Homebuying has earned a bad rap in recent years: The subprime mortgage crisis and ensuing economic meltdown left many homeowners underwater, unable to pay their mortgage and even facing foreclosure. Homeownership rates fell throughout the recession and got down to about 65 percent, compared with almost 70 percent before the recession, according to the Census

If you’re planning to put your house on the market, you likely want to maximize your very limited time and extra cash. That’s why Trulia suggests zeroing in on what we call Buyer Hot Spots: the ‘make it or break it’ focal points of a home. As a seller with a tight time line (and

San Ramon, Tri-Valley towns to kick off free summer concerts Valley residents will be able to relax and enjoy great outdoor concerts — for free — this summer throughout the area. So grab a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy a warm night of music under the stars with these performances. Here’s a partial list

Looking to freshen up your walls? Why not try something new, like swapping out plain artwork mats for colorful ones or hanging floor tiles or a giant knot as art? Here you’ll find 10 creative ways to wake up your walls. 1. Art on bulldog clips. Who needs frames? For a quick and easy solution,