It's hard to avoid negative news about the mortgage lending business. Defaults are rising, subprime lenders are closing shop, and fortunes could be lost as mortgage-backed securities go up in smoke. Sounds ominous, but how will these trends impact someone who's trying to buy or sell a home?

The first thing to understand is that lenders are moving back to basics. No- and very low-down-payment mortgages are available only to buyers with high credit scores. This means no more 100 percent and 95 percent mortgages for subprime borrowers.  more...

Dear Barry,

We are about to have a new roof installed and have a question about venting our attic. We currently have a ridge vent and a power exhaust fan on the roof. Our roofing contractor says it is not good to have both and recommends eliminating the ridge vent. Do you agree with this advice, and if not, what do you recommend for attic ventilation? --Jerry

Dear Jerry,  more...

DEAR BOB: I've read your articles for years and find them incredibly helpful. But I'm wondering about mortgage refinance junk fees. I know we consumers have the right to avoid these fees, but my experience has been these lender fees usually come at the end of the refinance process after the mortgage is finally approved. How should borrowers distinguish between "real" fees and unnecessary junk fees? Will we ever find a mortgage without junk fees? --Nan S.  more...

Whether you want to buy a house for personal use or as an investment, the first step is to read John W. Schaub's "Building Real Estate Wealth in a Changing Market," which explains how to cope with today's market.

For more than 35 years, the author has been investing in and teaching classes on how to thrive in any real estate market by buying houses. In his latest book, he reveals how buyers can take advantage of the current situation in home sales to acquire properties for minimum cash at bargain prices while taking minimum risk.  more...