Handyman, specialist, general contractor or architect? If you’re in the market for a home renovation, you’ve likely grappled with the differences between these professionals and which is right for your situation. You need to consider what each has to offer and how you can negotiate the best price. “Start by doing your homework on the front end so you understand what’s available to you," says Erin Miles, Financial Center Manager with Fifth Third Bank. "This will help you get a fair price without making impulsive decisions.”

In addition to increasing satisfaction in your living situation, a major renovation may boost your home’s value and improve its curb appeal. However, not all upgrades are considered equal. “It’s a myth that you will always get back what you spend on home improvements,” says Gina Hafner, Financial Center Manager with Fifth Third Bank. “It’s important to take a look at the market you are in and what is most attractive to potential buyers.”

In this economy, you may be hesitant to spend big bucks on tackling major home improvement projects. Fortunately, short-term fixes can still make a big impact – without resulting in a bill that’s through the roof. “Making a short-term fix can actually help you start saving money immediately,” says Terry Maples, Financial Center Manager with Fifth Third Bank. “Especially in the case of older homes where small repairs, such as replacing drafty windows and installing newer, more energy efficient appliances, can significantly lower your energy bill.”

In recent years, many Americans have found themselves saddled with large amounts of debt coupled with high interest rates. One solution for quickly paying off your debt is home refinancing. With mortgage rates lower than they have been for some time, now is a great time to consider this option.

Owning a home is a dream for many Americans. But what should you know before taking on this huge commitment?

"Building a home can be a great experience," says Val Robinson, a mortgage loan originator with Fifth Third Bank. "I often say it may be easier to build the house of your dreams than to find it on the existing market. While building a home can take between six and nine months, so can house hunting. And once you buy an existing home, you generally have redecorating and updating to do."

Imagine weekends at your lake home or winter getaways at your home in the sun. Now that's living the American dream.

"People ask me all the time whether a second home is a smart investment," says Doug Barnaclo, an area sales manager with Fifth Third Bank. "But I consider buying a second home a lifestyle decision -- it's really an investment in your quality of life."

Considering that home values have dropped dramatically in the past two years, this may be a more difficult time to sell your home. Making matters worse, today's housing market has a great deal of excess inventory, which further reduces home values.

Ever since the housing bubble burst in 2006, home values across the nation have plummeted - as much as 20 to 25 percent - according to the National Association of Realtors. Today, many who bought homes shortly before this decline now owe more on their mortgage than their house is worth. This negative equity is known as being "upside down" or "underwater."

Buying a home provides more than a roof over your head. It's also a long-term investment with a value that increases with time. However, like other investments, the housing market fluctuates from year to year and even from month to month.

"Unfortunately, many people who entered the housing market in the past few years have seen their homes decrease in value," says Dustin Swigart, a mortgage loan originator at Fifth Third Bank. "Because of this downturn, it's important to consider today's environment when selling your home."