Homeownership is still a crucial part of the American dream. For those people who own a home (and those looking to buy one), it's clear that being a homeowner has considerable benefits both emotionally and financially. In addition to long-term stability, buying a home is one of the best ways to increase your net worth. This boost to your wealth comes in the form of equity.

Equity is the difference between what you owe on the home and its market value based on factors like price appreciation.

The best thing about equity is that it often grows without you even realizing it, especially in a seller's market like we're in now. In today's real estate market...

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HGTV and home renovation shows may be entertaining, but they're not always accurate. In particular, most of them skip over the important ways real estate agents can help homeowners.

In the real world, agents play a huge role in home purchases, sales and even flips.

Are you planning to make a real estate move this year? Here are just a few of the ways an agent can help make the experience a success.

Experience and Local Knowledge

Agents know how to draw up your contracts, handle the paperwork and save you valuable time (which is vital in today's busy market). We also have on-the-ground knowledge of the local market, which can help you better evaluate properties, make offers and negotiate pricing.

Negotiation Skills and Key Partners

Experienced agents also know how to negotiate successfully and c...

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In today's busy market, many homebuyers have found themselves weighing options they would normally pass by. One of the more common compromises is to consider a home that needs some work.

On the plus side, fixer-uppers often come with lower prices, less competition, and a lower-pressure sale on the whole. Still, they're not without challenges.

Are you considering a fixer-upper? Here are five things to think about first.

1. You may need an alternative mortgage program. If you want to finance the home purchase and the renovations and repairs the property needs, you might consider loans like the FHA 203(k) loan or the Fannie Mae HomeStyle loan. Your loan officer can help you choose the best option for your purchase.

2. There may be appraisal and inspection issues. If the home is in disrepai...

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