Author Profiles

If you’re eligible, the federal HARP program can help you refinance even if your home’s fall off in value is a turnoff to lenders. Read More

They’re not as much as they used to be, but there are still energy tax credits to be had for upgrades made in 2011. Read More

Keeping track of the cost of capital improvements to your home can really pay off on your tax return when it comes time to sell. Read More

Tax deductions for vacation homes vary greatly depending on how much you use the home and whether you rent it out. Read More

Working from home can offer many advantages including tax deductions. Just take care what you try to write off for your home office on your return. Read More

While being a landlord certainly has its cons, tops among its pros are the tax deductions for rental homes enjoyed by owners. Read More

The equity stripping mortgage scam could leave you with a hefty mortgage balance — but no place to live. Read More

Loan flipping mortgage scams prey on the twin problems of financial anxiety and ignorance. Educate yourself to mount a defense. Read More

In the phantom help foreclosure scam, con artists promise you assistance, but they’re just helping themselves to your money. Read More

Want to lower your mortgage payment, but refinancing not in the cards? Here’s an option banks don’t advertise: recasting. Read More

Don’t neglect to budget time and money for opening and closing a vacation home before the season starts and after it ends. Read More

Plan to spend time and money to maintain your vacation home, no matter if you hire a property manager or local caretaker, or do the work yourself. Read More

Even if you’re current on your mortgage, nearby foreclosures can affect your community through lower property values, higher crime rates, and lost services. Read More

While residential fuel cells are as expensive as they are energy efficient, a federal tax credit could entice more homeowners to give the green technology a try. Read More

With foreclosure rescue scams widespread as more homeowners fall behind on mortgage payments, be smart if you seek help. Read More

Home equity loan and refinancing scams can cost you more than money—these scams can cost you your house. Read More

Buying a new Energy Star appliance can lower your utility bills and perhaps even earn a cash rebate from your state. Read More

The Making Home Affordable program offers at-risk homeowners a chance to modify mortgages to avoid foreclosure on their homes. Read More

Energy-efficient geothermal heat pumps cost a lot up front, but an expanded federal tax credit combined with lower heating and cooling bills speed up the payback. Read More

A generous federal tax credit makes solar panels more attractive to the average homeowner, especially if electric bills are sky high. Read More

A federal tax credit makes energy-efficient solar water heaters a more affordable and sustainable option for many homeowners. Read More

You have the power to slow down drivers on your street—if you’re willing to invest time and perhaps some money in a traffic calming plan. Read More

An uncapped tax credit makes a sustainable small wind energy system more financially feasible for some green-leaning and penny-pinching homeowners. Read More