Can I (Legally) Keep Chickens or Goats in My Back Yard?

Question I just moved into a new suburban home with a beautiful yard. It has plenty of space, although it’s never been used as a farm before, as far as I know.

Too many deer in my neighborhood! Can I help by shooting them?

Question I live in a suburban neighborhood that, lately, has seen an overpopulation of deer. They’re everywhere! It makes driving dangerous, particularly at night. Moreover, they destroy my yard and gardens. I own a rifle and believe I could safely shoot them in my backyard, which would help the overall

How Do I Stop the Sale of Public Open Space to a Private Developer?

Dealing with a change in the use of nearby land.

My City's Creating a Historic District Including My Property: Good or Bad for Me?

Considering the restrictions, effect on property values, tax incentives, and other pros and cons of a historic district designation.

The Essential Guide for First-Time Homeowners: Maximize Your Investment & Enjoy Your New Home

The lowdown on homeownership issues like insurance, taxes, remodeling and working with contractors, mortgages and refinancing, and more.

Refinancing Your Mortgage: When It Makes Sense

Refinancing your mortgage can offer a way to take advantage of low interest rates -- or, if your mortgage payments have become oppressive, an escape from adjusting rates, increased payments, or red

Homeowners' Checklist: How to Reduce Your Home Expenses

Make sure you home isn't costing you more than it should.

How to Avoid Foreclosure

Are you having trouble making payments on your home mortgage? So are millions of other Americans, and foreclosures are hitting record numbers. But, if you address the problem, you may be able to avoid foreclosure. And, even if you can't save your home, you can take steps to minimize your debt and the damage to your credit score. But don't wait. The key to success is acting quickly.

Do Home Improvements Add Value?

Renovating, remodeling, and improving your home can be great ways to give it a makeover, gain extra space, or otherwise make it possible for you to stay in one place longer. However, the day may come when you want or need to sell. In preparation for that possibility, realize that not all home improvements are created equal. Some will increase the value of your home, and some will actually make it more difficult to sell. Here's how to tell the difference.

Financing Your Home Improvement Project

Homeowners planning a remodel or home improvement project should carefully consider how they will finance the job. Many payment and financing options exist.

Dealing With Mid-Project Contractor Disputes When Building or Remodeling a Home

Building a new home or extensively renovating your existing home can be a wonderful experience – a chance to create a place to live that’s just right for you and for your family.

Homeowners' Insurance: Got Enough Coverage?

Determine whether you have enough homeowners' insurance to meet your needs.

Common Home Pests

Don't lose the value of your real estate investment to small critters!

Trouble Signs Indicating Poor Home Construction

Even newly built homes are rarely perfect.

Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) and CC&Rs: Know What You're Getting Into

When you buy a home in a new subdivision, common interest development (CID), planned unit development (PUD), or co-op, chances are good that you also automatically become a member of an exclusive club -- the homeowners' association. The homeowners' association will probably exercise a lot of control over how you use your property.

Our Homeowners' Association Keeps Adding More Rules; Can It Legally Do This?

Question When I moved into my new home, the rules and regulations of our Homeowner’s Association didn’t say anything about owning chickens.

When You Must Allow an HOA Representative to Enter Your Unit

If you own a home in a planned development, you might enjoy reduced maintenance obligations, as the homeowners’ association (HOA) likely takes care of common areas such as walkways and clubhouses.

Legal Restrictions to Renting Your Home on Airbnb or Other Rental Services

Is it legal to rent out your home to vacationers by using online rental services such as

Tax Issues When Renting Your Home on Airbnb or VRBO

Today many people earn extra money by temporarily renting out their entire home (or a room in their house or apartment) through rental services such as