Home Ownership

ARTICLE–But you'll have to jump through some hoops to close the deal.

SLIDE SHOW–The housing market may have temporarily slowed down due to the global health pandemic, but that's no excuse for would-be sellers to skip updating areas of their homes in need of serious upgrades. Real estate has been deemed an essential business in many states. This means plenty of home buyers are still on the hunt, even if it means participating in virtual open houses to accommodate social-distancing mandates. Once lockdowns are lifted, we predict that the housing market will quickly rebound with a strong buyer demand met by limited inventory. "After sheltering in place for a month or more, people will be ready for change in their homes -- or looking for a new one," says Brian Lewis, a real estate broker with New York City-based realty firm Compass. Sellers should know that most remodeling efforts only increase home values by 50% - 80% of the average project's costs, according to Remodeling magazine's 2020 Cost vs. Value report. For example, the average cost of a mid-range bathroom remodel is $21,377. You'd recoup about $13,680 (64%) of that amount during a resale. However, the cost of inaction can be far greater than the small loss you'll incur on any home-improvement projects. "Getting stuck in time with your home isn't a smart move and is rarely rewarded financially at sale time," Lewis adds. In fact, it may cause your house to linger on the market longer. As a result, you'll likely have to pay ongoing mortgage, maintenance and staging costs. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, focus on features that most home buyers really want to see. Consumer tastes can vary by region, so consult with your real estate agent to find out which home features are in high demand in your area, advises Dr. Jessica Lautz, vice president of demographics and behavorial insights for the National Association of Realtors. Updated for 2020, our slide show reveals those home features most coveted by today's buyers nationwide. Take a look. SEE ALSO: 26 Things Home Buyers Will Hate About Your House

ARTICLE–In challenging times, federally insured home equity conversion mortgages offer an outside-the-box income option for those 62 and older.

ARTICLE–Interest rate reductions triggered by the coronavirus crisis can create money-saving opportunities for mortgage shoppers.

ARTICLE–A tight supply of homes for sale and lower mortgage rates are pushing up home values. Sellers and homeowners are reaping the rewards.

ARTICLE–Congratulations! You just made millions selling your stock or the business you spent years growing. Uncle Sam plans to reward your windfall by sending you a big tax bill, but there is a way to possibly take those gains completely tax free: Opportunity Zone funds.

ARTICLE–When used judiciously, a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, can be a tool to help retirees control their taxes and can serve as a potential backstop when unexpected expenses hit.

ARTICLE–If you've been misinformed, you could be missing out on solid multifamily investment opportunities through real estate syndication.

ARTICLE–For some people who lose their spouse, it could make perfect sense. For others, not so much. Here's how to judge what could be a prudent approach in this stressful and confusing time.