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Residential property news and information
The Top 10 Best Towns To Retire to for Less
Hot Springs, Ark., has enjoyed popularity as a spa resort but its low cost of living also makes it of particular interest for seniors, according to geographer Warren Bland. The Arkansas locale is No. 1 on his 2007 list of value places for retirees. More »
Boom Over, Investors Focus On Fundamentals, New Areas
Individual investors are shifting their focus to multiunit rental properties and long-term holdings. Read about the new rules for buying and selling real-estate as the market cools. More »
Renters Gloat Over Housing Slump
Some who missed the price run-up feel vindicated now for resisting their 'nesting instincts' while sitting out the market. More »
Deciphering Mortgage Points: Research Shows Few Do It Right
Are you scoring points but losing out? When interest rates fell to historic lows recently, fewer borrowers bothered paying 'points' to reduce their rates. Buying points can still make sense, however, if you play the numbers right. More »
Twelve Tempting Locations For Vacation-Home Buys
RealEstateJournal.com scoured the U.S. for areas that offer a combination of reasonable prices, a stable local economy and a variety of recreational and cultural offerings. The result is a list of a dozen choices that make tempting second-home locales. More »
Chubb to Offer Flood Insurance For Some Upscale Coastal Customers
Bucking a recent trend, the insurer said it will begin offering excess flood coverage policies for its upscale customers who live along the coasts of Florida, New York and other states. More »
The Fight Before Christmas: Real Trees vs. Fakes
Growers of real Christmas trees are battling back against renewed interest in artificial trees, and the fight is getting nasty. More »
Zillow's Free Listings Catch On, But New Features Have Caveats
The real-estate Web site now offers for-sale ads for free. June Fletcher on this new feature and Zillow's new 'Make Me Move' option. Plus, why it's important to make sure that the 'facts' posted about your home are just that -- the facts. More »
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What to Do If You Can't Make A 20% Down Payment on a Home
Low-cost piggyback loans have been the product of choice for many cash-strapped buyers. But with short-term interest rates now sharply higher, some borrowers are giving traditional private mortgage insurance a second look. More »
Housing Starts Rebound Slightly, Building Permits Hit Nine-Year Low
Construction on new homes improved in November rising 6.7% after a whopping 14% drop in October, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday. The continuing decline in permits is a sign of continuing weakness ahead. More »