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SEARCH THE ENCYLOPEDIA  Investing in Pre-Foreclosures - Investors are intrigued by the return potential on distressed properties, but the best deals occur at the preforeclosure stage.
Get-Ready Check List for the Next Disaster - About 64 percent of U.S. homes are underinsured. Use this checklist to make sure you're ready for the next calamity. Anti-Flipping Rules Aimed at Investors - Stricter lending rules on homes that are bought and quickly resold are having a negative effect on investors. Vacation Homes: Not Just for the Rich and Famous - You, too, can own a vacation home, even if you're not rich. The trick is in avoiding the property-management middleman. Six Top Benefits of Owning a Home - The responsibilities that go with homeownership can be a pain, but the financial and "feel good" rewards make it all worthwhile. Here Comes the 40 Year Mortgage - For years a niche product found mostly on the west coast, it will become mainstream this month. Home Buying 101 - Escrow? Jumbo loan? PMI? Before your head is swimming with these house-buying terms, get a quick vocabulary lesson in some real estate and mortgage terms. The Truth About Buying Foreclosures - Everyone wants to buy a foreclosure for a song. But they're not that easy to find and there's no guarantee it's a good investment. How to Hire a Contractor - Remodeling or repairing your home is not something you do every day. Here's how to be selective when choosing a contractor. Interest Only Mortgage Deja Vu - That last craze for interest-only mortgages craze ended with a Depression-era wave of foreclosures. The new variety of this loan is even riskier, says Jack Guttentag, the Mortgage Professor. Good News, Bad News: Credit Card Minimum Payments Doubling - Ballooning minimum monthly payment on credit card balances could help you reduce debt faster or push you closer to bankruptcy. How to Choose a Summer Camp - Choosing a day camp or sleepover camp for your child this summer? Consider these priorities before you make your decision. Get Rid of Your Junk - Choose one of several methods to sell your old belongings and make some money. 8 tips for House-Hunting on Vacation - Some say it's no way to spend a vacation, but checking out the real estate market in your favorite corner of paradise actually may be a smart way to multitask. Locking a Rate vs. Paying Discount Points - Those waiting for a house to be finished often spend thousands on long rate locks, but there is an alternative: Pay that same money for discount points. Shop Wisely for a Real Estate Investment Club - You can learn a lot, both good and bad, so check them out thoroughly. 6 Money Mistakes Even the Experts Make - Everybody messes up. Smart people learn from the experience. Breaking an ARM's Grip - Those who took out adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) when rates were at record lows are now looking for ways out. Adding Up Deductible Sales Tax - The new sales tax deduction gives many filers another chance at cutting their federal bills. Our expert looks at how the law applies to some specialty sales taxes.
8 Calls to Make if Your Identity is Stolen - A step-by-step guide to clearing your good name. 14 Ways to Avoid Identity Theft - Former thief Frank Abagnale offers some suggestions to protect your credit. Quiz: Do You Protect Your Identity? - Check to see if you're protecting yourself from identity thieves. Employment Strategies for 50-Somethings - Make your maturity and experience work for you when on the hunt for a new job. Price Your Home at the Top, but Not Over the Top - Pricing it lower than it should be is cheating yourself, but going overboard can lead to no sale at all. Reverse Mortgages: Retirement's On the House - Among the faster growing products in the home finance industry today is a mortgage that puts money into the pockets of borrowers -- and they don't have to pay it back until after they move out Mortgage Mess Nixes Retirement Mess - You should get that second mortgage paid off as quickly as possible, says Dr. Don.
Rental Property Management - Yes or No? - It's a lot of work to do it yourself, but it's cheaper and you might get a better result. Where to Find Sub Prime Lenders - You've been turned down for a mortgage by all the corner banks. Where do you go from here? Hot Properties: High-Tech Condos - Before buying a new condominium, prospective buyers should check into their high-tech amenities to ensure a high resale value.
Retirement Tax Havens in the US - Moving to a tax-friendly locale could help you make the most of your retirement income. It's "Buyer be Ware" on Sub Prime Loans - Just because they'll lend you money doesn't mean they're not trying to get all you have. How to Find a Place to Retire - There is no such thing as a perfect place to live in retirement, but there's a method to finding a good match for your needs.
