INVESTORS THWART MANY FIRST-TIME BUYERS Q: Dear Jay, I am a single woman, not independently wealthy but doing pretty well for myself. I live within my means and save religiously; I still owe on my student loan but the debt is not unmanageable. My five-plus years in the same, well-paying job has paid off in […]

DOES A ‘BUYER’S MARKET’ MEAN WE SHOULD WAIT TO SELL? Q: Dear Jay, My wife and I live in what is often called (and continues to be) “a nice neighborhood with good schools.” Despite having accumulated 30 years of happy memories, we’re not attached to staying in this particular piece of real estate until we […]

What’s Your Home Worth? Q: Dear Jay, I’ve decided to sell my home and upgrade outside of my metro-area. The thought of listing makes me ask the question—what is my home worth? Over the past few years I’ve upgraded the appliances, re-modeled various rooms and landscaped, so I believe my home is worth much more […]

REMODEL NOW, SELL LATER? Q: Dear Jay, My husband and I and our two children live in a home that was built over 30 years ago and have never updated or remodeled. We’re planning on selling our home in three years when both of the kids are in college but, until then, we would like […]