Buying a House
The homebuying process can be fun, exciting, stressful, and demoralizing, all at once. Can you afford this? How will you choose the perfect house? Or know you're getting a good deal? By understanding the process, and learning key strategies for house-hunting and negotiating, you can minimize the stress and enjoy the fun.
Should You Buy a House?
Should You Buy a House?
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Am I Ready to Buy My First Home?
Homeownership can be great, but it isn't for everyone, or at least not right away. Think seriously about whether your lifestyle and finances are suited to the initial and ongoing costs of owning a home.
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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.
The Language of the Housing Market
The Language of the Housing Market
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Real Estate Terminology for Home Buyers
Here are some common vocabulary terms to know when getting ready to buy a home.
Steps Toward Your Home Purchase
Steps Toward Your Home Purchase
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How Do Mortgage Points Work and Are They Worth Buying?
Buying mortgage discount points will reduce your loan’s interest rate and monthly payment. But are they worth it?
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When Homebuyers Should Hire a Landscape Inspector, Too
A home's landscaping can be valuable--or it can be a future expense, if soil toxicity, leaking irrigation pipes, and plant diseases are a problem. Look into having a landscape inspection.
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Getting a Home Inspection Before a Real Estate Purchase
Before you finalize your house purchase, be sure the house is in good condition. The best way is to have a professional inspection.
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How Much Does Owning a Home Really Cost?
From mortgage payments to hiring a gardener, get a handle on your likely ongoing homeownership costs.
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What Are the Risks of Buying a Home With Seller Financing?
Borrowing money from the person selling you a house might be tempting if you're having trouble qualifying for a traditional mortgage, but be sure to determine whether the risks outweigh the benefits, and protect yourself against common issues such as unfavorable loan terms.
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Check Out Zoning Rules Before You Buy a House
Know in advance whether your plans for the house will be allowed, whether you hope to remodel or run a home business.
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Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) and CC&Rs: Know What You're Getting Into
Before you buy a house in a development, understand what sort of restrictions you might have to live with.
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Home Buying Timeline: From Offer to Purchase Contract
Why buying a house is often a weeks-long process.
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Home Buyers: What Happens at the Closing
How, exactly, ownership of a home gets transferred from seller to buyer.
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Found a Defect at Preclosing Home Walk-Through: How to Make Seller Pay?
To ensure that the home seller makes needed repairs even after the sale is concluded, and honors all other related promises from your negotiations pre-closing, create what's called a "repair escrow."
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Mortgage Rate Locks: How They Work
When considering a mortgage rate lock, get the terms and time frame you need.
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Getting a Home Inspection Before a Real Estate Purchase
Before you finalize your house purchase, be sure the house is in good condition. The best way is to have a professional inspection.
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After Home Inspection, We Want Out of the Purchase. Can We Get Earnest Money Back?
If your contract contains an inspection contingency and the applicable deadline hasn't passed, the seller should return your earnest money deposit.
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Getting a Home Inspection Before a Real Estate Purchase
Before you finalize your house purchase, be sure the house is in good condition. The best way is to have a professional inspection.
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Should You Hire a Real Estate Agent or Lawyer to Buy a House?
Professionals who can (and in some cases, are legally required to) help with your home purchase.
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