When to Begin Drawing Social Security Benefits - The decision about whether to start at age 62 or wait depends on numerous factors, including your health, your financial situation and whether you want to keep working. Should Women Save More for Retirement than Men? - Do the math. Women live longer, drop out of the workforce for years at a time and earn less money than men. Mortgage Pre-Approvals Not Worth the Paper - Brokers complain the information isn't verified, and is often inaccurate.
Selling an SUV Expensed Under Section 179 - When you sell an SUV on which you took a full deduction, you realize a gain at the time of sale unless you enter into a like-kind exchange with a trade-in, says our tax adviser. To Consolidate Mortgages or Not? - If you're not going to save on the interest rate, Dr. Don asks, why bother? Finding a 40 Year Mortgage - They're a bit harder to find than their 30-year cousins, but a credit union or mortgage broker should help, says Dr. Don.
Manufactured Homes - Not Tin Cans on Wheels - Factory-built homes have suffered an image problem, but experts say they've become good investments. One hurdle that remains is financing. Rental Property Manager - Yes or No? - It's a lot of work to do it yourself, but it's cheaper and you might get a better result. 12 Tips for a Mold Free Home - Whether caused by flooding or trapped moisture, mold can wreak havoc and is unlikely to be insured. Here are experts' tips for preventing and removing mold. Lawn and Garden Equity - Using landscaping to create harmony outdoors can enhance your enjoyment of your home and its ultimate resale value. Tax Consequences of Flipping Real Estate - If you're not careful, you'll be making big profits for the IRS.
Should You Remodel or Move? - You can fix it up or you can buy a new house. Here are some things to think about before you decide. A Fight Over Web Listings Leaves Buyers Unsure - Home buyers searching for houses on the Internet won't know if they're casting a wide net or just dangling a hook under a disputed rule governing how properties are listed on the Web. Is a Pre-Payment Penalty Deductible? - For tax purposes, a prepayment penalty is deductible in the same way as mortgage interest, says our tax adviser. 17 Ways to Reduce Home Energy Costs - Money-saving tips for managing your home energy expenses. 7 Biggest Misconceptions About Life Insurance - Many myths surround life insurance, such as only the family breadwinner needs life insurance and you need life insurance totaling seven times your income. Here's the truth. Know Your Option ARM Choices Well - Like a chainsaw, these new and popular adjustable mortgages can be useful or harmful, and the risk is borne entirely by the user. Mum's the Word on Why You're Selling - Revealing your motivation to sell your home almost always gives the buyer a strong negotiating advantage, warns Steve McLinden. Sell High, Rent Low: The Bubble Sitters - People are gambling their nest eggs on the belief that home values have risen too high and soon will fall. Meet the bubble sitters, who have sold their homes, locked in their profits and become renters. Should You Wait for the Pop? - If history is a guide, bubbles don't always burst; local recessions do that. More often, booms are followed by plateaus. Bump Up Your Credit Score in a Hurry - Planning to buy a home, refi a loan or shop for a new car? Check your score and if you're not satisfied, use these tips to give it a lift. 12 Country Building Suprises and How to Avoid Them - The air may be cleaner, but important things like building codes can be a bit murky. When to Dump Your Term Insurance - Some people buy term policies for all the right reasons, but hold onto them too long for all the wrong reasons. Top Ten Mistakes by Novice Real Estate Investors - Real estate has become the investment everyone sees as their ticket to easy wealth. It's not that easy. Ten Mistakes Do-it-Yourselfers Make - Home improvement projects often require more time and money t han you expect. Four experts share the ten most common mistakes. Will Rolling Down Windows Save Fuel or Not? - People can argue endlessly over whether rolling down the windows is more fuel efficient than having windows up and AC on. But here's the right answer.
Avoiding Foreclosure-Rescue Scams - The convergence of economic and political forces may soon bring about a home-equity version of the stock market crash of 1929. How Much do you Know about Home Equity? - Take this quiz to see if you understand how home equity loans and lines of credit work. 7 Tips About Foreclosure from the National Consumer Law Center - Avoid slick sales talk and seek advice from your lender if you find yourself in a bind.
Beefing Up Your Home's Security - You can keep the bad guys at bay without having to rob a bank to pay for the cost of additional security. What's Better: New or Existing Home? - Different strokes for different folks. Here's a review of the pros and cons of each.
Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle - If your money runs out before the month does, this eight-step plan will help, says the Debt Adviser. 10 Biggest Mistakes Home Buyers Make - If you can avoid falling into these traps you're likely to get a much better deal. Real Estate Gurus - If Only it Were that Easy - The road to riches sure isn't as easy as advertised.
16 Ways to Get Better Insurance - What you say and how you say it can make a big difference. Investing in Foreclosures: For Novices it's a Crapshoot - Getting rich from buying foreclosures is the fantasy of many Americans, but it's much like most other things that seem too good to be true. Finding Low Cost Help for Filing Bankruptcy - You'll want to move fast before the new bankruptcy law takes effect, Dr. Don says. Confused About Home Sale Exclusion - Your closing agent must report the sale of your home to the IRS if the sale price is more than $250,000, but that doesn't mean you have to pay capital gains taxes, says George Saenz, CPA. Basic Mortgage ande Loan Quiz - Think you have a grasp of what it takes to get a mortgage or other loan? Our quick five-question quiz will let you know. Homes for Sale $1 - They're out there and they're for real. But there are often strings the size of tow ropes attached. Smart Equity Moves as Rates Rise - With the prime rate at 7.25 percent, home equity loan and line of credit strategies are much different than a year ago, experts say. Hidden Credit Score Guages Bankruptcy Risk - There's a number that might determine your available credit, but you aren't allowed to see it. Even Rich Folks Have Bag-Lady Syndrome - Do you harbor a fear that your financial security could disappear in a heartbeat? It may not be irrational. Five Ways to Improve Your Credit - So you've made mistakes. These steps will help you restore the luster to your credit rating. How to Finance a Second Home - You have pretty much the same options as for your primary residence, says Dr. Don. Real Estate Advisor: Rent or Buy? - This question usually turns on how long you plan to stay in the home and your stomach for risk, says Steve McLinden. Have You Over Improved Your Home? - It's not a problem unless you spend so much on improvements that you can't get your money back. Three Approaches to Paying Off Debt- You can go for maximum effect, for maximum satisfaction, or for the credit-score boost, says the Debt Adviser. Propert Sale Straddles Two Tax Years - If you don't get property sales proceeds from a December sale until January, you can treat the transaction as an installment sale in 2006, says our tax adviser.
Mortgage Limit Soars to $417,000 - Reflecting a national increase in housing values, mortgage financiers sharply raised the dividing line between conforming and more-expensive jumbo mortgages.
What Home Buyers Really Want - A quality lifestyle ranks higher than square footage on the average home buyer's preference list, according to the National Association of Realtors. You Should Be on the Deed - Dr. Don advises a woman whose husband wants the mortgage and deed on a house they are purchasing to be only in his name. Fees and Rules Can Ruin Gift Cards - For many, gift cards are the perfect size and color. But watch out -- they often lose value or expire, Bankrate's exclusive survey reveals.
Study Reveals Closing Cost Differences - When you're getting a mortgage and you want to pay the lowest fees possible, Wyoming is the place to live, and you should stay away from New York, according to a Bankrate.com study of closing costs nationwide. Planning Your Home With Universal Design - There is a wealth of resources full of good advice on planning free accessibility and convenience into your home. Mortgage Mess Nixes Retirement Mess - You should get that second mortgage paid off as quickly as possible, says Dr. Don.
Rental Property Management - Yes or No? - It's a lot of work to do it yourself, but it's cheaper and you might get a better result. Where to Find Sub Prime Lenders - You've been turned down for a mortgage by all the corner banks. Where do you go from here? Hot Properties: High-Tech Condos - Before buying a new condominium, prospective buyers should check into their high-tech amenities to ensure a high resale value.
Retirement Tax Havens in the US - Moving to a tax-friendly locale could help you make the most of your retirement income. It's "Buyer be Ware" on Sub Prime Loans - Just because they'll lend you money doesn't mean they're not trying to get all you have. How to Find a Place to Retire - There is no such thing as a perfect place to live in retirement, but there's a method to finding a good match for your needs.
When to Begin Drawing Social Security Benefits - The decision about whether to start at age 62 or wait depends on numerous factors, including your health, your financial situation and whether you want to keep working. Should Women Save More for Retirement than Men? - Do the math. Women live longer, drop out of the workforce for years at a time and earn less money than men. Mortgage Pre-Approvals Not Worth the Paper - Brokers complain the information isn't verified, and is often inaccurate.
