In the aftermath of the recession, the home improvement industry has roared back. That's decreased the availability of skilled contractors, including plumbers, electricians and carpenters, among other... more

Many homebuyers are drawn to condo ownership by the simplicity and convenience of living in a building where most upkeep is handled by a maintenance staff. But real estate experts urge condo buyers to... more

Eric Tyson and Michael Crowley are both empty nesters, with offspring away at college. Both are owners of whopper-sized houses. But the two have very different visions of the best housing situations.... more

A couple in their late 30s are in a state of panic. They've sold their three-bedroom townhouse, but can't seem to find the sort of affordable house they're seeking for their growing family.... more

At a pre-retirement bash thrown for a columnist at a big city newspaper, the writer enthused about the travel he and his wife would start just as soon as they sold their big colonial. But it took them... more

A couple heading into their late 60s are delighted that their suburban house has risen in value substantially. With their offspring grown and away, they could easily sell the place, which has four bed... more

Two years ago, a young couple made the impulsive decision to buy a two-bedroom house in a brand-new subdivision. They were spurred by the price tag: $12,000 less than three-bedroom properties in the s... more

Two years ago, a young couple made the impulsive decision to buy a two-bedroom house in a brand-new subdivision. They were spurred by the price tag: $12,000 less than three-bedroom properties in the s... more

She's a 21-year-old college senior who's been a resolute saver since childhood, when she collected coins her older brothers carelessly let drop behind the sofa cushions in their family home. Through c... more

No matter how long your house is on the market before being sold, it can be tremendously difficult to keep a home clean and orderly during the showing period, however short.... more

With mortgage rates hovering near historic lows, many real estate specialists worry that homebuyers could be tempted to overspend. They fear their clients could be at risk financially if they overshoo... more

Are you a homeowner in your 50s or 60s who hankers to simplify life by selling your high-upkeep house and moving to a condo? If so, it's critical you consider the preferences of an increasingly import... more

In apartments everywhere, young renters are afflicted with a common anxiety: Whether they'll ever get off the rental treadmill to buy a home of their own.... more

In many popular neighborhoods, there's a significant shortage of fairly priced houses available for sale. But real estate specialists say open-minded purchasers can still sometimes track down a decent... more

It's no secret that many young people are marrying later or not at all. Yet, surprisingly, many want to buy a home anyway.... more

An artist in her late 50s is planning to sell her modest three-story house in Minneapolis so she can retire to a small condo near Phoenix. But prepping her place for sale seems like an overwhelming pr... more

Many cash-tight homebuyers are holding out for their ideal property. But rather than continuing to wait, some real estate experts suggest they compromise.... more

Right after a couple in their late 20s were married, they spent a day searching for a house to buy in a city neighborhood popular with their friends. Excited to find a renovated townhouse, they immedi... more

Home sales have dipped recently in what the National Association of Realtors calls the "tightening grip" of rising prices due to limited inventories of available property.... more

First, her husband died suddenly after a severe stroke. Then she lost her job. Then her financial planner told her she'd need to sell the house where the couple had lived for more than 20 years.... more

Many retirees are counting on funds from the sale of their home to supplement their Social Security checks and sustain their lifestyles going forward. But how can they time their sale to maximize retu... more

In many popular communities, houses on the high end are selling at a leisurely pace. But in the starter-home category, the supply-demand ratio is very much in the seller's favor.... more

People age 35 and younger represent the single biggest share of the home-buying market. Spurred by near record-low interest rates and rising property prices, many in this age group are now eager to bu... more

After Melody Warnick's husband landed a great teaching job at a university, she vowed to make the transition a positive experience for her family.... more

Turmoil in Europe and political upheavals elsewhere are translating to very favorable mortgage rates for Americans. Such factors -- combined with still-rising home values in many real estate markets -... more

Some of the happiest of childhood memories can be linked to growing up in a community with friendly people. But sometimes those seeking to find a home in a family-friendly place are disappointed, say... more

Europe is in turmoil after Britons voted to leave the European Union. The Middle East is in flames. China is in an economic slowdown. And at home, the U.S. presidential race has everyone's nerves fray... more

When Fred Meyer buys a new car, he takes a quick and systematic approach. First he browses a few dealers to pinpoint the exact model he wants. Then he requests price quotes from multiple dealers and t... more