It pays off to truly understand the value of being a homeowner, especially when money's tight. Rather than resorting to taking out personal loans or racking up credit card debt, you can consider ...

To calculate your home's equity, subtract the balance on all debts secured by your home – including your primary mortgage and any secondary loans – from your property's current appraised value. The ...

Mary Beth Eastman is a contributor to Buy Side and finance expert, specializing in loans, mortgages and insurance. Staff Personal Finance Editor, Buy Side Valerie Morris is a staff editor at Buy Side ...