If you’re living in a Tampa or Houston apartment, it may be time to get out of the rent race and into a home. According to new rankings, the two cities have the fastest growing rent prices out of all major metros in the nation.

Making your rental house a home may take a few improvements. But that rental home changes can you get away with? The renovations you can get away with in a rental home depend on your contract, and on how you go about doing them.

The nation’s median home price might sit around $200K, but in some cities, buyers can find a home at half that. In fact, according to a new analysis, 10 U.S. cities are downright havens for under-$100K homes, with Pittsburgh leading the pack.

Electricians can take care of dangerous or annoying tasks in your home that you don't want to do. Here's what you need to know about hiring an electrican.

If you need cash, your home could provide it. Before borrowing, learn about the home equity loan vs line of credit, or HELOC.

Unless you want to put up a roof yourself, you'll likely be talking to roofing contractors. Here's what you need to know about getting bids from and working with roofing contractors.

Safety’s an important factor for homebuyers — particularly ones with families and children. So where in the U.S. is the safest to buy a house? According to a new analysis, it’s Vermont.

What does contingent mean? Contingent real estate offers require something to happen before the deal can close -- for instance, you must get approved for a mortgage. Most offers have some contingencies, but sellers prefer cleaner deals.

Just how much does the average American dream home cost? According to a new survey, about $1.3 million (or more, if you’re male or a Millennial.)

By law, a real estate purchase agreement must be in writing. Be aware of potential problems they can contain. Make sure you read and understand them before signing anything.

You want the best mortgage company when you buy a home or refinance. But how can you tell a good mortgage company from a bad one? Find out here.

Today’s younger home buyers have faced a dearth of starter homes in recent years, but it seems that some markets are bucking that trend. In fact, in San Francisco, nearly half of all home listings are entry-level properties.

Home buyers considering new construction should act now. According to new data, new homes have dropped to their lowest point in 12 months, decreasing nearly 7 percent since April.

The FHA appraisal is a little more elaborate than the standard appraisal. That's because FHA loans are government-backed, and the government wants to make sure that the house you buy is safe and livable.

Only the government's web site, annualcreditreport.com, offers your credit history for free without strings attached. Its free credit report is a good way to protect yourself from identity theft and ugly surprises when applying for a job or loan.

Home security tips: learn how to secure your home, avoid home burglary, and what to do in case of a home break in.

Shopping for a mortgage rate is not time consuming, but half of home loan consumers don't do it. They could be missing out on significantly better rates and fees.

Counteroffer definition: a proposal in response to a real estate purchase offer. The counter offer means that the seller accepts the buyer's offer, subject to certain changes. The buyer can accept, reject or counter the seller's counter-offer.

Preparing a new house checklist before you move will remove some of the stress beforehand, and will definitely help you handle the inevitable emergencies down the road. The ounce of prevention really does beat the pound of care.