Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.

If you are "cash challenged" or "credit challenged," don't let that stop you from buying a house or condominium in the current buyer's market. Home sellers and home builders, as well as their real estate agents, have never been more eager to sell you a home.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.

DEAR BOB: We bought a two-family duplex in November 1998. Now we would like to have my sister take over the balance on the existing mortgage. It is about $97,000. How do we do this? We don't know where to start. --Carmen S.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.

In 1988 Barry and Deborah Moore purchased a second home on Clark Hill Lake. It included a doublewide mobile home to which the Moores added a deck and other improvements.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.

DEAR BOB: I am in the process of buying a new house in a development where the base price on the same model as mine has dropped. Am I entitled to have my contract with the builder redone so I can buy at the new lower base price? The house I am buying has not yet been completed. --Makeise F.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.

According to Craig Venezia, author of "Buying a Second Home," there are three primary reasons for buying a second home: investment (rental income and market-value appreciation); getaway; and/or retirement. His new book explains all three motivations, along with their pros and cons, and how to combine them as the owner's lifestyle changes.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.

If you want to buy a house or condominium, the current buyer's market means it is a great time to be a buyer. Sellers are eager to sell. Equally important, their real estate agents are anxious because home-sales volume is down in most cities.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.

DEAR BOB: How can I sell my vacation home without paying capital gains tax? --Kristie H.

DEAR KRISTIE: The only easy way to avoid tax on the sale of a vacation home is to sell it at a loss. Just joking!

Purchase Bob Bruss reports online.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.

Betty Jo Walker, age 76, and Linda Williams are lifelong friends who own a unit at the Village Green Condominiums. Walker's income is $800 per month from Social Security. Williams' income is $2,000 monthly from an office job.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.

DEAR BOB: I know you have addressed this topic many times, but I am still confused. Why do you advise against paying 100 percent cash for a home? I understand it is a large amount of cash to tie up. But when the homeowner needs to sell, won't the buyer have to come up with cash for 100 percent of the sales price?  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.  more...

Editor's note: Robert Bruss passed away on Sept. 26, 2007. This was one of the last real estate columns he wrote. Inman News is publishing Bob's last work as a final salute to the nation's most well-known real estate writer.

A few days ago I was chatting with my longtime insurance agent. Among other things he mentioned some good news and some bad news about my homeowners insurance policy.

Purchase Bob Bruss reports online.  more...