Smart Moves

Ellen James Martin is a prize-winning newspaper and magazine writer who brings a journalist's experience to her national real estate column, Smart Moves. Martin's column demystifies the complicated financial and lifestyle issues facing anyone who buys, sells or finances a home.

Formerly a real estate editor and assistant business editor at The Baltimore Sun, Martin created Smart Moves with the needs and interests of editors in mind. As a long-time reporter, she understands the themes that capture readers' attention and has the background to offer sound advice in the fields of real estate and personal finance.

Her stories and columns have appeared in a variety of newspapers and other publications, including Money, Self, Success, Fortune, Institutional Investor and The New York Times. She is a co-author of The Guide to Business and Economics Journalism, published by Columbia University Press.

Martin has made numerous appearances on network television, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and various CNBC programs. She co-hosted "Location, Location, Location" on the Home & Garden cable network. Her commentaries have been heard frequently on "Marketplace," a business and economics show on Public Radio International, which broadcasts nationally. She has received top awards from The National Association of Real Estate Editors, including "Best TV or Radio Report on Real Estate," and "The Best Body of Work" on real estate.

Martin served as president and chairman of the National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE). For NAREE, she also authored the book "100 Best Real Estate Coverage Ideas."

Martin was awarded a Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in business and economics at Columbia University in New York. She also holds master's degrees in journalism and international affairs from Columbia. Martin, who was elected an active-resident member of the National Press Club, resides in the Washington, D.C. area.