Buying a homeJune 25, 2018Condo or house: Which should I buy?What's better for you? A condo or house? Find out how to compare them and make the right choice when you buy a home.
Buying a homeJune 23, 2018Use your mortgage Closing Disclosure (CD) to get the deal you were promised
Buying a homeJune 19, 2018Getting sellers to pay your closing costsYou can reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket closing costs if you can convince the seller to pay them.
Buying a homeJune 18, 2018Home closing: Avoid falling at the finish lineOnce you have mortgage approval, don't blow it before the home closing process. Avoid changes to your application and make sure your final documents are correct.
Buying a homeJune 8, 2018What’s a contingency in a real estate purchase contract?What does contingent mean? Contingent real estate offers require something to happen before the deal can close -- for instance, you must get approved for a mortgage. Most offers have some contingencies, but sellers prefer cleaner deals.
Buying a homeJune 7, 2018Watch Out for These Pitfalls in Your Real Estate Purchase AgreementBy law, a real estate purchase agreement must be in writing. Be aware of potential problems they can contain. Make sure you read and understand them before signing anything.
Buying a homeJune 3, 2018Counteroffer definition: What does it mean when I get a counteroffer?Counteroffer definition: a proposal in response to a real estate purchase offer. The counter offer means that the seller accepts the buyer's offer, subject to certain changes. The buyer can accept, reject or counter the seller's counter-offer.
Buying a homeMay 30, 2018Adult child living at home: From Mom’s basement to homeownershipIf you are an adult child living at home (or if you have an adult child living at home), this guide will help you pull a plan together to get out of your parent's house and into a home of your own.
Buying a homeMay 28, 2018Safe neighborhood: How to check it out before buying a homeHow to choose A SAFE neighborhood when buying a home? By investigating online and in-person. Here's how.
Buying a homeMay 24, 2018Costs of Owning a Home: What to Expect the First YearThe costs of owning a home may surprise you if you're a first-timer. House expenses should be part of your budget when you buy a home. Costs of home ownership are manageable if you plan ahead.
Buying a homeMay 18, 2018Pros and cons of different types of homesOften, the first step to deciding which home to buy starts with deciding which type of home. Condos, single-family residences, zero-lot-lines -- each has its advantages for different kinds of home buyers.
Buying a homeMay 11, 2018Discount brokers: Do they really provide 1 percent rebates to buyers?How do discount real estate brokers work? Do discount brokers save homebuyers money?
Buying a homeMay 11, 2018How much down payment do you need for a house?How much down payment do you need for a house? The average down payment is much less than the 20 percent you think you need.
Buying a homeMay 10, 2018Dual agency can cost you: Beware of “double agents” when buying a homeDual agency in real estate is almost never a good idea for homebuyers. Here's why you should avoid it, and how to get your own representation.
Buying a homeMay 4, 2018Understanding a real estate contract or purchase agreementWhether you call it a purchase agreement, real estate contract, or home purchase agreement, this document is one of the most important things you'll sign in your life. Here's how to get it right.
Buying a homeMay 3, 2018How to ask for a raise before buying a homeIt's easier to buy a home when you earn more money. This post shows you how to ask for a raise before you apply for a mortgage.
Buying a homeMay 1, 2018Home inspection: Check these important systems before buyingA home inspection is not fun or sexy. But, like health insurance, pulling weeds and annual checkups, it can save you money, prevent mistakes and increase your chances of long and successful home ownership.