Selling an SUV Expensed Under Section 179 - When you sell an SUV on which you took a full deduction, you realize a gain at the time of sale unless you enter into a like-kind exchange with a trade-in, says our tax adviser. To Consolidate Mortgages or Not? - If you're not going to save on the interest rate, Dr. Don asks, why bother? Finding a 40 Year Mortgage - They're a bit harder to find than their 30-year cousins, but a credit union or mortgage broker should help, says Dr. Don.
Manufactured Homes - Not Tin Cans on Wheels - Factory-built homes have suffered an image problem, but experts say they've become good investments. One hurdle that remains is financing. Rental Property Manager - Yes or No? - It's a lot of work to do it yourself, but it's cheaper and you might get a better result. 12 Tips for a Mold Free Home - Whether caused by flooding or trapped moisture, mold can wreak havoc and is unlikely to be insured. Here are experts' tips for preventing and removing mold. Lawn and Garden Equity - Using landscaping to create harmony outdoors can enhance your enjoyment of your home and its ultimate resale value. Tax Consequences of Flipping Real Estate - If you're not careful, you'll be making big profits for the IRS. Should You Remodel or Move? - You can fix it up or you can buy a new house. Here are some things to think about before you decide. A Fight Over Web Listings Leaves Buyers Unsure - Home buyers searching for houses on the Internet won't know if they're casting a wide net or just dangling a hook under a disputed rule governing how properties are listed on the Web. Is a Pre-Payment Penalty Deductible? - For tax purposes, a prepayment penalty is deductible in the same way as mortgage interest, says our tax adviser. 17 Ways to Reduce Home Energy Costs - Money-saving tips for managing your home energy expenses. 7 Biggest Misconceptions About Life Insurance - Many myths surround life insurance, such as only the family breadwinner needs life insurance and you need life insurance totaling seven times your income. Here's the truth. Know Your Option ARM Choices Well - Like a chainsaw, these new and popular adjustable mortgages can be useful or harmful, and the risk is borne entirely by the user. Mum's the Word on Why You're Selling - Revealing your motivation to sell your home almost always gives the buyer a strong negotiating advantage, warns Steve McLinden. Sell High, Rent Low: The Bubble Sitters - People are gambling their nest eggs on the belief that home values have risen too high and soon will fall. Meet the bubble sitters, who have sold their homes, locked in their profits and become renters. Should You Wait for the Pop? - If history is a guide, bubbles don't always burst; local recessions do that. More often, booms are followed by plateaus. Bump Up Your Credit Score in a Hurry - Planning to buy a home, refi a loan or shop for a new car? Check your score and if you're not satisfied, use these tips to give it a lift. 12 Country Building Suprises and How to Avoid Them - The air may be cleaner, but important things like building codes can be a bit murky. When to Dump Your Term Insurance - Some people buy term policies for all the right reasons, but hold onto them too long for all the wrong reasons. Top Ten Mistakes by Novice Real Estate Investors - Real estate has become the investment everyone sees as their ticket to easy wealth. It's not that easy. Ten Mistakes Do-it-Yourselfers Make - Home improvement projects often require more time and money t han you expect. Four experts share the ten most common mistakes. Will Rolling Down Windows Save Fuel or Not? - People can argue endlessly over whether rolling down the windows is more fuel efficient than having windows up and AC on. But here's the right answer.
Avoiding Foreclosure-Rescue Scams - The convergence of economic and political forces may soon bring about a home-equity version of the stock market crash of 1929. How Much do you Know about Home Equity? - Take this quiz to see if you understand how home equity loans and lines of credit work. 7 Tips About Foreclosure from the National Consumer Law Center - Avoid slick sales talk and seek advice from your lender if you find yourself in a bind.
Beefing Up Your Home's Security - You can keep the bad guys at bay without having to rob a bank to pay for the cost of additional security. What's Better: New or Existing Home? - Different strokes for different folks. Here's a review of the pros and cons of each.
Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle - If your money runs out before the month does, this eight-step plan will help, says the Debt Adviser. 10 Biggest Mistakes Home Buyers Make - If you can avoid falling into these traps you're likely to get a much better deal. Real Estate Gurus - If Only it Were that Easy - The road to riches sure isn't as easy as advertised. 
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