RISMEDIA, April 20, 2011—The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is launching a new campaign in Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles called Know It. Avoid It. Report It. This campaign has two objectives. First, it aims to direct homeowners facing foreclosure to trusted resources and housing counselors. Second, and more importantly, the campaign wants to solicit the support of homeowners in

RISMEDIA, April 20, 2011—In celebration of Earth Day (April 22), the Appraisal Institute called on the world’s real estate community to join in helping ensure reliable valuations for sustainable “green” buildings. The Appraisal Institute is one of the nation’s largest professional associations of real estate appraisers and has members in ...

RISMEDIA, April 4, 2011—(MCT)—A home inspection often means the difference between a sale and no sale, even if the deal that results isn't exactly what the owner expected. Buyers and sellers typically recognize the need for a home inspection. Still, it may put both sides of a sale

RISMEDIA, March 31, 2011—According to DIY shopping and support website Trades Supermarket, the improved spring weather means more than giving the lawn a trim for homeowners; it signifies the time to undertake necessary repair and maintenance checks, not only to make sure

RISMEDIA, March 29, 2011—The arrival of spring brings not only warmer weather, but also spring cleaning and the undertaking of do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects. Much to the chagrin of home improvement stores, the DIY home improvement market has seen a 21 percent decline from 2005-2010 according to latest research from Mintel, and more than a quarter (28 percent) of DIYers say they would like to undertake a major renovation or addition to their home, but they just don't have the funds.

RISMEDIA, March 28, 2011—As winter gives way to spring, the threat of water flooding your basement substantially increases. “Most people believe that after the snow melts that the threat of basement flooding goes away,” explains Chris O’Donohue, water damage specialist and owner of Advantage Restoration and Cleaning Services, located in Pinckney, Michigan. “But snow usually isn’t the issue; it’s the combination of the frozen ground thawing around the foundation of the home and the arrival of heavy spring rains that cause problems.”

RISMEDIA, March 25, 2011—If your home was built before 1978 and you still have the original windows, it's time to seriously consider replacing them—especially if members of your household include young children or someone who is pregnant.

RISMEDIA, March 23, 2011—(MCT)—The frightening images of Japan's tsunami wiping out homes, roads and entire cities are vivid reminders that a natural disaster can strike at any time. And whether it's an earthquake, a wildfire or flooding, being covered against severe damage to your home or business is essential. Across the United States, flooding is the No. 1 natural disaster, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

RISMEDIA, March 23, 2011—Updating a living room or family room doesn't have to mean giving it a complete makeover. A few simple changes can transform a tired room into a fresh space in no time.

RISMEDIA, March 17, 2011—(MCT)—So you're a renter and you want to green your space, but your landlord won't splurge on solar panels. Don't fret. There are plenty of low-cost ways for apartment dwellers to be eco-friendly.

RISMEDIA, March 10, 2011—(MCT)—A wedding. A kitchen renovation. A nursery. A new garden or a new bathroom. What do these projects have in common? A tremendous number of decisions and details, and the need for a way to pull them altogether.

RISMEDIA, March 3, 2011—Everyone knows that The Great Recession has taken its toll on the housing market. Foreclosures have been at historical highs and we have all heard the personal and devastating stories of displaced homeowners. But there is a corollary in the rental market that gets less attention: Job loss and financial devastation don’t discriminate and renters have been severely impacted by the economic downturn, too. This has led to shifts in renter behavior as well as the delicate supply-demand balance in the rental market.

RISMEDIA, March 2, 2011—Throughout the month of March, consumers across the country can engage REALTORS®, local officials and their neighbors on an issue that literally hits close to home—homeownership—as the National Association of REALTORS® kicks off a month-long

RISMEDIA, February 22, 2011—(MCT)—There's a note of optimism in the air about the U.S. mortgage delinquency rate. The number of mortgages that were past due in the fourth quarter of 2010 was at its lowest level since the end of 2008 (excluding homes that are already in

RISMEDIA, February 18, 2011—With the economy continuing to exhibit a slow recovery and mortgage rates inching up from historical lows, many Americans have chosen to remodel their current homes rather than purchase a new house or apartment. BuildFax, a leading provider of