Posts Covering Buying a home
Moving into a new house: what you need to know
August 17, 2018 in Buying a home
Moving into a new house can be overwhelming. But taking a few smart steps upfront will make the ordeal easier and safer.
Buying a second home: pros and cons
August 2, 2018 in Buying a home
Not everyone likes hotels. Buying a second home might be a better option, so weigh the pros and cons before you decide.
Selling a home: improvements to get top dollar
July 31, 2018 in Buying a home
What improvements should you make before selling a home? Start with smaller projects and those needed to correct health and safety issues.
Guide to mortgage closing costs: Average mortgage costs and how to keep yours low
July 24, 2018 in About Mortgages Buying a home Mortgage Rates Refinance
Mortgage closing costs are a big part of buying or refinancing a home. Here are the average closing costs for each type, and what you can do to pay as little as possible.
Appraisal repair requirements for FHA, VA and USDA home loans
July 23, 2018 in Buying a home
FHA appraisal requirements and those of other government-backed loans may require the completion of home repairs prior to closing. Or you may have to do an escrow holdback. Here’s what you need to know.
Buying a home to rent on Airbnb
July 21, 2018 in Buying a home
Can you get a mortgage on an Airbnb rental home? Yes, you can under certain home loan programs.
Why every home buyer needs a pre-approval before home shopping
July 19, 2018 in Buying a home
Sellers and agents won;t take you seriously as a buyer without mortgage pre-approval. And making an offer without it can cause major embarrassment.
How do you maintain a second home if it’s far away?
July 18, 2018 in Buying a home
How can you keep your second home repaired and maintained and repaired from a distance?
What happens when I’m “clear to close”?
July 17, 2018 in Buying a home
Being clear to close (CTC) means you have satisfied all the lender’s requirements and can get your loan documents and close any time.
How to buy a house with no money down in 2018
July 15, 2018 in Buying a home
An updated list of low and no down payment mortgages available to today’s home buyers. Updated for 2018. Check your eligibility.
Escrow definition: What an escrow company does
July 15, 2018 in Buying a home
The definition of escrow is a neutral third party who holds things of value (usually money) until conditions are met. Then it releases funds to everyone per the real estate purchase agreement.
What’s in a home inspection report?
July 11, 2018 in Buying a home
A home inspection can find a home’s hidden defects before you buy it. Here’s what to expect on your report, and how to read it.
How do I finalize my offer to buy a home?
July 10, 2018 in Buying a home
To buy a home, you need an offer and acceptance. Here’s how to finalize your offer to purchase a home.
HOA rules: Check your CC&Rs early to avoid buyer’s remorse
July 9, 2018 in Buying a home
HOA rules can make your new condo or home a relaxing haven. But your HOA could also be a micromanaging, fine-levying bully. Here’s how to avoid HOA problems when you buy a home.
What is a home appraisal, and why do I need one?
July 5, 2018 in Buying a home
A home inspection can find a home’s hidden defects before you buy it. Here’s what to expect on your report, and how to read it.
Closing day: When can I move in? How do I get my keys?
July 4, 2018 in Buying a home
On closing day, you’ll sign your final documents. The lender reviews them and funds your loan. Then, your purchase is recorded and you get your keys.
Final approval from the underwriter: What happens next?
July 3, 2018 in Buying a home
Final approval from the underwriter is a big step, but it’s not the last step. Your lender will conduct a final review and some quality control. Don’t drop the ball here and lose your approval and your home.
Home closing: What you need to read, what you can skim
July 2, 2018 in Buying a home
Cash to close: Plan on bringing a cashier’s check or certified check. or arrange to wire the funds from your bank. You’ll need your down payment and closing costs, less earnest money and lender and/or seller credits.
Cash to close: What is it, how to pay it and how to avoid fraud
July 1, 2018 in Buying a home
Cash to close: Plan on bringing a cashier’s check or certified check. or arrange to wire the funds from your bank. You’ll need your down payment and closing costs, less earnest money and lender and/or seller credits.
Big data and real estate: New systems save time and money
June 25, 2018 in Buying a home
Big data can help real estate professionals find you and help you find the property you want. It can also get your loan processed faster and cheaper. Here’s what you need to know as mortgage lending and real estate evolve.
More Posts
Condo or house: Which should I buy?
Getting sellers to pay your closing costs
Home closing: Avoid falling at the finish line
Home purchase agreement: What does “contingent” mean?
Watch out for these pitfalls in your real estate purchase agreement
Counteroffer definition: What does it mean when I get a counteroffer?
Avoid these 7 mistakes when making an offer on a house
How to buy a home after a short sale [Updated for 2018]
Adult child living at home: from Mom’s basement to homeownership
Safe neighborhood: How to check it out before buying a home
Multifamily homes: Make your house pay for itself
When is my first mortgage payment due?
Costs of owning a home: what to expect the first year
Earnest money check, down payment and closing costs: When are they due?
Pros and cons of different types of homes
How much do real estate agents make from my home purchase? And who pays?
What to look for in a home inspection: recognizing the deal breakers
Discount brokers: Do they really provide 1 percent rebates to buyers?
How much down payment do you need for a house?
Dual agency can cost you: Beware of “double agents” when buying a home
Open houses: What’s their role in the home-buying process?
What is “recording” when closing on a home purchase?
Understanding a real estate contract or purchase agreement
How to ask for a raise before buying a home
Home inspection: Check these important systems before buying
Types of homes and how they affect your mortgage
How to know how much house you can afford in less than 5 minutes
How to get out of a real estate contract