Home equity can be one of the biggest financial benefits of homeownership, but what should you do once you've built it? This week on Real Estate Today, we explore how homeowners can estimate their home equity, decide whether to leverage it or let it grow, and make improvements and upgrades that could help build more equity over time. Learn which types of homes tend to appreciate the most, common misconceptions about home equity and whether paying off your mortgage as quickly as possible is always the smartest financial strategy.

Guests include Michael Perna, REALTOR® and CEO of The Michael Perna Team in Detroit, Michigan, and Jack Mullen, private wealth advisor at Merrill Lynch in Chicago.

Hidden homeownership costs can catch you by surprise if you're not prepared. This week on the 900th episode of Real Estate Today, we look at common homeownership expenses that buyers should prepare for.

Melissa Bailey, sales team lead at Real Broker in Phoenix, AZ., and Shane Brady, agent at Keller Williams in Boston, MA. discuss the true impact of rising insurance costs, how home inspections can flag potential maintenance issues, and the future expenses to look out for when buying a home.

Building wealth through real estate starts with making smart decisions. This week on Real Estate Today, we explore how homeowners and investors can make their properties work harder for them and build long-term value. Learn which property characteristics can boost value, what can hurt an investment, what to look for in a property with long-term potential and the biggest mistakes first-time rental property investors should avoid.

Guests include Jonathan Greene, real estate investor and host of the podcast "Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing," and Lisa Patterson, REALTOR® in Charleston, S.C.