Real Estate News

Don’t let nature beat you down

A few solutions to help homeowners outsmart the elements

ARA Content

Protecting your home means you're pitted in a constant struggle against the forces of nature. Products and improvements that help you beat the weather are a smart investment. Look for "weather beater" products that are low maintenance or that provide... Full story

Mortgage rates fall slightly

Associated Press

McLEAN, Va. — Rates for 30-year home loans inched downward this week, but still remain above record lows posted during the spring, Freddie Mac said Thursday. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 5.32 this week, below last week's average... Full story

Meltdown 101: Where do home prices really stand?

Questions and answers to help explain the housing crash

By Alan Zibel/Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Is the historic U.S. housing market crash close to being over, or is the end still far, far away? While sales finally seem to be stabilizing, prices are still are likely to keep sinking well into next year and maybe longer. Prices... Full story

NorCal home prices up

By Jacob Adelman/Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — The median home price in Northern California increased nearly 5 percent last month from March, suggesting some parts of the region's housing market could be stabilizing, a tracking firm said Thursday. The increase marks a reversal... Full story

SoCal home sales on the rise

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — A tracking firm says the median home price in Southern California increased nearly 1 percent in May from April, the first month-on-month increase in nearly two years. The price increase reported Wednesday by San Diego-based MDA DataQuick... Full story

Tax breaks for homeowners in 2009 and beyond

ARA Content

Homeownership and green improvements will be more affordable for more Americans in 2009, thanks to several provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The changes will put more money in taxpayers' pockets and allow homeowners to save thousands... Full story

His and hers

One family, two houses, and everybody’s happy

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

His house is bright and open, a gymnasium of a great room. Skis stacked inside the front door; trout-fishing waders dangling in the closet. Her house is buttery warm and cozy, a single level that wraps itself. Piano next to the dining table; gardens... Full story

So many pots ... so little time

Freedom News Service

In these uncertain times, home and garden is becoming a place of refuge — where people can retreat from the grim news of dwindling dividends and dollars. Even before the stock retreat, designer Randy Ouzts began to notice people were pulling back,... Full story

Are you drowning your plants with love?

ARA Content

Whether you have rooms filled with houseplants or a choice few displayed throughout your home, growing houseplants is a great way to decorate and is good for both body and soul. But did you know that the No. 1 reason indoor plants die is people drown... Full story

Water heaters: Know before you buy

ARA Content

How's your relationship with your household appliances? You open your refrigerator every day and run the dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer several times each week. But how often do you think about your water heater? You use it every day, usually multiple... Full story