We’ve seen the effects of tight mortgage conditions over the last year. Existing and new homes sales have struggled and we are now left with sizable pent-up demand. Will this trend continue into 2012? For starters, consumer prices fell in October, meaning low wage workers and others struggling to make ends meet will find more affordability. Additionally, according to experts, this decline gives the Federal Reserve more wiggle room when it comes...

Should I Take My Home Off the Market During the Holidays? When you look at your calendar you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations — shopping, entertaining, children’s pageants, charity work, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in “showtime” condition. And that could be the last thing you need before...

The decision to sell your home can come with a mixed bag of emotions. There is uncertainty and fear about how quickly your home will sell and for what dollar amount. There may be guilt about leaving behind family, friends, or neighbors. You may also feel anxiety about what is to come. A less than stellar market has done little to ease these jitters. Many would-be sellers have even decided to forgo moves for fear that now isn’t the time to...

An estimated 2 million home buyers are poised to take the plunge just as soon as the economy returns from the deep. That’s because Americans still place a high value on homeownership, but qualifying for a mortgage and raising a down payment in an economy that won’t produce jobs, keeps many of them sitting on the fence. Eighty-nine percent of owners and 59 percent of renters feel that homeownership is important to the American family...

The kitchen is used more than any other room in the house, which makes it the most important room to stage in your home. Potential home buyers are looking for a kitchen that is as beautiful as it is functional. Buyers want to view it without any unnecessary countertop appliances and clutter. By showcasing your kitchen in the best possible light, you can potentially sell your home faster and; increase the closing price. Even in a slow real...