Borrow against your home equity for something productive Here are 5 things to know if you need to get a loan It takes extra effort to move a home when the market has turned Whether you are buying, selling, investing, or staying put, there are smart moves you can make to get the most out of your real estate

Some home improvements can recoup a lot of their costs Now's the time to get a good deal, but watch the neighbors and keep your parents in mind You'll save money and grief-and improve the odds that your project will turn out as planned To make your renovations pay, match the project to the property. See how the owners of two country homes - one modest, one grand - added value their own way. There's no place like home - until it's ruined by a hellacious renovation. Before you start, hammer out these details.

We bought $40,000 worth of windows. Should we borrow from my 401(k) to pay for them or open a HELOC? I want to increase our home equity line of credit to pay off a car loan; my wife wants to pay off the HELOC and keep the car loan. Who's right?