You've saved up for a down payment and drawn up a wish list of what you’re looking for in a new home, but getting cold feet. How do you know if you’re ready to buy a house?

Bitten by the gotta-have-it bug? It could be a new spin bike that’s caught your eye, or maybe you want to spring for a new entertainment system? Before you go ahead with the purchase, though, it’s wise to take a step back and follow these steps.

Q: Which home improvement projects can I tackle myself, and which should I leave for the pros?

A: It’s tempting to want to do everything yourself, but it isn’t always the best choice. Here’s how to know when to do it yourself and when to hire professionals.

If you’re a homeowner in need of some cash, look in your own home. You can tap into your equity through a home equity line of credit or a HELOC. Let’s take a look at HELOCs and why they can be an excellent option for cash-strapped homeowners.