Selling your home? The cards are in your favor

Six years after prices collapsed, housing has begun to climb out of its hole. So what are the best moves to make now? In a three-part series, we offer smart strategies for buyers , sellers, and owners in today's market. Selling your home? The cards are in your favor: Read full story for latest details.

How to buy real estate with a retirement fund | HousingWire

How to buy real estate with a retirement fund | HousingWire: "Yes, you can buy real estate in your IRA, Roth IRA, or other retirement account. But it isn’t easy, Mark Luscombe, a CPA and attorney, warns. In fact, it is quite complicated — and you’ll face many issues that might invalidate your IRA-based investment. MarketWatch provides some of the obstacles you must overcome."

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Demand for vacation homes on the rise | HousingWire

Demand for vacation homes on the rise | HousingWire: "More consumers are seeking the relaxation of getting away, as vacation-home sales rose 10.1% to 553,000 in 2012 from 502,000 in 2011, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.

When surveyed, buyers listed a number of reasons for purchasing a vacation home: 80% plan to utilize the property for vacations or family retreats, 27% intend to use it as a primary residence in the future, 23% hope to rent it to others and 23% saw the home as a good investment opportunity."

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5 Strangest Tax Breaks -- Ever

5 Strangest Tax Breaks -- Ever:
What do pools, vet bills and dance lessons have in common? They all might offer tax breaks.