Paula Pant, contributor

Few assets build wealth as well as real estate does. Learn about home equity, how it works, and how you can accelerate its growth on your own home(s).

Frightened about mortgage insurance? Don't be. In most cases, paying MI is temporary and, in others, a well-timed refinance can erase it completely.

Home values are rising and so are college tuitions. In response, homeowners are turning to cash-out refinances to cover student costs. Is this a smart idea?