Over the years, the ranch style home has become almost reviled for its lack of character. Critics have said it's just a single-story box, with no uncomplicated angles, a low roof, and a picture window facing the street. Since ranches were built in such abundance in the mid-twentieth century and were often thrown up as quickly as possible without regard for decoration or individuality, they came to represent the worst of American architecture in many people's minds. However, the humble ranch does have its boosters...

As America's economy begins to cool, a number of economists have begun to predict only modest gains in the prices of single-family homes during the next year. The consensus is that home prices will rise between 3 and 4%, which is a respectable increase, but well below the 10% nationwide average over the past five years. However, many successful investors make a lot of money in cities labeled "the bottom ten." No matter what happens in the home market, smart investors know how to make money in real estate.

It may not actually be the beginning of the end of America's real estate boom, but one of the first indications of a slowdown in the housing market is when homes begin to take longer to sell. Although the National Association of Realtors doesn't keep track of the nation's overall home marketing times, but there has been a dramatic rise in the number of homes on the market in the past six months. With the supply of available houses rising, buyers have more homes to choose from, and according to the laws of supply and demand, that means prices in many areas of the country may begin to come down. Let's look at some areas of the country to examine trends.

Although interests remain relatively low, the number of home foreclosures across the country is on the rise up, which means that investors in REOs are beginning to have more opportunities to make money.

In a search for "Home Buyer's Checklist," I found articles, spread sheets, and tips with differing advice. It seems that the real estate websites want you to choose a home and blindly put your money in escrow. These home buying tips should include more information for home buyers to make a solid home purchase.

Home sellers who learn about marketing psychology and home staging can take advantage of unconventional selling strategies. If you're selling a home or investment house, you might need some extra help to generate a speedy, top-dollar sale. Here are three cutting edge home selling concepts to help you.

If you're like most beginning real estate investors, you've taken seminars, read books, watched infomercials and DVDs, and have spent considerable amounts of money to learn about the ins and outs of the field. If you're still struggling with how to get started, here are some of successful investors favorite ways to make money in real estate.

Like most investments, no guarantees of profits come with real estate. Here are five tips to help you make a profit:

Successful real estate investors have been making money flipping houses in all markets. Just like any business, some investors lose money, even during the best market conditions. The difference, besides experience, is knowledge. Here are three key points.

If you're selling a vacant investment house, you need to "smell to sell." Does the house smell musty because its closed up? If so, you might not want to lose all the cool air by opening the windows. Here are some tips to clean up the air and entice your buyers' sense of smell.