Average mortgage rates edged up a hair to 4.14% with an average 0.5 points from last week's 4.12%, according to Freddie Mac data. That's up from 3.91% a year ago. Related: Which Mortgage is Right...

It's not just the states hit hardest by the housing bust where homes are underwater, though it may seem that way from the stats.

Homes without enough equity to pay off the mortgage continue to plague the market, especially in the cities hit hard by the bust (basically, anywhere in Florida). The good news: There's way fewer of them than a year ago.

Ever considered turning your home into a vacation rental? Here's how to make your house pay for your time away. Plus:

Home improvement projects that pay off for buyers and sellers, according to Porch.com.

Where you live, and how much home equity you have, should impact how you invest for retirement, argue Morningstar experts.