How do I protect myself from shady contractors?

Real Estate Tip:

When you get a mortgage loan to buy a home, ask for a Good Faith Estimate so you can review all the terms on your loan offer and see the interest rate, payment and closing costs.

Real Estate Insights:

Wealthy Americans pick real estate as best investment for 2014 [View Article]: Real estate has always been a predictable way to build wealth. Real estate is also a good hedge against inflation. Other financial benefits of real estate investing include cash flow, tax benefits and leveraged asset appreciation. After a banner year on Wall Street, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that many stock investors are taking some of their profits off the table and looking to park them in a real, tangible asset like real estate.