Home improvement is one of those delightful endeavors that pays off. After all, who can put a price on the joy you receive from transforming your house into a more appealing, livable environment? Nonetheless, some projects have more to offer than others when it comes to boosting resale value. Let's start with projects that are within the skill level of the average person.

As a result of the last U.S. economic crisis, a lot of people now know a lot more about the secondary mortgage market. Before the crisis, the secondary mortgage market was a mystery to most Americans, and it was only really important to mortgage lenders and secondary market participants and appraisers. Then all of a sudden, with the well-publicized issues surrounding the housing collapse of 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and some of their larger clients and the big lenders became household names. Read on to learn about the history of Fannie Mae and what it means for appraisers.

"You’ve been watching HGTV’s “Income Property” and wondering: Is it time for me to buy a rental and become a landlord?

You’re not alone. Between our “Friends”-like economy (“seems like you’re always stuck in second gear”), historically low interest rates, flat-line wages and the mood of millennials to rent instead of own, income property has been on an uptick since the Great Recession.

In fact, for the first time in five years, more Americans are putting their money into investment properties than vacation homes, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Should you? Experts offer a qualified yes, provided you do your homework first.

Here are 10 things to consider before diving into income property..."

While some influencing factors are outside of your control such as proximity to good schools and the value of nearby homes, a few simple tasks may help increase your home's worth.

5 Things Appraisers Wish Sellers Knew

Learn the methods used to value your home