Housing Chatter delivers the news you need to know about current events in the housing market in simple terms. We have no political or institutional affiliations so you can be confident that our content and commentary is unbiased. Housing Chatter is brought to you by your professional Realtor®.

A new homeowners guide to maintenance

MSN Real Estate is socialCongratulations! You've made the leap from renter to homeowner. Now the fun begins: The place is yours to decorate as you wish and you've left behind late-night squabbles over the upstairs tenant's loud music.But along with the fun, the new title comes with some important upkeep responsibilities. When you move into your new place, ... Read More »

What must banks tell you about a foreclosure property?

By Steve McLinden of Bankrate.com© Andy Dean Photography/AlamyQ: When a bank forecloses and then sells a house, do they have to disclose any faults or flaws? My friend bought a house that had been foreclosed and didn't get the power turned on to see if the well and heat pump worked. They don't!—  OlgaA: Though some banks are fixing up foreclosure ... Read More »

How to spot a recovery in your town

© Fuse/Getty ImagesMSN Real Estate is socialReal estate appears to be turning a corner, oh, so slowly.Not that the long, dark bust is over:? Millions of foreclosures will hit the market in the next couple of years.? Unemployment is improving, but 8.5% is still a big number.? Home prices continue to decline: Prices in 20 major cities were down 1.1% in ... Read More »

How to rent out a room in your house

© Nathan Griffith/AlamyThe old-fashioned term "boarder" isn't used much anymore, but some homeowners rent a room, basement or in-law suite within the home to generate extra income.A homeowner-boarder relationship is not personal; it's business."The important thing to remember when you are thinking about bringing in a tenant is that it’s a business deal, ... Read More »

Renters insurance and 4 reasons you need it

more from MarketWatch.comAs college graduates begin to migrate from the dorms in a few short months, one item they may neglect in their move to the real world is a critical one: renters insurance. Renters insurance is an often-ignored insurance that covers everything from personal property to personal liability.If you're renting for the first time, or have ... Read More »

Realty Times - First-Time Buyer Tips

Maybe you've been eyeing the real estate market and you think that you're finally ready to purchase your first home...if so, read on to be sure you're in the best position. The rules have drastically changed in the real estate market. At one time, getting a mortgage seemed to require little more than just simply stating your income on paper. Today, the ... Read More »

5 Tax Tips, Tricks and Traps for Homeowners

Ask a roomful of homeowners what's so great about owning versus renting, and you'll hear them holler in unison: "the tax deductions!" And it's true – homeowners who itemize their taxes are able to deduct 100% of their mortgage interest and property taxes from their income tax returns.That means that if you're in a 28% tax bracket, Uncle Sam effectively ... Read More »

Realty Times - Incentives for Going Green

Are you thinking green this Spring? Not only can energy efficient windows, doors and skylights reduce energy bills they can also reduce your federal tax load!   Visit Energystar.gov to see how you can save! These incentives are rewards for making your home more efficient and consuming less energy.   The categories you'll find include:   Biomass ... Read More »

Realty Times - Homes and New Babies

Welcoming a new baby into a household can be both exciting and terrifying. How do you know that your home will fit a child’s growing needs? Is it safe and practical for an infant? These are both important questions to ponder as you prepare your current space or look for a new one. First, there are simple safety precautions all parents should take. Be ... Read More »

AAH - Carpets

Carpet Cleaning BasicsCleaning CarpetsCarpet StainsCarpet Spot Cleaning Tutorial CARPET CLEANING BASICS Carpet is everywhere! People who understand carpet know that its immense success and consumer acceptance is not due to chance. Few construction materials offer the advantages ... Read More »