Fix and Flip: Forget What You See on Television

The drama of home and garden TV shows may be fun to watch, but no matter what you think, reality shows are not at all like real life. If you think it's easy to buy a house that needs updating and turn it quickly for substantial profit, you might want to think again.  That doesn't necessarily mean, though, that you should shy away from the idea of buying a "fixer-upper" -- just that you should approach such a home purchase with eyes wide open.  Here are some valuable tips: Buying a house that needs cosmetic updates can make financial sense, particularly…
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Buying A Foreclosure: 5 Things To Know

Buying a property out of foreclosure can be a very smart move, financially. But it can also be complicated, expensive, and stressful. Here are 5 things to keep in mind before you take a first step in that direction: Cash Or Preapproval Required Buying a house that has been returned to the lender through foreclosure means dealing with bureaucracy rather than with a motivated seller. Large lenders are notorious for taking their time to approve a contract, even if the offer is for the exact amount specified. Then there's the paperwork, which can seem endless. Most lenders require that prospective buyers…
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Backyard Farming: Fad Or The New Future

While a kitchen herb garden or pot-grown tomatoes may be commonplace in both suburban backyards and on urban condo patios, an increasingly large number of homeowners look to backyard farming as a way to relieve some of the stresses of modern life. Other benefits include cutting grocery bills, living a more sustainable life, and teaching children about food. The New Food Landscape  Do new trends signal a return to simpler times, or are they a pushback against higher food prices and loss of control over the food supply? Is it a lasting change that will spread across the country or a trendy, elitist…
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