Buying a Home

Some houses are big but these six are some of the biggest houses in the world. Think palaces with air-conditioned stables and skyscrapers with rooms that snow.

By Alia Hoyt

The housing market in the U.S. is off the charts. Housing inventory is at record lows, and median existing-home sales prices are up 19.1 percent year-over-year. So how's a buyer supposed to win in this seller's market?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Comparing home loans can be confusing, but there is a method to the madness. We'll explain why the annual percentage rate is the figure you should be paying attention to.

By Kathryn Whitbourne

If you own a home, you most likely have homeowners insurance, but how sure are you about what is and isn't covered under your policy?

By Patrick J. Kiger

The home-sharing marketplace is booming but you could be exposed to liability without the proper insurance.

By Sarah Gleim

Millennials are buying homes in record numbers — for their dogs.

By Sarah Gleim

Space isn't so far away, and falling junk can cause personal and property damage. What to do? The risk and remedies aren’t completely clear.

By Patrick J. Kiger

The housing crisis in the U.S. continues to rage on, with recent reports indicating that a new wave of foreclosures is expected to hit in 2012. What options do communities have in the face of this situation?

By Shanna Freeman

You've submitted several claims to your insurance company this year. Is there a chance they'll cancel your homeowner's policy? Possibly.

By John Perritano

Keep meaning to create a home inventory for insurance? Don't wait until it's too late.

By John Perritano

You probably never think about flood insurance until you need it -- and then it's too late. But what's so different about this type of homeowners insurance and how can you be sure you're covered, just in case?

By John Perritano

Paying for homeowners insurance may seem like money down the drain -- until you actually need it. We'll tell you 10 reasons why you do.

By John Perritano

Ready to jump into the real estate market? Whether you're looking to buy your first home or invest in some rental property, foreclosed properties often offer up great discounts for those willing to put in a bit of extra effort.

By Bambi Turner

In a bad housing market, the option of rent-to-own property is an ideal compromise, which benefits both the buyer and the seller. Learn more about what option fees and rent premiums are from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

After viewing a dozen or more homes while shopping around for the perfect house, it’s hard to remember the details about each property. Learn about tips for viewing a house from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Buying a repossessed houseboat can be a great way to get a houseboat at a bargain price. Learn whether you should buy a repossessed houseboat from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Homeowners insurance can give you back a normal life after your house or possessions are damaged or lost. Learn about whether you need homeowners insurance from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You can get additional homeowners insurance coverage if you need a higher liability than what is offered in the standard policy or for specific items of value. Learn more about additional homeowners insurance coverage from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Home is where the heart is, but if your heart is in the right or wrong ZIP code it can certainly affect your house's value. We take a look at some notable examples and the lessons they provide.

By Joseph Miller

Ever wonder where the rich and famous live in the United States? Wonder no more. While there are hundreds of possibilities, we'll narrow it down to the top 10, including the longtime bearers of wealth and the up-and-comers of the country's elite.

By Joseph Miller

The market is still saturated with distressed homes for sales -- homes whose owner is in default on the mortgage. That means they could be a great bargain -- if you know what to look for and what you're up against.

By Matt Sailor

There's a lot to know about buying a distressed property -- one whose owner has defaulted or is about to default on his or her mortgage. So is a short sale or foreclosure right for you?

By Matt Sailor

So you're ready to purchase a home. But exactly how much should you have saved before you even begin the process? You might be surprised to find out.

By Terri Briseno

How are you supposed to know when buying a home is right for you? That's hard to answer. But one thing is for sure: It's never too early to know what financial factors you need to consider when the time does arrive.

By Terri Briseno

Nearly two in five existing homes suffer from some type of major defect. Will your home inspector catch those problems?

By Bambi Turner