Unlocking the Benefits of Your Home’s Equity

Some Highlights Equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. The typical homeowner gained $28,000 over the past year and has a grand total of $305,000 in equity. And there are a lot of great ways you can use that equity. To find out how …

Why Moving to a Smaller Home After Retirement Makes Life Easier

Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love. As you imagine this exciting new chapter in your life, it’s important to think about whether your current home still fits your needs. If it’s too big, too costly, or just not convenient anymore, downsizing might help you make the most of …

Homeownership: The Heart of the American Dream

Everyone’s vision for the future is personal and unique. But for many, common goals include success, freedom, and prosperity — values closely tied to having your own home and the iconic feeling of achieving the American Dream. A recent survey by Bankrate reveals exactly that: homeownership is still a part of the American Dream. The …

Homeowners Gained $28K in Equity over the Past Year

If you own a home, your net worth has probably gone up a lot over the past year. Home prices have been rising, which means you’re building equity much faster than you might think. Here’s how it works. Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan. Over the …

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years. That’s because a home is so much more just than a roof over your head. It’s also an asset that typically grows in value over time.  If you’ve been debating if it makes …