Older homeowners who are trying to tap into the equity in their home may have a difficult time utilizing all the potential equity built into their household. There are new tools that can help an older homeowner utilize this equity.

Naos is a one-of-a-kind Riviera Baja resort at the northern end of Rosarito Beach in Baja California. Construction on the 20-story oceanfront residential tower at Naos began last spring and the outline of the many amenities on the property -- including three pools and beachfront facilities -- is beginning to take shape.

As the market for reverse mortgages grows, concerns are mounting that an increasing number of seniors are being misled into signing up for a complicated financial product that may squander their equity prematurely or put them at risk for losing their homes.  

Los Sueños Resort and Marina, an 1,100-acre master planned destination community, will begin construction on the Altavista Los Sueños condominium residences in December 2010. Located at Herradura Bay on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Los Sueños is a perfect escape for those who seek understated luxury and a comfortable lifestyle in a tropical climate or are looking to invest in a vacation home in increasingly popular Central America.

Far from a typical, manicured resort-style development, a rare eco real estate opportunity in Belize, called Cyan Belize, is being created for a handful of neighbors to enjoy and build eco-friendly waterfront homes. And it's all within a secure, gated environment at prices that are more affordable than imagined.

Panama is not a common reference point for the allure of Caribbean islands such as Turks and Caicos, St. Thomas, St. Lucia or Antigua. But those who vacation or invest in these traditional Caribbean destinations should consider the less known islands of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Thirty miles from the boarder of Costa Rica, the beaches here are phenomenal and fringed by pristine rainforest.

Many senior homeowners seeking to sell their homes and move into senior living communities have discovered that the real estate market is still rather tight. "Staging" a home for sale can make it sell faster and for more money -- at little or no cost.

With very little spending on home improvement to get a better price, a seller can improve her home's appeal with some home staging techniques recommended by decorating pros.

Haven Custom Homes, a leader in the construction of custom modular homes, in conjunction with Sanctuary Communities, have completed their first NC HealthyBuilt Home, The Quarters.

The Quarters home, designed by Allison Ramsey Architects, features a broad front porch with bungalow charm. The two-story home is spacious with 2,113 square feet and features three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a walk-out basement and an elevator. The home is located in Sanctuary Village which is the first in-town Traditional Neighborhood Development in the western mountains of North Carolina and will include 150 residences when complete. The neighborhood is designed to reflect neighborhoods of America's past and be a walkable, mixed-use village when completed.

It's no secret that home prices and sales tallies have dropped precipitously in recent months - tilting market dynamics to favor buyers over sellers. That doesn't mean a house won't sell, just that the playing field has changed. So here are six tips to help you get a timely sale at a fair price in today's reshuffled housing market.

For those of you contemplating buying a home, refinancing, or even taking out a home equity loan, here is a handy calculator that will help you with your financial planning.

This is also handy if you're considering a reverse mortgage. Don't forget to check out other articles within our Real Estate section for more information.