By now it is something of a cliché to call homeownership the American dream. But even if sitting on your own deck, looking over a picket fence, and sipping lemonade doesn't move you, homeownership is still one of the best ways to build wealth.

For many people, owning a home is cheaper than renting and in the long run the biggest investment they will ever make. It is also a practical financial move thanks to the fact that you're likely building equity.

If you're thinking of placing your home on the market and selling it yourself to save money, you could be setting yourself up for frustration and financial loss. Here are some compelling reasons why DIY is best left to home improvements when it's time to sell your house:
 

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) describes difficulties with down payments as "what many consider the greatest barrier to homeownership." And according to the NAR, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding down payments.

Thanksgiving can be anxiety-inducing. But with a little planning and a bit of delegation, you can enjoy a low-stress Thanksgiving, leaving you free to enjoy that second—or third—helping in peace.

The recent spate of natural disasters has taken its toll on the housing market. The South saw a decline in closings in August due partly to Hurricane Harvey and the destruction it caused in the Houston area. Economists for the National Association of Realtors believe sales will continue to be impacted through 2017 in Houston and Florida, where residents are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. But sales in these regions should rebound in 2018.

Now that summer is gone and fall is here, it's time to start your autumn to-do list. Here are some great fall projects:

Many Americans mistakenly believe that owning a home is beyond their means. Both homeowners and renters have the misconception that buyers need a down payment of at least 20 percent before they can qualify for a mortgage and purchase a home. But this is a home-buying myth, according to William E. Brown, president of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), who said, "Every month this year, roughly 60 percent of buyers who financed their purchase with a mortgage made a down payment that was 6 percent or less." Buyers with steady jobs and reasonable debt loads can find mortgage options that suit their current level of savings.

Many homeowners wonder how they can turn their bathrooms or kitchens into something worthy of making the rounds on Pinterest or Instagram. Because more people want to give their home a personal and stylish touch, home decorating and interior design is hotter than ever, and the possibilities are seemingly limitless.

You want to find a house that is not only a comfortable fit for your family, lifestyle, and budget but also, ideally, a solid investment. When you purchase an investment-worthy home, you'll have the option to rent it out, draw on your equity, or sell it for a profit when your family is ready to move on to a different house. Here are some tips for determining if a specific house is a good financial investment:

Are you planning to redecorate in 2017? Whether you're completely redoing your pad or just exchanging a few old items for something fresh, you'll love these 17 hot trends that will make your home-sweet-home that much better in 2017.

Despite affordability issues and low inventory, 2016 had the best existing-home sales in a decade. At 5.45 million sales, existing-home sales haven't set a pace this fast since 2006, when sales reached 6.48 million; in comparison, sales in 2015 topped out at 5.25 million. According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), "Solid job creation throughout 2016 and exceptionally low mortgage rates translated into a good year for the housing market."

Creating a beautiful, welcoming kitchen space makes food prep and mealtime enjoyable for everyone. 

With so many magazine articles and television shows about real estate, a lot of people think they know everything there is to know about selling their home: upgrade your home to increase its value

Once you are under contract, your lender will send out an appraiser to make sure the purchase price is in line with the property’s value.

Like marriage, home-buying is one part love, one part legal transaction, and starts with a proposal. When you’re ready to buy a home, making an offer is important: oral promises are not legally enforceable in real estate sales.

Every year, nearly half (45 percent) of the United States population uses New Year's as an opportunity to reflect on shortcomings, hopes for the future, and the relationship between the two.

The home buying process is stressful enough without worrying about who you can and cannot trust. Your buyer’s agent is your trusted advocate.

REALTORS® aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. This is the REALTOR® difference for home buyers:

Location should be your first consideration when purchasing a new home. And your second. And your third. The reasoning behind this advice is simple: 

Many first-time home buyers don’t take the time to get prequalified. They also often don’t take the time to shop around to find the best mortgage for their particular situation. It’s important to ask plenty of questions and make sure you understand the home loan process completely.