Mortgage rates are the most affordable in decades for those who can qualify for a loan.

Households across a majority of large U.S. cities received more foreclosure warnings in the first six months of this year than in the first half of 2009, new data shows.

Applications for home loans fell last week despite the lowest mortgage rates in decades.

After more than 50 years in Seattle, The Benaroya Co. is moving its headquarters to Bellevue.

Home prices in Seattle rose 1.16 percent in May, the third gain in a row, according to the latest Case-Shiller home-price report.

Federal regulators have banned eight individuals and companies from selling mortgage-relief services, settling charges that they used false advertising to deceive homeowners facing foreclosure.

This magical farmstead north of Seattle encourages visitors to linger, ripe with vegetables, flowers and herbs. The pastures hold plush little donkeys and contented sheep. Guests can relax in a gazebo overlooking the pond, stroll along double borders packed with roses, clematis and artichokes, or snack on cherry tomatoes right off the vine.

Real-estate classes, seminars and events SAT: JULY 24, TUE: JULY 27: For first-time homebuyers only. Free homebuyer class that reviews the...

Call it the great real-estate disconnect of 2010: Mortgage rates have been at half-century lows and home prices have stabilized, but applications...

Installing a security system has long been considered the domain of professionals — uniformed men and women who build an electronic shield around your home and monitor it from a command center. At least that is what the commercials always seem to suggest.

A federal regulator is taking steps that could lead to the recovery of some losses sustained by mortgage giants Fannie Mae and ...

The special inspector general for the financial bailout will examine how 10 states were selected.

David Kosowski has a full-time job, a sky-high credit score, a solid debt-to-income ratio and enough cash stashed away to put a 20 ...

People shopping for homes in the Seattle area these days have the benefit of record-low mortgage rates and home prices well off their record highs of a few years ago. Here's a sampling of houses and condos in various price ranges and locations that have sold recently.

Nichelle Morant was on the verge of losing her three-unit house in Brooklyn earlier this year after tenants renting the second and third...

Launching a new offensive against leaders of failed financial institutions, federal regulators are accusing four former executives ...

Philosophically, weeds have a certain appeal. "A weed is just a flower in the wrong place," as the saying goes. We can think of weeds as misunderstood, resourceful outcasts searching for a home. But in the real world, some plants in the wrong place cause serious harm. Governments classify these plants as noxious weeds and mount extensive programs to keep them at bay.

Tips on choosing materials for an attractive fence that may help keep pets, kids and neighbors happy. Plus how to avoid legal and safety pitfalls.

Three common design mistakes involving scale, balance and proportion can make a room feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, they have quick and easy fixes. An interior designer offers her solutions.

Fix It: How to repair a shoe that squeaks or creaks.

Ex-Etiquette: Advice on when and how to include ex-spouses and extended families in family functions.

Ask Carley: Advice on trimming the wedding-guest list.

Designer: "We are no longer in the '70s when everything 'designed' had to look avant-garde."

Ciscoe Morris writes about the 4th annual Garden Party at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, the secret to picking ripe figs and spotting the Drosophila Suzukii, a vinegar fruit fly that has turned up in Western Washington.

Tips for helping your pet cope with heat when at home and traveling.

Ed Alexander looks and feels much younger than his 84 years.

Proper implements a must for home repair

About 30,000 Nap Nannys, portable baby recliners used for sleeping, are being recalled after the death of an infant. Here are Web links for images of the product and details of the recall.

Parenthood: An expert and parents offer advice on preparing a child for kindergarten.

Parents are finding that children often can communicate faster with gestures or sign language than with speech, reducing their frustration at not getting what they want. And experts say that signing early can help with language development of all kinds later.

Forget the boiled up sugar water. Offer these fast-flyers a colorful sanctuary of plantings that are just as welcoming to humans. Look for plants with bright, tubular-shaped flowers. Also plant shrubs like lilacs, canothus, blueberry and Oregon grape. Vines like honeysuckle and trumpet creeper will attract the birds, too.

This magical farmstead north of Seattle encourages visitors to linger, ripe with vegetables, flowers and herbs. The pastures hold plush little donkeys and contented sheep. Guests can relax in a gazebo overlooking the pond, stroll along double borders packed with roses, clematis and artichokes, or snack on cherry tomatoes right off the vine.

Garden and lawn art in Seattle. Gardeners' narratives are often personal and moving.

Divine Design: A toasty fireplace and spectacular TV wall bring a family room together. Interior designer Candice Olson shares how she created the comfy retreat.

It's important to know your family medical history, and large family gatherings are the best place to gather the details, according to health officials.

Long lasting, colorful Pazazz portulaca flowers work well in containers and garden beds.

The Missouri Botanical Garden operates the most extensive public garden recycling operation in the country. The program includes recycling garden pots into plastic lumber.

Ed the Plumber: Tips on getting enough hot water to fill a whirlpool tub.

Children were the safety concern at the heart of some recalls this past week.

Ask Carley: A primer on wedding etiquette from Carley Roney, editor in chief of The Knot.