Most homeowners aren't shy about telling you how awesome it is and all about the perks of living in a house that they own ... but they're a lot less forthcoming about the ugly aspects of buying a house and the sacrifices you make.And yes, there is ugly, and there are sacrifices. Here's what nobody...

Do you want to buy a home? (No, that isn't one of the questions.) If the answer, however, is "yes," then there are more questions you'll need to ponder before you're truly ready -- even if this is your fifteenth fix-and-flip instead of your very first home.

There comes a time in every homeowner's life when he or she realizes: "I am not the same person I was when I bought this place." Maybe your lifestyle or your family configuration has changed, or maybe the house just isn't as appealing as it was when you signed that ream of paperwork on closing day.

Not too long ago in our country's history, talking about making your house "greener" might get you labeled a hippie tree-hugger. But times change, and as gas, electricity, and water prices creep up, more and more homeowners are seeing the (strong) advantages that come with considering the...