Clever Christmas Gifts for the Home to Fit Any Budget

When we think of the holidays, we think of home — our own home, maybe our mom’s, or even a best friend’s. Why not give a gift that will make that home better, warmer, more practical, and more fun?

Here’s a guide to Christmas gifts for every budget, from under $50 to stocking stuffers that dreams are made of.

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Home Ownership Matters

Home ownership has a significant impact on net worth, educational achievement, civic participation, health, and overall quality of life.  And, home ownership helps create jobs — lots of them — right here at home.

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Houses for $100 Down

That's all you'll need for a down payment to buy a foreclosure offered for sale by the government.

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Buying is Cheaper than Renting in Most U.S. Cities

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Home prices have taken such a beating and demand for rental units has increased so much that it's now cheaper to buy a two-bedroom home than to rent one in most major U.S. cities.

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10 Upgrades Under $100 to Boost a Home’s Value

Don't assume that only big-budget home renovations will produce valuable results. But there’s good news for homeowners on a budget. Plenty of inexpensive upgrades — like these — can pay off when it comes time to sell.

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DFW Foreclosure Postings Down 14% for August

Dallas-Fort Worth residential foreclosure postings for the August courthouse auctions dipped below 4,500 for the fourth consecutive month and have declined 14% compared to August 2010, according to Foreclosure Listing Service Inc.

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Four Texas Cities are Economic Superstars

Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas are all among Forbes magazine’s top 10 next big boom towns in the U.S. Recognized for their jump in new jobs, relatively low housing prices, and buoyant economies, these four Texas cities have becomes major hubs for jobs and families.

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Down the Drain: Garbage Disposal Dos & Don'ts

If your kitchen has a garbage disposal, you know how easy it makes mealtime clean up.  But what you may not realize is that your disposal comes with some pretty important rules. Keep reading for some of the most vital.

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How to Teach Kids Financial Responsibility

My Money (usnews.com) - These days, everyone pays with plastic. Carrying change is inconvenient, cash is easy to misplace, and using credit (and some debit) cards can earn rewards for purchases. Because people are noticeably less money-conscious when they don’t actually have to turn over dollar bills for their purchases, it’s essential to teach kids to use plastic wisely. With some coaching, you can help your child navigate the credit world and shield them from potential dangers along the way.

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10 Common Errors Home Owners Make When Filing Taxes

As you calculate your tax returns, consider each home tax deduction and credit you are - and are not - entitled to. Running afoul of any of these 10 home-related tax mistakes - which tax pros say are especially common - can cost you money or draw the IRS to your doorstep.

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JPMorgan Testifes Before Congress, Apologizes For Foreclosures and Hiking Interest Rates on Soldiers

Members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee tore into an apologetic JPMorgan Chase executive today after the bank admitted violating a law that guarantees protections to servicemembers serving in harm's way.

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Why Hire a Real Estate Agent or REALTOR?

The real estate agent is not a go-between paper shuffler. Your real estate agent is the connection to the inside world of real estate. Yes, the Internet can provide you with lots of information, but it can't replace a knowledgeable real estate agent.

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10 Major Mortgage Mistakes to Avoid

Getting a mortgage is no simple task: It's a complex and time-consuming process, and perhaps one of the most significant events of our lives, at least in financial terms. Here are ten potential pitfalls to avoid:

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Weather-Related Closings in North Texas

Weather-Related Closings in North Texas for Feb. 9, 2011

The Zero-Down Mortgage is Still Alive Through the Agriculture Department's Rural-Development Housing Program

Need a zero-down mortgage?  Look outside the city.  If your home is in a designated rural area, and you meet income requirements, you may qualify for a loan with no down payment.

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Keller Williams Realty Signs Deal with CitiMortgage to Provide Unique Money-Saving Benefits to Consumers

Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an agreement with CitiMortgage to create a customized mortgage services program for the company’s offices across the United States. This type of agreement is the first of its kind for Keller Williams Realty and CitiMortgage.

 

CitiMortgage will now offer Keller Williams Realty clients reduced fees on jumbo loans, and as a part of the SureStart Pre-Approval® program, will not charge a pre-approval fee for Keller Williams agent’s buyers. As a part of CitiMortgage’s commitment to exceptional service, they also offer all Keller Williams borrowers an On Time Closing Guarantee of $1,500.

 

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Unexpected Ways to Save Money and Energy

A REALTOR® in Memphis, TN, encourages homeowners to give their pocketbook and Mother Nature a break this season by taking advantage of these simple, surprising ways to save energy and money.

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