Nearly nine out of 10 home buyers can't be wrong -- browsing for housing online puts listings at their fingertips, speeds the home-buying process, and comes with an educational bonus. [read more]

[Note: To follow is an excerpt of a radio show interview conducted by Peter L. Mosca, host of Income Property Investment Talk dot com, with successful bloggers from realestateinvestmentclub.com or REIClub.com. They are: Phil Pustejovsky, Peter Harris, and Thomas Donald. To listen to the show archive or download an MP3, go to www.IncomePropertyInvestmentTalk.com/021010.] [read more]

While the National Association of Home Builders has a number of resources to help its members comply with the new lead paint rule, the deadline is looming for remodelers and builders who do renovation or remodeling projects in homes built before 1978 to comply with the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At least one employee in any company doing work in these homes must be certified, follow specific work practices and keep detailed records by April 2010. [read more]

Despite a tricky economy and concern about climbing household debt, a survey says the portion of Canadians who are "very likely" to purchase a home in the next two years has increased from seven per cent to 10 per cent since the same question was posed two years ago. [read more]

Many real estate agents, brokers, and managers could profit from reading the book, "Checklist Manifesto", by Atul Gawande (Metropolitan Books, 209 pages). Gawande, a surgeon and already a best-selling author, addresses a problem that is common throughout a myriad of human endeavors ranging from surgery to flying to businesses and government. The problem is this: "the volume and complexity of what we know has exceeded our individual ability to deliver its benefits correctly, safely, or reliably." The solution, he argues, is frequently a very simple one. It is a checklist. [read more]

There isn't much more satisfying to a homeowner than a well manicured, emerald green lawn. For the past few months, your lawn may have been blanketed in snow, or it may have just turned brown from the cold, gray winter weather. Early spring is an excellent time to get a head start on your lawn care. Whether you're a home seller trying to boost curb appeal, or a new homeowner eager to take control of your new lawn, now is the time to break out your green thumb and give some love to your turf. [read more]

30 year fixed mortgages were available at 4.75 percent all of last week to well-qualified consumers paying a standard .07 to 1 point origination, says FreeRateUpdate.com, a rate research website. 15 year fixed mortgages could be obtained at 4.25, and the 5/1 ARM at 3.625. [read more]

Positive signs on employment and national economic growth should start being felt in the housing market in the coming several months, say top economists. [read more]

Experts agree that pets thrive on routine. But how can that routine be maintained during a move? There are some simple steps that you can take to make the transition from old home to new home easy on you and your pet. [read more]

McLean, VA -- Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.95 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending March 11, 2010, down from last week when it averaged 4.97 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.03 percent. [read more]