Here’s our one-stop shop for everything you need to know about acquiring a home you’ll love. Browse our articles for valuable information on buying an existing home, finding new construction, or building your dream house.
In the often-confusing world of finance, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a valuable source of free information for homebuyers and others making a major purchase or investment. Created by Congress following the 2008 financial meltdown, the bureau provides helpful educational materials, tools for making financial decisions, and conflict resolution with financial institutions. The… Read more »
The “Tiny House” movement is certainly getting a lot of publicity these days, and let’s face it, those cute-as-a-button homes offering the prospect of no mortgage and a smaller environmental impact are pretty tempting. But are you ready to live in 500 square feet — or less? Letting go. Living in a tiny home requires… Read more »
If a traditional home is not within your budget, modern mobile homes might be a possible option, providing more space and amenities for less. While today’s models look more like traditional homes than ever before, buying a mobile home is significantly different than purchasing a house. Here’s what you need to know. Home size. Single-wide… Read more »
For several years now, open floor plans have been perennial favorites, and they still top many buyers’ wish lists. While benefits to an open floor plan abound, they’re not the best choice for everyone. Here’s how to decide what floor plan works best for you and your family. Open floor plans. With an open floor… Read more »
The already difficult task of finding the perfect home gets even harder when you’re searching in an area prone to earthquakes. The top five states with the most earthquakes are Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Washington, according to the United States Geological Survey. But the truth is, earthquakes aren’t just a West Coast problem. They… Read more »
One of the best ways to ensure that you get your dream home is to work with an architect. Hiring an architect is a significant investment, but if you understand the process and follow a few simple tips, you can get the most out of this important partnership. Finding an architect. Architects are responsible for… Read more »
When you’re searching for your dream home, it’s easy to get excited about a perk like an in-ground pool. But before you sign on the line, you need to know what you’re diving into. Here’s a list of questions to consider before buying a home with a pool. Is it safe? Probably the most important… Read more »
A certificate of occupancy, or CO as it’s oftentimes called, is an essential document that no property owner should be without. The certificate describes the type of property and its intended use. It specifies the property as residential, commercial, business or multi-dwelling. In addition, the CO confirms that the building has passed all necessary final… Read more »
Your real estate professional is your best asset when searching for potential homes, but your agent needs certain key information to find the right fit. Knowing what to tell your agent can help you make the most out of this important partnership. Budget. Figure out what you can afford. Think carefully about all the costs… Read more »
There’s no better way to start making memories in your new home than to host a holiday celebration. But when you’re still unpacking and settling in, how do you find the time to decorate, cook, and prepare for an influx of guests. We’ve created this simple guide to help maximize the merriment and minimize the… Read more »
Shopping for a home also means shopping for a mortgage. If this is all new to you, the multitude of mortgage types might be confusing. Here’s what you need to know. Fixed-rate mortgage. The fixed-rate mortgage is the most traditional way to finance a home. Typically available in fifteen- and thirty-year terms, the loan’s interest… Read more »
It seemed like the ink was barely dry on your closing papers when you received notice that your mortgage had been sold to another company. While startling, it won’t change the terms of your loan. Here’s what you need to know. Why do mortgage companies sell mortgages? Mortgage companies lend money to thousands of borrowers…. Read more »
Buyers who put less than 20 percent down on a home might find themselves with a higher-than-expected monthly payment. The extra money, which often takes first-time homebuyers by surprise, is for private mortgage insurance. What is PMI and why does the lender require it? Lender’s risk. When a borrower puts down less than 20 percent… Read more »
Ask homeowners what builds value in their homes and they likely will name things like kitchen upgrades, a new deck or other hard assets. What may not come to mind as readily is the value of having great neighbors. Yet having a harmonious neighborhood pays off in personal satisfaction and ultimately can be a selling… Read more »
One of the documents central to the purchase of real estate is the deed, the legal instrument by which title or ownership is transferred. You don’t necessarily need to know all the legal fine points, but it’s important to have a basic understanding of what a deed does. Always consult an attorney with legal questions…. Read more »
You don’t need to be a steely eyed negotiator to get a good deal on a house, but it helps if you do your homework and make a solid offer based on market conditions. Here are a few tips to ease the process. Preapproval. A seller is more inclined to deal with a buyer who… Read more »
Mortgage lending is yet another industry that has undergone massive change by the internet. Online lenders advertise fast and easy transactions while traditional lenders offer more personal service. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to understand the difference between a mortgage broker and a mortgage lender. A lender is a direct supplier of… Read more »
It’s perfect! After lots of home shopping you’ve found the house you want. Now it’s time to make an offer. But how do you come up with a number that is affordable, yet competitive? In other words, how do you know when your price is right? Get the facts. As a buyer, your calculations should… Read more »
Many structural components make up a house, but three are arguably the most important: the foundation, the walls and the roof. Everything else depends on those three. Walls stand on the foundation and support the roof. Here’s what you need to know to be an informed homeowner. Materials. Wall frames are constructed out of lumber,… Read more »
The financial world hangs on the mere hint of a possible interest rate increase by the Federal Reserve. But what about rank-and-file consumers? What does the Federal Reserve do, and how does it affect what you pay for your mortgage? What is the Federal Reserve? Despite its name, the Federal Reserve is not an agency… Read more »
