When you embark on the home-buying process, your heart is filled with all the dreams in the world. It’s really easy to get caught up in the “I have to have ___________, so I’ll cut back somewhere else ”

Experts say if a homeowner is looking to renovate a kitchen and bathroom on the main floor, the creation of a more functional laundry room might also be on that to-do list. But sometimes, ironing out a new laundry floor plan is its own job.

One of the neatest deductions itemizing homeowners can take advantage of is the mortgage interest deduction, which you claim on Schedule A. To get the mortgage interest deduction, your mortgage must be secured by your home — and your home can be a house, trailer, or boat, as long as you can sleep in it, cook in it, and it has a toilet.

No matter how diligent you may have been about saving for retirement, unexpected life changes and economic realities can negatively impact your retirement budget.

Homeowners voiced concern about paying a proposed service district tax that is being proposed in Reston and outside the Town of Herndon.

When you’re starting the initial discussions with prospective contractors and design teams, it’s important to be thorough. You want to feel comfortable with them, with the scope of the work and that they’re going to see the project through.

“Flat” – or maybe “stable” – is the word to describe the Fairfax County real estate market in October.

Each county in Northern Virginia offers its residents something different, with communities, food and beer scenes, arts and culture offerings. If you’re new to town, don’t worry: We break down each county by its population, must-see destinations and more.