The United States has had many housing bubbles and busts through the years. The most recent housing bubble was in the early 2000's with the housing bust beginning in 2007. The dramatic housing price decreases beginning in 2007 created financial hardships for many homeowners, buyers, and professionals in the real estate industry. Since housing prices tend to go up and down, it's important for potential home sellers and buyers to recognize common signs of a housing bubble.

Increases in Home Prices Outpaces Inflation

People tend to think about their housing payment as a portion of their total income. When prices go up through inflation, each item takes up a correspondingly larger share of a person's income. If the cost of food or transport goes

Traveling around the country can be a lot of fun, and one of the most popular tourist destinations is Nashville, TN. Whether a person lives there or is just visiting, it's not just about music and sightseeing. There's also food to consider, and that includes dessert. Having a great dessert can really add to a good day, and can put smiles on the faces of both children and adults as they explore everything that the Nashville area has to offer. Here are some of the best dessert-themed restaurants in Nashville, for anyone who's looking for a sweet treat.

Mike's Ice Cream

Ice cream is almost always a popular choice for dessert, and at Mike's Ice Cream visitors can get sundaes, cones, and other frozen treats. Coffee drinks and espresso are also on

Contemporary and modern home styles can be confusing to the average person. Contemporary homes may have been built at the same period as that of a modern home and may draw upon the same elements seen in modern homes. Modern homes often include specific materials that only became available for home construction after WWII, while contemporary homes, including new construction homes, can mix and match elements from different architectural styles and are more likely to include natural materials, like stone or wood.

If we compare contemporary home design with those of a more modern style, we see both how they are alike and how they may be different. Popular features that may be seen in both modern and contemporary homes are an emphasis on natural

Homeowners have many options to change the look of their homes. Some homeowners may choose to do extensive remodels, while others may decided to add a home addition. Instead of a remodel, homeowners may appreciate the increase in space for relaxation, entertaining and more with a home addition. However, any change to the structure of a home should warrant careful thought and planning. In many instances, special permits may be required before a home addition can begin. In fact, there a number of considerations prior to starting work on a home addition that will help a homeowner get the most from their new addition.

Get a Clear Overview

Homeowners may need to prioritize their needs and should begin their planning process by identifying key

For people who are looking for exciting night life, Nashville, TN has plenty to offer. No matter what types of things people like to do, there are options for them to consider. Country music establishments are wildly popular, of course, along with good barbecue restaurants. But that is not all Nashville offers. There is a strong music scene in other genres, as well, and a number of high quality restaurants that can really be appreciated. Additionally, there are choices for families with children, young people, older visitors, couples, singles, and everyone in between. Here are some of the best places to consider.

Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar

For anyone who enjoys blues and likes to boogie, this is the place to go in Nashville. You can

When saving up to buy a home, a down payment can be a looming expense that intimidates or turns away buyers. For those who find the task of saving for a down payment insurmountable, pulling money out of a 401k or IRA to make a down payment could make it easier to buy a home. Here's what buyers need to know before they prepare to make a withdrawal.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

How 401k Withdrawals Work

People are not really encouraged to withdraw from a retirement plan before they get close to retirement age. However, there are a number of ways that people may be able to do it. Anyone pulling money out of a retirement account may be subject to a

The bathroom is an essential room in any home, though it doesn't have to be utilitarian. Giving a bathroom a much-needed facelift is an ideal way to improve home value and enjoyment of the bathroom, whether its with the addition of a steamy tub or elegant redesign. With these tips, people will have a better idea of what they may need to prepare to go through the process of renovating a bathroom.

Plan Your Bathroom Renovation Before Proceeding

Starting a serious remodel of a home demands careful attention to the order of the process. People might decide to replace a bathtub, and then decide after the fact that they want to reposition it. Getting the upgrades in the wrong order might cause damage to the new equipment and materials just

Are you looking to take out some time to wet your palate and explore some of the best wines Nashville has to offer? Music City is home to an eclectic selection of vineyard, wineries and wine bars. Explore popular attractions and enjoy a glass or share a bottle at a Nashville winery or wine bar. Travel just outside of Nashville and walk among the vineyards of Nashville's best vineyards. Nashville residents and visitors have a range of options without having to drive far to find that next great wine.

Music City Vineyards, Wineries and Wine Bars

Visitors are often surprised at the options in and around the Nashville area when it comes to wines. Homegrown varietals and well as more exotic wines are available at Nashville vineyards, wineries and

Selling a home for less than the mortgage takes a little more work than a regular home sale. With this information, sellers will understand what distinguishes a short sale, and what they should anticipate during the process.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

What Is a Short Sale?

Although home prices generally trend upward, there are periods of time when the value of a home may drop. As long as the homeowner can continue making the payments as specified, this situation may correct on its own. However, if someone needs to sell a home that is worth less than the amount they owe, they may have to go through a short sale in order to eliminate the

You may be looking to buy a new home, and, depending on the local market, there may be a variety of available properties suitable for individuals, couples and families. While many potential homebuyers need a mortgage to cover the cost of buying a home, most are initially unaware of the role of interest rates when making a purchase and affording mortgage loan payments. Rising interest rates may mean that homebuyers who have to tighten their purse strings to afford a dream home will struggle to make regular payments. What should potential homebuyers and mortgage loan borrowers know about interest rates?

Is it better to buy a more expensive home with low interest rates or a more affordable home with higher interest rates? What are tax limitations