80 U.S. metropolitan markets are showing "measurable and sustained growth" this month, according to the National Association of Homebuilders' Improving Market Index.

As another signal of an improving U.S. economy, the nation's biggest banks have started to loosen mortgage lending standards.

Planning to make a late-August purchase closing? Keep an eye on your calendar. The last Friday of the month coincides with Labor Day Weekend, which may make for a complicated, end-of-month closing.

The average family of four uses 146,000 gallons of water per year, at a cost of $700. With just a few small changes, however, that cost could drop by as much as 28%.

This week, for the first time since mid-June, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate climbed on a week-over-week basis, moving 6 basis points to 3.55%, on average.

Breaking down the FOMC's August 1 statement.

All 20 Case-Shiller Index markets improved between April and May 2012.

The FOMC meets today for the fifth time this year. Mortgage rates will be volatile for the next few days. Make sure to have a plan.

Along with bathrooms, kitchens are the most bacteria-heavy rooms in a home. Here's how to keep yours clean.

The Pending Home Sales Index is on a 14-month winning streak.

Sales of new homes slipped 8 percent in June.

The housing market's bottom is 9 months behind us. Home values continue to climb nationwide.