Articles by Erik J. Martin - Page 16

Unless your mortgage lender forces you to get flood insurance, you probably don't have it. But you should -- these days, as one FEMA official put it, we all live in a flood zone.

To find better home values, you may not get to buy in your first choice area. But a smart buy today may get you where you want to be tomorrow.

You know it's location, location, location when buying a home. But did you know that the grocery store that's near your home can influence its value?

If you want to start a business, buy a home. Yes, those two goals can support each other. Find out how.

House values have risen at a nice clip, providing an excellent return for recent buyers. But there is still money on the table for tomorrow's buyers.

How to buy a house when the competition is white hot? You may have to move fast. Even make an offer without seeing the property in person. You can do it safely if you build in the right protection.

Millennial homebuyers are not as rare as the media would have you think. You, too, can break into home buying with the right preparation.

In a seller's market, you have to be on your toes and ready to move quickly. Here's how to compete successfully.

Home prices are rising as demand for housing outstrips demand. You may be able to take advantage of this demand if you play it smart and follow these tips.

Buying a home without considering utility costs is like buying a car without checking the gas mileage. But many forget to do this when they go shopping.

Buying a home can be extra challenging when you're in a seller's market and have to compete with others. Here's how to deal with the extra pressure and get the house you want.

In today's market, large downpayments are optional. Here are six popular programs that are helping buyers get into a home with very little upfront expense.

Housing prices may have a long way to go before hitting their peak. Why buying now could still pay off handsomely in the future.

Home flipping is more than just a TV trend. It's an investment strategy that might make you some money.

Where are mortgage rates headed in 2017? The bad news is that most experts think higher. The good news is, not much higher.

Falling foreclosure rates are good for the real estate market. Here's how they affect home prices and the homebuying experience.

How to buyy a house and save big. Shopping for a home when everyone else is snuggling in front of their fires can pay off. Here's what you need to know about buying a house in winter.

Should you buy or rent? That depends on many factors, including your goals, finances and location. Today, buying makes financial sense on the majority of markets.

Buying a house in a hot market requires a cool head. Consequently, would-be buyers must be prepared to act fast and pursue effective strategies to win their desired dwelling.

If you buy a duplex, triplex or four-plex and rent out the extra units, your tenants can help you pay for your home. Why not combine homeownership and investment in one purchase?