After a disaster like a hurricane or tornado, homeowners are especially vulnerable to fraudulent or incompetent home repair contractors. See Post-Disaster Home Repair Fraud Common, Preventable.

Buying a vacation getaway? If your idea of a suitable vacation place is something more than a fishing shack... with indoor plumbing and a mortgage, better see our checklist of questions in Considering a Vacation House? Consider Carefully

Homeowner Hotline. This free Smart Consumer Services newsletter offers updates and insights into major issues affecting consumers nationwide. If you're not already on our e-mail list to receive Homeowner Hotline you can subscribe by sending a request to [email protected]

We track a variety of issues related to fair practices and legislation in the real estate, home and remodeling industries, as well as health and safety in the residential environment.

Reprints... of past articles are available on request. Please check our Table of Contents . We'll be happy to send you a list of titles, related categories and links that may be of interest to you.