TLC officially stands for “tender loving care”, but as the New York Times reports today, the acronym has been open to looser and looser interpretation. Take the two-bedroom apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side that was recently listed as needing TLC, but in fact was missing not just all of its appliances, but also any working electrical circuits.
 
With home sales down and foreclosures on the rise, liberal use of "needs TLC" is likely to increase nationwide. If you’re in the market for a new home, learn what red flags might indicate major structural damage, and read our advice on buying a foreclosed property.
 
And if you’re lucky enough to find a true diamond in the rough, check our Home Remodeling and Improvement Guide for advice on paint, countertops, and other materials that will provide just the right amount of tender love and care.
 
—Daniel DiClerico