Protecting Your Identity
Some States Allow You to Put Credit Reports on Ice

Louisiana and Vermont are following in the footsteps of California and Texas by allowing consumers to freeze their credit reports to guard against identity theft.

Home Improvement
Remodeling May Mean Reworking Your Budget

Soaring real-estate prices have made it difficult for many homeowners to trade up, forcing them to remodel instead. Before rushing into a renovation project, however, several factors need to be taken into consideration.

Building Your Dream Home
An Architect Can Play Key Role in Planning a House

Hiring an architect to help with the process of building a home can be a worthwhile investment, as long as the terms of the relationship and the desired duties of the architect are included in the contract.

Ensuring a Smooth Sale
It's No Secret; Hire a Good Agent

To ensure a smooth transaction, buyers and sellers should determine what they want accomplished by the agent, interview several candidates, and check each one's references.

Consider the Costs
Vacation Home Isn't Always a Day at the Beach

Second homes serve as vacation retreats, sources of rental income, and/or retirement havens. Before leaping into the second-home market, however, buyers need to consider the costs involved.