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Where Are the Most and Least Affordable Homes in the US?
Even if buying a home has yet to cross your mind, it's probably been tough to ignore the patterns in the housing market. It will always have its ups and downs, but what we all really care about is the bottom line — affordability.
Some cities are considered to be more affordable than others when it comes to being a homeowner.
I'm Asking: Do You Have House Rules in Writing?
As I've already mentioned, I came across Catey Hill's new book, Shoo, Jimmy Choo — and now I can't put it down. Her book is loaded with great financial advice, everything from understanding your 401K to budgeting, renting, and living with roommates.
In fact, Catey suggests that roommates actually write up specific guidelines and rules for living together — ground rules for how much rent each person pays, security deposits, grocery bills, having parties and guests over, you name it.
What to Know About the Extended Homebuyers Tax Credit
Stimulating the economy is the motivation behind many discussions and decisions coming from the White House these days. The original $8,000 first-time homebuyers credit was developed with economic improvement in mind, and the measure's popularity led to President Obama signing an extension and expansion of the credit on Friday.
The tax credit was scheduled to expire on Dec.
Cost of 4-Bedroom Homes in the Most and Least Pricey Cities
Homes are one category where you cannot judge the cost by its cover. Housing prices vary wildly depending on geography — the same chunk of change can buy a 1,000 square-foot condo in one part of the country or a 5,200 spacious home in another area.
The 2009 Coldwell Banker Home Price Comparison Index was released this week, and it's an "apples-to-apples" comparison of the prices around the nation for 2,200-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-and-one-half bath, single-family homes.
Would You Rent an $1,850 Apartment With No Bathroom Sink?
The next time you're kvetching about your apartment's shortcomings, consider 27-year-old Atossa Movahedi's one-bedroom Chelsea apartment. The New York Times tells the story of Atossa's search for something within her price range that wasn't a studio and located in one of her preferred neighborhoods. After living with roommates in various Manhattan neighborhoods, she was determined to find a place to call her own for about $1,600 a month.
7 Guidelines For First-Time Home Buyers
Just about a year ago, our financial system as we knew it was collapsing — Wall Street was in shambles. Things kept getting worse in pretty much every corner of the economy, and we're still trying to figure out whether or not the country has reached a state of recovery. The housing market has been particularly tumultuous, but many new buyers are taking advantage of lower home prices and finding themselves in escrow for the first time.
Where It Costs Less to Own Than Rent
We got some good economic news during the past week with announcements that July's new and existing home sales jumped significantly, beating analysts expectations. While buying a home isn't the best choice for everyone and not every American considers home ownership part of the dream, lower prices have made it an option for more people who want it.
Because the market has sunk deeply in certain areas, owning a home can cost nearly the same as renting.
Are You Hoping to Take Advantage of the Homebuyer's Credit?
First-time buyers hoping to take advantage of the homebuyer's credit are feeling the pressure to find a place soon. Eligibility for the tax credit states that the deal must be done before Dec. 1, and that deadline is creeping up quickly.
The 10 Strongest US Real Estate Markets
Bubble-induced regret has a lot of Americans kicking themselves over buying property at the wrong time. Some places managed to avoid the bubble trap and now have strong housing markets relative to the greater real estate picture.
BusinessWeek and Zillow.com ranked metro areas based on the number of single-family homes with increased values in the second quarter compared to the same period last year.
Gone Are the Days of the McMansion?
US home foreclosures are still occurring at record rates. July's foreclosures were up seven percent from June and 32 percent from a year earlier — one in every 355 households with a loan got a foreclosure filing. The jump can be partly attributed to the rising unemployment rate as people lack wages to pay their mortgages.
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