U.S. home improvement spending rises - 2005-01-13
Increase of homeownership and higher-income households have helped U.S. remodeling spending reach new highs, a study by Harvard University found.

The study foresees continued growth in remodeling as favorable mortgage rates fuel home purchases. The study also noted that increases in house prices had provided equity to finance home improvements.
Read the full story at MSNBC

Financing a condo with equity from a vacation home - 2005-01-13
Dear Dr. Don,
I own a shore house that I utilize as a vacation home. I bought it as an investment. I live with a friend full time and would now like to buy a condo with the equity I have in the shore house. Would you suggest a home equity loan or a mortgage?
-- Jack Jointly

Dear Jack,
It's nice to hear that your investment has performed well over the past three years. Congratulations! As to whether you should use a home equity loan or a mortgage to finance the new condominium, there are some things you need to think through.
Read the full story at Bankrate.com via Yahoo! Finance