Do I Need a Realtor to Buy a House?
When you are ready to make a new home purchase, the first thing to consider is who you want on your team. A Realtor or real estate agent can be your advocate throughout the process. While it is not required…
How Much Do I Need for a House Down Payment?
One of the first hurdles that potential homeowners must overcome is saving up a down payment. It can take years, depending on the home prices in your area and how much you want to put down. Down payments are usually…
A Home Appraisal Checklist
Searching for and finding the perfect new home is just one step of the home buying process. Once you find the perfect home and have a sales contract, it is time to actually get to the business of arranging the…
What Is an FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium?
FHA mortgages are great for homebuyers without a sizable down payment or with low credit. Each situation is unique and based on a combination of factors like income, credit, and the property’s value, but most lenders will consider FHA loans…
A Home Inspection Checklist
When purchasing a home, it is always a good idea to have it professionally inspected. Many lenders even require it as a condition of the loan. Home inspectors charge between $270 and $400, depending on the size of the home,…
What to Look for in a Neighborhood When Buying a House
Evaluating a potential new home’s features is just one part of finding the perfect place to buy. You should also carefully consider the neighborhood that you will be living in to decide if it fits your needs. Here are a…
Buydown to Reduce Your Mortgage Interest Rate
If you are buying a home, you have probably looked at all kinds of ways to reduce your monthly mortgage costs. These can include putting down a higher down payment or improving your credit to get a lower interest rate…
Buying a House without a Real Estate Agent
Working with a real estate agent can be very helpful when purchasing a house, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. But for the seasoned, experienced buyers or the newbies who want to go through it on their own to…
How to Determine if You Are in a Buyer’s Market or Seller’s Market
Being a savvy real estate buyer or seller requires that you know and understand the market conditions. This includes the types of home, comparable purchases prices, and so much more. But one of the most important factors to understand is…
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?
The home buying process is exciting but can be lengthy, especially if you have a purchase fall through and have to start over. How long should you expect it to take to buy a home from start to finish? The…
