A house is a valuable asset. In terms of investments, real estate is among the safest investments to make. In a survey conducted by Bankrate.com, this belief is reflected in more than 1 in every 4 American. It is only natural to want to add more value to an investment asset. And in the case of a house, one of the ways to do this is to undertake home improvement projects on the property.

If you’re new to the homebuying process, or if it’s just been a while, then the thought of mortgages, inspections, and house hunting can be a little intimidating. However, as long as you know what to expect, it doesn’t need to be. So here’s a quick guide that can help you through each step of the process, from first thinking about buying a home to closing the deal.

Smart home technology has achieved mainstream status in the United States. According to the Smart Home Marketplace Survey, almost half (45%) of all Americans either own smart home technology or plan to invest in it this year. Also, 54% of homeowners said they would purchase or install smart solutions if they were selling their homes to improve the chances of a quicker sale.  

Wow, it sure did get hot fast this year! Summer has barely unfurled, but the residential real estate market is already delivering the most blistering June in a decade, according to new data on inventory and user activity on realtor.com®. Homes for sale in June are moving off the market 2% more quickly than last year as prices continue to hit new record highs.

For anyone who fondly remembers Arizona’s boom times, economists have a new message: Even though 2016 might well shape up as the state’s best year in 10 years, it’s time to get used to rates of much slower growth.

Scottsdale-based Five Star Development has announced its plans to develop a mega retail and dining destination, The Palmeraie, strategically located in the heart of Scottsdale. The project is connected to the $2 billion Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley master-planned community.

Credit scores are used in a lot of transaction. As a gauge for an individual’s creditworthiness, a credit score is what, landlords, mobile service providers, and even potential employers use to determine if there that said individual is a financial risk or not. This is also what credit lenders will use to determine what terms can be offered to a borrower and the rate that comes with the loan. The higher the credit score, the less risky an individual is for defaulting on financial commitments.

If you purchased or remodeled a home this year, you can start tax planning now to receive the largest refund without any hiccups along the way.

Kristen Seaton paid off $67,000 of debt in less than two years. Learn from her experience how you can make a plan to pay off debt quickly too.

Paying off debt can feel impossible when you’re already tens of thousands of dollars in the red. Here’s the good news: It can be done. Take Kristen Seaton’s inspiring success story on how to pay off debt. Seaton lives in Boston, MA, and managed to pay down a whopping $67,000 in debt in less than two years. Here, she shares how she made it happen — and the tips that can help you succeed too.

A record number of businesses and employees have moved into Scottsdale's bustling Airpark corridor, which is emerging as a one of the Phoenix area's major hubs for urban growth, according to a new report from Colliers International.

Don’t let your old stuff freeload! Put it to work. Use that old suitcase, file cabinet, magazine rack — even items you might ordinarily pitch into the recycling bin — to help organize your home. You’ll save money, and your family will benefit fromunique storage solutions that fit your lifestyle.

Dreaming of stainless this and marble that, with a dash of hip color? Sloooow down. See what your wallet has to say first. Some projects will protect your dollars more than others, especially if you’re planning to sell in a few years.

How do we know? Since 2002, a trade magazine for contractors and builders called “Remodeling” has been tracking common home improvement projects and how much of the cost of each project is recouped when the home sells.