If you’re searching for a home today, you likely know that the last few years of market upheaval have tipped real estate very much in the buyer’s favor. Steve Donahue, VP of Mortgage Originations for Tech CU says, “I would encourage both first time and move up buyers to take advantage of historically...

In years past, the San Francisco Bay Area—and particular Silicon Valley—has been ranked among the most expensive areas to live in the U.S. With the recession, how do those comparisons hold up today? Is this region still more expensive than Denver, Boston or even New York? Just for fun, we thought...

Ready or not, 2010 is here! In the spirit of getting in shape for the New Year (financial shape, that is), we’ve put together 10 tips that will help you make 2010 a financially healthy year for you. 1. Review your credit card terms With new credit card reform laws going into effect in February,...

Until recently, many homeowners have shied away from installing “green” technology into their homes because of the high upfront costs, but that’s changing. Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress in June, the process of  “greening” your home is now more affordable...

According to real estate tracking company DataQuick, foreclosure re-sales accounted for more than 50 percent of all California resale activity in the second quarter of 2009—that’s up from 40 percent for the same period a year ago. Obviously, buyers are seeing the bargains to be had and are going...

The escalating number of California homeowners in distress and seeking help with their mortgage has unfortunately led to a sharp rise in loan modification scams. In recent months, the California Department of Real Estate has issued several consumer alerts, warning of companies that promise to provide...

It’s hard to believe we launched Money Savvy back in June of 2007! Since that time, we’ve written more than 100 articles on personal finance—offering tips and advice on everything from keeping up with events in the economy, tips on finding the best mortgage loan to better understanding your rights...

May is the month that signals summer. Warmer days, flowers popping up everywhere, the start of baseball, and of course, the aroma of barbeque coming from your neighbor’s backyard. It’s also the time when many head out to look for a new home. This spring, new homebuyers and homeowners who are thinking...