortgage rates are low. Are your finances ready for the leap?

How to Finance a Second Home

Thinking about buying a vacation property? Here's what you need to know.

Turning a One-Room Schoolhouse Into a Vacation Home

It took Roz Fitch nearly 20 years to turn her second home into a one-of-a-kind vacation getaway.

How to Get Started Buying a Home

Make Your Dreams Come True

These stories will inspire you to turn your vision into reality.

Roth IRA Withdrawal Rules

Here's what you need to know if you want to take money out of your account before retirement.

Borrowing from a 401(k) to Make a Down Payment

Make sure you understand the rules and risks before tapping your retirement savings to pay for a home.

What’s Ahead for Home Prices in 2012

The bleeding is just about over. But don’t expect a speedy recovery.

Refinance at Today’s Lower Interest Rates to Save Money on Your Mortgage

For a lot of borrowers, it makes sense to refinance.

Finally, a Bottom for Home Prices

Plenty of people would like to set up their own household. More-affordable houses could bring them into the market.

Living Well in a Little House

Freelance journalist Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell and her husband, of Yellville, Arkansas, chose to downsize to a 480-square-foot lake house that they share with their five dogs.

Everything You Need to Know About Replacement Windows

6 Good Reasons to Buy a Home Now

Houses are more affordable than they’ve been in a decade.

The Basics of Buying Homeowners Insurance

If you're purchasing your first home, here's what you need to know about getting the right coverage to protect it.

The Vexing Dilemma of the Housing Market

It will be years before most of America sees gains in home prices again that match historic norms. There are too many problems to resolve.

Who Benefits From Affordable Homes?

For many young adults, I believe this will turn out to have been a good time to buy a house or condo.

More Hurdles for Home Buyers

Winding down Fannie and Freddie will raise the cost of borrowing.

An IRA Is a Poor Shelter for Real Estate

You can buy houses with retirement money, but you'll lose the tax breaks you're counting on to make a profit.

Foreclosures at Rock-Bottom Prices

Opportunity knocks for buyers who aren't put off by legal squabbling and potential delays.

Goodbye, City Life

The USDA offers mortgages for homes in rural locations that are not as far out of town as you might think.

Master the Modern Art of Haggling

From cars to TVs to patio pavers, learn the tricks of talking your way to a deal.

A House Is Just a Home

Unlike carefully selected stocks and bonds, a home should not be regarded as an investment.

What It Takes to Get a Loan

Lenders loosen their grip, but your credit history will decide whether you get a mortgage, car loan or credit card.

It's Not Okay to Skip Out on a Mortgage

Default is ethical only for people who can no longer afford their home because of circumstances beyond their control, such as job loss.

How to Pick the Perfect Window

You'll want to know about style, materials and energy savings when it comes to your view.

Tapping a 401(k) for a Down Payment

Learn the consequences of pulling out money from your workplace retirement account.

12 New Rules for Your Money

In this era of high unemployment, flat home prices and do-it-yourself retirement savings, some traditional rules of saving and investing are due for an overhaul.