How Much Does Owning a Home Really Cost?

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

Your Down Payment: Where Will It Come From?

With 20% the norm once again, it's time to think about ways to round up a sizable chunk of cash.

Buying a House in Your Twenties: Can You Afford It?

Figuring out your financial and other priorities when buying a house before the age of 30.

Buying an Affordable House: Top Tips

Strategies for taking your first jump into the housing market.

Borrowing From Family and Friends to Buy a House

Find out how the Bank of Mom and Dad offers benefits to both borrower and lender.

How Much Interest to Charge on Home Loan to Family Member

How much is too much? Or too little?

Using an IRA to Make a House Down Payment

Look to your IRA for down payment money

Moving Up: Selling Your Home and Buying Another

Strategies for transitioning between homes when you can afford to own only one at a time!

Quiz: Are You Ready to Buy a Fixer-Upper?

Rate your emotional readiness before taking on a home in need of repair!

How Much Should You Pay for a Fixer-Upper Home?

A fixer-upper might be more affordable than other houses, but make sure you don't overpay.

How Does a Financial Adviser Evaluate How Much House You Can Afford?

Determining the right amount to spend on a home can be daunting—and costly if you get it wrong. Here’s how the pros do it.

Borrowing From Family and Friends to Buy a House

Find out how the Bank of Mom and Dad offers benefits to both borrower and lender.

Terms to Agree on Before Arranging a Private or Family Mortgage

Help with thinking through the important terms that will eventually go into the paperwork that you and your family lender will sign.

How Much Interest to Charge on Home Loan to Family Member

How much is too much? Or too little?

Getting a Family Loan to Buy a House: How Do I Show Preapproval?

Tips for convincing a home seller that your family lender will come through with the funds.

My Son’s in Default on Our Intrafamily Home Loan; Must I Foreclose?

Alternatives to foreclosing on a family member who can't pay the intrafamily mortgage.

How long do we have to sell our house before foreclosure?

Understanding the lender's timeline after a notice of default.

If we're foreclosed on, when do we actually have to leave our house?

Most states laws give foreclosed-upon homeowners between two and 12 months before they're given a date by to leave.

What expenses do I have to pay up front?

Be sure to take closing costs, moving fees, and other expenses into account.