Dear Dr. Don, We need to make some updates and improvements to our home as well as undertake a few cosmetic enhancements that will add to its appeal and market value based on our location and comparable ... More »Best Way to Pay for Home Improvements?

The mercury's really climbing, and it's been hot enough to fry an egg. While the clichés always come out when the weather turns hot and ugly, the utility bills always go up as well. So if you're becoming ... More »10 Easy Ways to Keep Energy Costs Down

For older Americans who have watched their retirement savings shrink over the past few years, downsizing seems like a no-brainer. Wouldn't moving to a smaller home mean lower mortgage payments and living ... More »Hidden Costs of Downsizing a Home in Retirement

In the market for some new kitchen ware? Consider a $41,000 refrigerator, a $460 pasta maker, a $9,900 juicer, and other appliances that will break the bank. More »The Most Expensive Kitchen Appliances

More than a million miles of water pipes in the U.S. will be in need of repair between now and 2035, says the American Waterworks Association. More »17 Ways to Slash Your Water Bill

If you're thinking about making an improvement to your home, how will you decide how much you can afford to spend? It's summertime, and you might be tempted to put in a fancy new deck, splurge on patio ... More »Are Your Home Upgrades Money Down the Drain?

Some luxury tenants are giving their apartments makeovers rather than looking for new homes. More »Investing in Expensive Renovations for Rental Apartments

Whether you’re moving into a new apartment or buying your first house, furnishing your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Great design is all around us, and with a little vision, luck and elbow grease ... More »7 Tips to Furnish Your Place on a Shoestring

Even in a strong real estate market, most renovations do not pay back 100% of what they cost. Here are some of the best home improvements. More »5 Home Improvements That Are Worth the Cost

If it seems like thunderstorms occur more frequently and intensely than they used to, that may be due to the understandable hype concerning SuperStorm Sandy and other recent destructive storms, like the ... More »How to Prepare Your Home for a Summer Storm

Summer is here, and as the temperature rises, your energy bills probably will, too. But you don't have to break the bank to beat the heat. Here's a guide to the small and large projects that will help ... More »Smart Ways to Slash Your Summer Bills

Property values are going up, helping many refinance their loans by boosting home-equity. But what home repairs can you make to increase the value? More »Home Repairs to Do Before You Refinance

70% of current renovation projects are DIY and/or involve help from family or friends. Is it the economy? More »Why More People Are Performing DIY Home Renovations

Not all upgrades are created equal when it comes to reselling your place. More »5 Home Renovation Projects With Good Return on Investment

From million-dollar island bungalows to multifamily homes in the 'burbs, reality TV shows on Bravo, HGTV and other networks take viewers behind the scenes of the home-buying process. HGTV's "House ... More »Real Estate Reality TV Shows: Fact vs. Fiction

Are you in the process of selling your home? Could you use some help selling it for more -- without breaking your budget? More »3 Quick Fixes to Help Your House Sell for More

Eager to sell your home? Be careful. Many people anxious to sell feel prepared--to find a buyer, negotiate a deal, pack up their belongings and relocate--only their home isn't quite ready to put on the ... More »Easy Facelifts to Sell Your Home Now

This is the season when the lawn mowers begin roaring, the mulch is spread and homeowners, if they haven't already, begin thinking about getting that roof fixed or finally putting up a privacy fence. But ... More »How to Spot a Home-Contractor Scam