Buying a home - Page 21

New research shows making the down payment is the greatest financial barrier to homeownership. But the good news is you may not have to put down as much as you think. The trick is choosing the right loan or assistance program. Find out what you can afford and qualify for. And consider creative strategies to help save for the down payment.

One homeownership cost that many buyers don’t look closely enough at is property tax. The amount can vary widely, depending on where you live. Before buying a home, find out how much you’ll pay and how to fight high property tax if you need to.

FHA credit score eligibility depends on just a few special numbers. That, at least, is the quick take. But if you look deeper you can see that the relationship between FHA mortgages and credit scores is more complicated.

A new report spotlights the best counties for claiming a single-family rental home. It also shows that typical rental yields and profit margins are up.

If you’re looking for a tiny house finance you’ll need to be creative and resourceful, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come up with the dollars you need. Here’s where to look.

The FHA down payment is just 3.5% for most borrowers. As down payments go it’s certainly a lot less than the 20% up front some mortgage programs require. But is there a way to make the FHA down payment even easier?

New data show that sellers may be more willing to work with buyers who have a home to sell. That’s good news for buyers, meaning it's easier now to sell your home and buy another.

Your credit union might offer a good deal on a mortgage when you buy or refinance. Or not. Here's what you need to know about credit union mortgages, and how to get the lowest rate no matter who provides your financing.

The emerging generation is as much interested in home buying as any generation before. Fueling the enthusiasm is a new menu of affordable mortgage programs.

At a mortgage closing, you typically pay mortgage costs and escrow

Don't think you'll ever have the cash to buy a house? Use this guide to learn how to save for a house—and sooner than you think.

There are plenty of experts who will tell you that owning your own home doesn't meet the threshold to be regarded as a true form of investment. And they muster some strong arguments. But are they right?

Whether you’re eager to sell or buy a home, it’s important to know that vaping inside that home can lower its value.

New data show that prices are falling in several markets. Smart shoppers who can afford to buy should take advantage of all these factors and claim a home sooner versus later.

Home bidding wars happen when two or more buyers compete for the same property but research indicates that home bidding wars happen much less often nowadays. This is good news for would-be buyers.

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.

You open a newspaper or website and search for "open houses near me" and spend your weekend checking out homes. But is that really the best way to buy?

Before buying your first house, check your finances. And how you currently spend your money and your time. Because being house-poor is no fun, and you don't want to make a decision you regret.

You don't need to make a 20% downpayment to purchase a home. Review popular low- and no-downpayment mortgage programs and get a complimentary mortgage rate quote.

Seller financing simply means that the owner of the property is willing to finance the purchase.  So a buyer who can't pay cash does not need to get a mortgage from a bank or other lender. But is it a good option for either party?