How to Get Started Buying a Home

Our Practical Investor Fights Inflation with These 6 Investments

Kathy Kristof invests her real money to help you be a better investor. Her latest buys protect her portfolio from rising prices.

3 New Programs Aimed at Improving the Housing Market

Can a trio of new policies ease foreclosures and get the market back on track?

Is Foreclosure Relief Fair to Everyone Else?

We're seeing state and federal foreclosure relief that looks unfair to taxpayers and arbitrary in its benefits.

How to Sell Your Home Fast

Following these three steps will help make your home irresistible to buyers.

How to Score 13% With Annaly Capital Management

Unless some Annaly trader screws up, the good times will continue to roll for the real estate investment trust -- at least through 2013.

5 Tips to Cut Costs on Your Home

Don't pay more than you have to when it comes to taxes, remodeling and your mortgage.

Economy Warming with the Weather

Though the risk of a spike in energy prices looms, there's mounting evidence that this time, economic recovery is for real.

Why a Long-Term, Fixed-Rate Home Loan Makes Sense

Despite the uptick in homeowners choosing shorter-term loans, longer-term mortgages at today's low rates provide more flexibility.

Don't Make a Deal You Don't Intend to Honor

An ethical businessman bids what he truly believes an asset is worth and what he's fully committed to paying.

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.

Cash In on the Natural Gas Shale Boom

Lease payments and royalties have turned gas-rich regions into boomtowns. You could share in the windfall.

Best Value Cities 2011:
1. Omaha, Neb.

A hot business climate, cool amenities and cheap-and-easy living earn Omaha our top spot.

Best Value Cities 2011:
2. Charlotte, N.C.

It’s a banking mecca, and a wide green streak runs through it.

Best Value Cities 2011:
7. Little Rock, Ark.

The Clinton Library and big corporate projects bolster a strong economy.

Best Value Cities 2011:
9. Cedar Rapids, Iowa

From grains to planes, a diverse economy attracts a high-tech workforce.

Best Value Cities 2011:
10. Cincinnati, Ohio

This comeback city is creating jobs and redeveloping its downtown.

Best Value Cities 2011:
4. Colorado Springs, Colo.

Smart people flock to this city with a diverse economy and spectacular setting.

Best Value Cities 2011:
6. Lexington, Ky.

This small, progressive city values its rolling landscape and rich past.

Best Value Cities 2011:
8. Wichita, Kan.

Living costs are typical of a small prairie town, but you’ll enjoy big-city amenities.

Best Value Cities 2011:
3. Nashville, Tenn.

Booming entertainment, health care and education sectors are music to the ears of its residents.

Evaluating Two Real-Estate Companies

The potential for Howard Hughes's properties is huge, and its stock is cheap. But St. Joe Company has little value, and its shares are too expensive.

Your Investing Guide to the Debt Ceiling Crisis

Here's what you should know to protect your portfolio, no matter how the politicians handle the U.S. debt debate.

State Budgets: Still Squeezed

Rising Medicaid and school costs outstrip improving revenues.

Robert Shiller Predicts Home Prices Will Fall Some More

Despite an uptick in home prices, the noted economist sees more trouble ahead for the housing market.

Economist Carmen Reinhart Shares Her Grim Outlook for the U.S. Economy

The senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics predicts five more years of slow growth and high unemployment.

Buy REITs for Growth

The recent rally of real estate investments trusts is a vote of confidence in the strength and staying power of the recovery.

Peter Schiff: "We're in the Early Stages of a Depression"

This well-known bear warns us about the country's heavy debt burden, rising interest rates, surging oil prices and more problems brewing.

What Keeps Me Awake

The European financial crisis is likely to cause some countries to default on their debt.

Foreclosures at Rock-Bottom Prices

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

A Real Estate Fund With Focus

This ETF holds only 30 real estate investment trusts.

Where to Invest in 2011

Despite tepid economic growth, U.S. stocks should produce respectable gains in the coming year.

Why You Should Sell Health-Care REITs Now

This investment category's winning streak looks to be nearing its end.

How to Profit in This Tricky Economic Environment

A bargain hunter, a hedge-fund manager and a brokerage strategist share their market outlooks and their game plans.

Looking Back at 2010: How Did We Do?

We know you count on our advice. So we're our own harshest critic.

Healthy Housing Sector? Not Until 2012

Mortgage rates are about as low as they can go. What this market needs is jobs.

10 Great Cities for Raising Families

Consider these towns for their healthy economies, strong schools, low crime rates, abundance of parks and more.

Where the Economy Is Headed

Stronger business spending and rising employment will help this recovery shake off worries about Europe.

Housing Crawling Back

It looks like sales, starts have found a bottom -- but the market's far from healthy.