Buy Your Dream Home

Homebuyers often wonder if it’s better to buy a fixer-upper in a good neighborhood or a turnkey home in a bad one. There’s no obvious answer to that question.

While both a broker and a lender can help you acquire a mortgage, they play separate roles in the market for home loans, and you'll want to know the difference.

Yes, you can buy a house after bankruptcy. You’ll get your house, but it might just take a little longer than you hoped.

The closing process has many moving parts and steps to complete before the seller relinquishes ownership and you become the official owner of your new home.

Buying a house with tenants can be convenient, but it can also lead to problems. Understand tenants rights, and yours when the landlord sells the property.

Underwriting is the last step of the mortgage approval process where the lender determines whether to extend the borrower a loan.

Under the right circumstances you can save money by building a house instead of buying an existing home, but only if you don’t go overboard.

A loan origination fee is an upfront fee a lender charges to the borrower, but rates can vary. Here's everything you need to know to avoid overpaying.

Learn more about the pros and cons of buying a fixer-upper or a move-in ready house to make an informed decision about your home purchase.

A cash-out refinance loan replaces your existing mortgage with a new one for more than you currently owe on your home to put money in your pocket. Here's how.

The fact that nobody has lived in a new construction home has its pros and cons. As such, it’s up to you to ask the right questions of the builder beforehand.

The buyer-broker agreement protects both buyer and agent by clearing up any misconceptions about how you’ll pay an agent and what they’ll do for you.

Unlike traditional homes, modular and manufactured homes are both built in a factory offsite — to an extent.

Homeowners who have built up equity may want to tap into that asset when buying a new house. Our guide shows you how to make your home equity work for you.

Despite rising home prices and interest rates, buying a house continues to be one of the smartest financial investments for those looking to build their wealth.

While a home warranty can be a good safety net against expensive, unforeseen repairs, getting one is not always the most financially sound decision.

Everyone knows that one site where you can buy everything. Does that include your next home? Not unless you like living small.

When you buy a house on contract, you make a real estate transaction directly with the seller and pay them back in installments until you own the property.

Both cities and suburbs have key advantages and disadvantages to consider, but chances are one will meet your needs better than the other.

Mortgage shopping gives you a clearer picture of your financing options and lets you feel confident in your loan choice, given the available alternatives.

Buying a house with mold may not be worth your health, time, or money depending on how extensive the contamination is.

Pest inspections provide an examination of your property to evaluate signs of unwelcome critters and provide recommendations for dealing with them.

This list breaks down the amenities and draws of the best places to live in the Phoenix, Arizona area, from diverse neighborhoods to golf-happy suburbs.

You can buy property with an SBA loan, but there are some considerations you should note before purchasing a building with this type of financing.

Pools are work. Our guide breaks down everything you need to know about pool ownership, so you don't end up wishing that you never bought a house with a pool.

While you can change jobs when buying a house, you may not want to. Changing jobs can affect your mortgage eligibility and not always in a good way.

Buying a house in Arizona can be competitive, but the state offers programs to help first-time buyers.

Power buyers are companies that help prospective homebuyers make competitive offers and stand out in a crowded real estate market.

Technically you don’t need a real estate agent to buy a house, but it’s probably for the best. A local Realtor has insight into the neighborhood and market.

When it comes to bad inspections, you have to decide how much risk, negotiation, and additional investment you’re comfortable with for a house you love.

If you're choosing a home loan or considering a refinance, there's a lot of money at stake, so it's very important to be on your guard against mortgage scams.

Everyone likes a good deal, and probate sales can offer an opportunity to save money on a home that isn’t going through the traditional sales process. 

Buying a house with a government-backed VA loan is a smart decision if you qualify, but what happens if you want to refinance? Here are your best options.

Buying a house in the States as a non-U.S. citizen is complex, but it's possible. We break down this multifaceted issue and point you to the resources you need.

Depending on the type of loan you have, you may be eligible to refinance as soon as you close on your home.

As tempting as it is to rush the final walkthrough, it’s important to be methodical, as this is your last chance to catch any issues in the home before closing.

Low home appraisals aren’t a common occurrence, but they do happen. Don't panic: You may have some recourse. Learn how to review and appeal your appraisal.

You can purchase a homeowners insurance policy at any time during the closing process. But you should have it in place at least a few days prior to closing.

Home appraisals don't technically expire. But if you wait too long, your lender might not accept it. Read on to learn how long your appraisal is valid.

While personal loans are much flexible, they usually come with higher interest rates, shorter repayment terms, and smaller loan amounts than mortgage loans.

A new method for home appraisals uses technology to make this part of the process faster, cheaper, and more efficient.

If you’re young and want to buy your first home, let's look at how age can impact the process, even if it isn’t legally standing in your way.

From credit issues to cohabitation agreements, there are many potential pitfalls to avoid when buying a house with a girlfriend, boyfriend, or other partner.

Forming an LLC essentially keeps your business life separate from your personal life, which has different perks for different people when buying property.

While this question boils down to “high credit score is good, low credit score is bad,” you can still qualify for a mortgage even if your credit isn't great.

In this article, we'll cover what home equity is and how to calculate it. We'll also talk about the reasons home equity can go up or down.

Let's cover how discount points and lender credits for your mortgage work, as well as explore situations where it makes sense to choose one over the other.

Deciding what to do with a major asset like a house when a personal relationship breaks down is a challenge. These are your options for if that day comes.

If you have burning questions that come to mind when buying a home, don’t be afraid to ask the property's seller directly. Here are some good ones.

A title is a legal term that refers to ownership of something. The deed is the actual legal document that transfers a property title from one person to another.

