United Feature Syndicate

The statement "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you" is considered one of the great lies of our time. But if you've ever had a beef with...

It's the mortgage market's equivalent of a Dear John letter: "Goodbye. It's been nice knowing you, but we've sold your loan to another lender." Some borrowers receive the missive a...

Many buyers and sellers are finding out that in today's down market, houses aren't worth what they thought they were. At least not in the eyes of appraisers, the professionals...

It has always been wise to take extra care when buying a house or condo in a community governed by its owners. After all, living in a place where you...

First-time home buyers had better get a move on if they hope to take advantage of the $8,000 federal tax credit. The window of opportunity is closing rapidly. To qualify...

The arrest recently of a group of so-called "woodchucks" by Fairfax County, Va., police should set to wiggling the antennas of anyone considering hiring someone to do odd jobs around...

When Bruce Hahn wanted to sell off a portion of his property in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley a few years ago, he listed the parcel with a local broker who offered...

The manner in which homeowners hold title to their properties has significant legal ramifications. Consequently, it's not wise to leave this important decision to chance. Typically, realty agents won't ask...

Home buyers who expect their brandnew castles to be flawless masterpieces are only fooling themselves: The perfect house has yet to be built. A house is most definitely the sum...

Do-it-yourselfers often end up paying dearly when it comes to home improvements, most often at resale when their decidedly less-than-professional projects turn would-be buyers on their heels. But according to...