Buyers
Online auctions: buying your home online.
New ways of buying and selling homes have emerged thanks to the internet, but it's best to be well educated before getting involved in online real estate transactions, especially online auctions.
From the Feds: buying a home from the US government.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers homes to those qualifying for a mortgage and can be an excellent opportunity for home ownership for either first time home buyers or others in the market for a home.
Appraisals: the facts about real estate appraisals.
Real estate appraisals are an integral part of the home buying process. Loans are contingent upon a fair market value being established for properties for sale and can stall the process if the appraisal doesn't meet the contract purchase price.
Ten “No-Nos” for the home buyer.
Here's a valuable list of ten things NOT to do when in the market to purchase a home.
House hunting: things to know that the real estate agent won’t tell you.
You may think that all real estate agents have your best interests at heart, but always remember that they are commissioned salespeople first and foremost and their bottom line is earning a commission. The perfect house for you may not be perfect for them if the seller isn't offering a commission or is offering one too low for their liking.
Choosing the perfect real estate agent shouldn’t be as hard as choosing the perfect house!
There are many factors that should be considered when choosing an agent to represent you and one of the most important is whether or not you feel you can work with this person on a regular basis, as they are going to be your representative from start to finish, so do your homework, spend time with each agent and choose wisely.
Ten tips for the first time home buyer.
If you're in the market for your first home be sure to read and remember these ten valuable tips geared toward first time home buyers.
Investment homes: things to look for.
Late night infomercial charlatans and a fear of investing in the stock market have led many people to believe that real estate is a foolproof way of investing. However, a change in the market can leave a lot of people out in the cold. Real estate can be an excellent way to build wealth, but you must educate yourself to be a wise investor.
Historic homes: things to know before you buy.
Most people love older homes and want to live in one to enjoy the old fashioned charm and nuances of a things like porcelain bath fixtures, a creaking stair and heart of pine hardwood floors. However, some older homes have defects that are more than surface blemishes, so take note that older doesn't always mean better.
Ten common mistakes people make when buying a home.
From failing to get pre-approved for your mortgage money to bypassing the critical step of a home inspection, here are ten common items often overlooked by impatient or uneducated home buyers.
The search is on: ways to make the most of your house hunting trip.
Moving into a new house can be one of life's most stressful events. Here are some ways to make the process of finding your new place of residence as enjoyable and stress free as possible.
Location, Location, Location. How to find all the details about the neighborhood before you buy.
Take the time to do your homework in advance about your future neighborhood before you find out too late that you picked the wrong place to live!
Home Warranties: what are they and do you really need one?
Having a home warranty can relieve a lot of anxiety if an appliance or system in your house fails right after you move in. Read on to learn about the ins and outs of home warranties and if they are a good choice for you.
Escrow: do you really know what that means to you?
Escrowed funds can mean that you have a lot less to worry about when it comes to making payments associated with owning a home.
Easement, right of way, and restrictive covenants: what are they and why you need to know?
These three items are important to you as the buyer as they all can affect the subject property you're looking to buy in adverse ways.
Your mansion: buying a million dollar or more home.
Even if you're not Bill Gates, a super-size home may be in your future, if you know where to look!
The fixer upper: how much work is too much?
Depending on your skill level, working capital and frustration tolerance, a fixer upper home may be an excellent value you for you, if you know what you're doing with a less than perfect property and how to do your research to find a good deal.
Buyer agents vs seller agents: should they be two different people?
It's good to know the roles of buyer agents versus seller agents well before you fall in love with a house and wind up in a situation where the buyer's agent is the same person as the seller's agent!
Foreclosure: buying a foreclosure home.
A foreclosure home may be an excellent value, but getting in touch with the homeowner before they lose the property may prove challenging.
Buying a home outside the US: things to know before you begin searching.
You need to know the tax implications, as well as local laws regarding real estate, before putting money down on your dream home outside U.S. borders.
Buying a home is the single largest transaction that most people will make, so it pays to know the basics of buying a home when getting into the market for one.
Title insurance: Do you need it? What is it?
A title insurance policy helps protect your biggest investment, your house, by making sure you have a clear title to your new home.
Everything but the kitchen sink: what stays and what goes. The importance of a contract.
Dealing with contractors can be challenging, so read this article to make sure you protect yourself and get the job done right!
Owning vs. renting – the big debate.
This article guides you to the pros and cons of homeownership and building up equity versus renting and making your landlord's mortgage payments for him.