This list of the best neighborhoods in and suburbs near Seattle, Washington is useful for young professionals, families, and older folks alike.

An unaffordable mortgage puts you in a vulnerable position, but there are ways forward if you stay in touch with your mortgage servicer.

While tax debt doesn’t make buying a home impossible, it does make the process more difficult. Let’s examine your options for buying when you have back taxes.

Before you start a mortgage application, you should understand how a down payment works and know what amount of money would be reasonable to put down.

First-time home buyers often ask themselves if they want to begin their homeownership journey with a starter home or if they should hold out for a forever home.

These are some of the best places to buy a house and start building your home in Portland, Oregon, one of the gems of America's Pacific Northwest.

It’s hard to buy a home when you’re young, working, and raising a family that meets both your current needs and the needs of your future, retired self. 

From market conditions to reaching your decluttering limits, keep an eye out for these signs that it's time for you to find a new, larger place to call home.

When you plan to buy a house, you probably expect to work with a real estate agent. However, in your search, you may find some homes that are for sale by owner.

If you’re considering selling stock to fund your home purchase, learn how and when to liquidate your holdings, and what you need to consider going forward.

To buy a home, most of us need a mortgage to bridge the gap between the down payment and sale price of the home. Without W-2 income, you may face challenges.

Home inspections are crucial to identifying potential problems with the home and laying out what you might spend on maintenance after moving in.

Applying for and closing on a mortgage is a lengthy process, and there are many hurdles to keep an eye out for on your way to finalizing a home purchase.

Before shopping for a mortgage, you'll want to think about which kind of home loan you want. You'll likely have a choice between a few different types.

To secure a lower monthly payment, some people consider using a 401(k) to buy a home. While you can use your retirement funds here, it’s often not advisable.

What is the biggest determining factor of whether a new home builder will or will not accept a contingent offer? How much you’re customizing your home.

Explore your financing options for buying your next home without a second down payment — or at least a significantly smaller one than your first.

You find a home you like that works for your budget — but it’s foreclosed. Did you just strike gold or is buying a foreclosed home more trouble than it’s worth?

The main differences between the purchase of a historic home and a new home are your financing options and the appraisal. What else should you consider?

If a second mortgage is a must while you balance buying a new home and selling your current one, there are steps you can take to secure financing help.

Prospective home buyers with bad credit can still qualify for mortgages, although the process may play out differently than for buyers with good credit.

The costs of homeownership are often worth it, but it’s important to know what expenses and fees are coming your way so you can plan, save, and avoid stress.

While there are relatively few tax credits specific to first-time home buyers, all homeowners have access to a litany of tax credits and tools to save money.

This guide will help you understand how to take on a mortgage responsibly, without falling behind on student loan payments or crippling your financial health.

Taking out a home loan, or mortgage, is a long-term financial commitment. Before you apply, learn how different mortgages work, and the process of getting one.

Let’s look at some logistical and emotional ways to manage your stress while buying a home, and where you can turn to for help when the process goes awry.

Homebuyers use appraisals to help secure a mortgage loan. So what happens if the home appraises for more than what a lender is willing to give you?

This roundup of the best places to live in Atlanta, GA breaks down the nicest neighborhoods and suburbs in and around the Georgia capital city.

There are major legal and financial factors to consider when a buyer wants, and gets, access to the home before they officially close on it.

Most title searches cost between $100 and $250 for residential properties. Here's why you'll want to get one even though it's not legally required.

Dual agents may not be legal in your state, but if they are, does it make sense to work with one when buying or selling a home?

Title insurance protects both lenders and homebuyers from financial loss if somebody contests the title to a property or other issues with the title.

Buying property can be complicated, and a real estate attorney can help by providing legal advice, offering mediation in disputes, and navigating complications.

Rent-to-own or lease-to-own is an agreement that allows a renter to buy a home after years of renting. You’ll come across two main types of rent-to-own options.

While all home inspectors should provide nearly identical services, some are much more thorough and communicative than others.

Since most of us need a mortgage to help finance the purchase of a home, it’s important to understand how a mortgage affects your credit score.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or moving to the opposite coast, real estate location companies can help with your home purchasing and moving needs.

Maryland's proximity to Washington, D.C. means that jobs are plentiful, but the state has many perks: fantastic education, gorgeous parks, and great seafood.

This complete guide walks through how to buy your first home — including saving, obtaining financing, finding an agent, and negotiating and closing the deal.

If a cash offer on a home doesn't literally mean showing up with dollar bills to a sale, what does it mean? Let's explain how cash offers work.

Most new construction sale contracts include a final walkthrough, but it may not include an inspection. Here's why you should invest in an inspection too.

Recently, home sellers have shied away from accepting offers from buyers using VA loans. Why is that? Let's examine the pros and cons of using a VA home loan.

Looking at a house with solar panels? You should know what it means to buy a home with them, whether they're leased or paid in full.

If you’re a first-time buyer, you may not have a clear picture of what the escrow process actually looks like. Let’s break down everything you need to know

Septic inspections usually are not included in a typical home inspection, so you’ll have to get one separately. They're often worth it.

Considering a move to Northern Virginia? Check out these top towns and neighborhoods in NoVa, whether you have a family, a new career, or are retiring.

The answer to this question depends on your situation and your local market. But generally speaking, don’t expect things to change drastically anytime soon.

Is there anything worse than the feeling of going above your budget for a home, only to lose out anyway? Here's how to win a bidding war.

While you can technically buy a home with a credit card, there will be some hurdles, and the cost may be prohibitive.

You've made your offer on a home you love. What happens next? Here's how long you'll wait to hear back from the seller.