Brian Ripp's Blog

More than 4,000 Americans die and approximately 25,000 are injured each year in fires.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an overwhelming number of fire occur in the home.  Yours doesn't have to be one of them- are safe with these simple tips: Have at least one working smoke alarm. Test ...

Even as many homeowners struggle to make mortgage payments and foreclosures weigh down the housing market, 70 percent of Americans still view homeownership as part of the American Dream, according to a recent Trulia survey. More than three out of four homeowners (78 percent) say their homes are t...

Housing starts rose 14.6 percent in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 596,000 from December when housing starts were an estimated 520,000, but they were 2.6 percent below the January 2010 rate of 612,000, according to the latest figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department. Howe...

More than two-thirds of Americans (70.6 percent) believe access to affordable mortgages is a serious problem, according to a new survey by MortgageMatch.com. Respondents also say that the most challenging aspect of getting a mortgage is understanding the mortgage process and dealing with the lend...

A new survey by Coldwell Banker finds that 87 percent of first-time homebuyers who purchased their home within the past year preferred a move-in ready home to one that would require some work. A home's location to area amenities was also important to first-time buyers. Nearly four out of five buy...

For many home buyers, understanding what makes one home more valuable than another seems a bit arbitrary.  But the reality is that various features can add thousands of dollars to the value of a home.  Some of these include:             Square footage:  How big is the house?             Design:  ...

U.S. homeowners and renters have positive views about homeownership and the financial and non-financial benefits it provides, according to a new NAR survey conducted by Harris Interactive. A large majority of homeowners (87 percent) and 64 percent of renters agree or strongly agree that owning a ...

Key points • The new year is a great time to reevaluate where you stand financially. • Consider these five resolutions to reshape your finances in 2011, including tips on budgeting, estate planning and more. • Helpful information for everyone, regardless of age or income. It wouldn't be the new y...

U.S. homebuyers are less likely to purchase a foreclosed property today than they were a year ago, according to a recent survey by Trulia & Realty Trac.  Some 45% of U.S. homebuyers say they are at least somewhat likely to purchase a foreclosure today, compared with 55% who said that same a year ...

Borrowers who consider walking away from their mortgages have yet another reason to think twice.  Fannie Mae has implemented a new policy that penalizes borrowers who walk away even though they had the ability to pay, or who did not complete a workout arrangement.  Such borrowers now will be inel...