Whether you're having trouble finding the perfect home on the market or have always dreamed of building your own home from the ground up, there are a variety of advantages to buying land to build a home. But shopping for vacant land is also a bit different than buying a house, so it's important to be prepared. That's true whether you're buying acreage in the country or a smaller vacant lot in a more urban area. Researching the process ahead of time makes it much easier to find the right piece of land for your next home, and we've got some key tips to help you achieve your goals.

1. Location
   Location is naturally still a huge priority when shopping for land, just as it would be when buying a house. You'll want to make sure that the land is located in a community you can love, wit...

There's no doubt that "foundation problems" are two words that no homeowner, buyer, or seller ever wants to hear. While foundation problems are indeed serious business, they don't have to ruin a home that you own or derail a deal on a home. The trick is knowing how to deal with foundation problems, addressing them quickly, and understanding when it's time to call in a professional for assistance. That starts with knowing the signs of foundation problems, and what to do when you spot a potential problem. Get started with our home improvement guide on what to do about foundation problems.

1. Understand What Causes Foundation Problems
   While foundation problems can happen anywhere, there are some common factors to look out for that may put your home at increased risk. Foundation p...

Trying to determine the worth of your home is one of the first steps you will take in your selling journey. Of course, it is vital to figure out what your asking price should be, but home value also affects property taxes, insurance, and any home equity line.

There are several options to get that magic number.

1. Google Gets It
   As with most things, you can find help for getting home market value on the internet. Almost a quarter of homeowners in the U.S. use one of several online tools to estimate their home's worth. The basic ones found on real estate sites use a conglomeration of public records that can give you a number that is fairly close but should not be used as a final number. When you need it, your real estate professional has access to tools with more data, making their estimate more pinpoint...

Buying a house may look complicated, but it doesn't have to be intimidating.

Any home search is an expression of your needs and values. With the right approach, you can make sure you get what you want from the process. And, yes, it can even be fun. Here's how:

• Choose an Area to Focus On
  Before you can start looking for a home, you need to have a general idea where you want to be. Most homebuyers begin by drilling down to a single town or city. High-level considerations like the job market, healthcare, transportation, and the state of the community usually drive a choice. It's a good idea to explore an area and spend plenty of time there before you choose.
• Decide on a Neighborhood
  Some neighborhoods may only span a few blocks, but each neighborhood a community offers...