Buying a House

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.

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.

Here are some common vocabulary terms to know when getting ready to buy a home.

Buying mortgage discount points will reduce your loan’s interest rate and monthly payment. But are they worth it?

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.

Before you finalize your house purchase, be sure the house is in good condition. The best way is to have a professional inspection.

From mortgage payments to hiring a gardener, get a handle on your likely ongoing homeownership costs.

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.

Know in advance whether your plans for the house will be allowed, whether you hope to remodel or run a home business.

Before you buy a house in a development, understand what sort of restrictions you might have to live with.

Why buying a house is often a weeks-long process.

How, exactly, ownership of a home gets transferred from seller to buyer.

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."

When considering a mortgage rate lock, get the terms and time frame you need.

Before you finalize your house purchase, be sure the house is in good condition. The best way is to have a professional inspection.

If your contract contains an inspection contingency and the applicable deadline hasn't passed, the seller should return your earnest money deposit.

Before you finalize your house purchase, be sure the house is in good condition. The best way is to have a professional inspection.

Professionals who can (and in some cases, are legally required to) help with your home purchase.