Selling your own home
By selling your own home you can save money by not paying the average 6 percent real-estate commission. But this savings comes with a price: you have to find a title agent, perhaps an attorney, market and show the house yourself, and negotiate with the potential buyer. More

 

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Don't borrow through the roof
High loan-to-value home equity loans push a borrower's debt level above the value of the home -- to as much as 125 percent. Experts say these loans are extremely dangerous. More

Make sure your loan is tax-deductible
Tax regulations allow many people to deduct all or part of the interest they pay on home equity loans, but there are exceptions. Consult your tax Adviser before borrowing against your home. More

Home equity vs. home improvement loans
Home equity options generally have more benefits than home-improvement loans. While home-improvement loans are designed for low- to moderate-income families, the home-equity lines and loans offer better rate structure and tax deductible interest. More

Deciding whether to remodel
Before remodeling, consider the finances. If you can remodel for under 10 percent of your home's value -- the estimated cost of moving -- then staying put and fixing it up makes good sense. Don't plan on spending over 25 percent of its current selling price. More

Family loans
Lending and borrowing money from family and friends can tax the relationship while the loan is being repaid. Before lending money, think long and hard about whether you can afford it. Short-term loans might be arranged informally, but larger loans need more formal structure. More

Home equity loans
Home equity loans can offer solid financial benefits-such as lower rates and tax-deductible interest-for those who analyze their budgets and make sure they can afford to tap their equity. Frivolous spending can trip up homeowners. More

Preparing for an economic slowdown
As a nation, we've been lulled by a strong economy. You can be prepared for an economic slowdown. Mortgage and home equity borrowers can reduce their luxury spending, sell stock investments and scale down in order to minimize their debt ratio. More

Predatory lending
Predatory lenders in the home equity industry try to strip away your home equity for their own profit, flip your original loan through refinancing and tacking on excessive fees, and packing on charges for unnecessary services. More

Financing plastic surgery
You can finance plastic surgery by cash, credit card, personal or home equity loan. Always compare loan rates and offered terms. Most importantly, don't proceed with a surgery you can't afford -- if you have trouble paying for it, you'll more likely be unhappy with it as well. More

Home improvement
Home Depot now offers home improvement loans for customers with large projects and short-term repeat purchases. It offers competitive fixed rates and varying credit lines. While this option is convenient, comparative shopping is always the best idea. More

Contractor problems
Home remodeling contractor problems rank in the top 10 consumer complaints to the Better Business Bureau. To protect yourself, get an estimation of the total cost, get all the details into the contract before signing it and investigate the contractor's background. More

Home improvement budgeting
You need to calculate an accurate budget before hiring a home remodeling contractor. Internet sites, such as ImproveNet, help calculate labor costs and materials based on your remodeling project. More

Economic slowdowns
Lenders are too quick to lend money; consumers and businesses are too quick to spend it; and the federal government has responded by making borrowing more expensive. These factors can severely impact our strong economy during an economic slowdown. More

Rising home equity rates
If your existing home equity line of credit is escalating in a rising rate climate, the first step in reducing the impact is to stop spending. Review your budget and money-management skills for cutting costs. More

Rising interest rate markets
In a rising interest rate market, you need to be concerned about any adjustable rate loan such as a short-term home equity loan or adjustable rate mortgage. Any loan directly tied to the market will increase relative to the prime rate, impacting your payoff amount. More

Home improvement financing options
When financing home improvement, ask yourself how long the project will take, how much it will cost and whether money is needed beyond that project. Your answers will help you choose between a credit card, home-improvement loan, and home equity lines or loans. More

Home equity incentive programs
When shopping for an equity line option, first assess your borrowing needs. Savvy shoppers may benefit more from a longer-term rate incentive program rather than a low introductory teaser rate. More

Predatory lending
Predatory lending scams in the home equity industry have increased across our country. Tread carefully when you tap your greatest asset for cash. Though home equity lines and loans can help improve your finances, the bad ones can easily lead to foreclosure. More

Home equity investing
Investors borrowing against their home equity are in the worst position should a real estate, stock market or economic collapse strike. Regular investors might lose money in their portfolio and margin investors may struggle to pay off unsecured loans, but homeowners can lose the roofs over their heads. More

Greater debt potential
More people are consolidating credit card balances into home equity lines and loans. While home equity products offer lower interest rates and more tax deductions, people haven't reduced their credit card spending, resulting in greater debt. More

Reverse mortgages
Each reverse mortgage plan has different strengths and potential fee pitfalls. When you look at a reverse mortgage, ask what you'll get today, what it costs in rates and fees, and what you will have left in the end. More

Reverse mortgages
The reverse mortgage is best thought of as a tool for financial planning. Circumstances may require the senior to need a steady income. Reverse mortgages can supply a steady stream of monthly payments. More

Project Impact Loans
Fannie Mae and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offer homeowners the chance to upgrade and retrofit their homes to withstand natural disasters. These loans -- dubbed Project Impact Prevention Loans -- have favorable rates and terms. More

Sold loans
Today your loan will most likely be sold. To reduce the stress of working with a new lender, you need to carefully evaluate the lender's practices and fees charged for performing certain tasks. More