Buying a Home: Overview

Interested in buying a house? Orient yourself to the steps ahead, from researching neighborhoods to closing the deal.

Homebuying Readiness Quiz

We've all heard about the benefits of home ownership and investment, and for the right person, buying a home can be a dream come true. But that doesn't mean the time is right for every would-be homeowner. If you're seriously thinking about buying, keep reading. You may find you're readier than you thought -- or you may decide to wait a bit.

Should I Rent or Buy a House?

The "rent or buy" decision is no longer the no-brainer it once was.

What Should I Consider When Buying a House at Age 60 or Above?

Buying a home in your 60s is different than when you were starting out. Here’s how to make sure you like where you end up.

Real Estate Terminology for Home Buyers

Here are some common vocabulary terms to know when getting ready to buy a home. For more unusual verbiage, try searching Nolo's Legal Dictionary.

Decoding Home Sale Marketing Lingo

Homebuyers are bombarded with all sorts of marketing lingo. Often, sellers and their agents use artfully crafted phrases to catch your eye, lure you into the home, and perhaps deflect attention from the true nature of the property. When searching for a home, you might save yourself some unnecessary trips or disappointments if you learn to cut through the marketing language and see the home for what it really is.

When to Hire a Separate Inspector for the Land Around Your Home

If you're buying a home, you're probably already feeling strapped for cash, and may not be eager to add another cost to your list.

Getting a Home Inspection

A home inspection, in which one or more professionals check out the physical condition of the house you hope to buy, is an important part of the home-buying process and should be a condition of closing the sale.

Home Inspector Reference Questionnaire: Download PDF

Before choosing a home inspector, you’ll want to check references from others who worked with the particular inspector.   Here’s what to ask the inspector’s references.

How to Choose and Work With a Mortgage Broker

The majority of homebuyers get their loans through a mortgage broker—a professional who’s in the business of compiling and filtering through the options for you. A mortgage broker acts as your agent to “shop lenders” for the best possible loan terms, given your financial situation and goals.

Should You Hire a Real Estate Agent or Lawyer to Buy a House?

It's no secret that real estate agents earn high commissions (paid by the seller, but the cost may be indirectly passed on to you). And real estate lawyers charge exorbitant hourly rates. This raises the question -- do you really need a real estate agent or attorney to help you buy a home?

Situations When Your Home Purchase Really Needs a Lawyer’s Help

In some states, real estate attorneys are a regular part of the homebuying process. Even in states where this isn’t the case, however, a complex transaction may need an attorney’s assistance. After all, if you don’t use an attorney and the transaction later goes awry, you’ll still have to hire

Choosing a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home

There’s a lot at stake when you sell your house, especially if you’re under a tight deadline to move or you’re selling in a down (or really competitive) market. Sellers pay a lot of money for an