Are you wondering how to avoid getting into a fast and furious bidding war once you find your dream home? Even if you can afford to pay more, it’s not always the best move. Money is one thing that turns sellers’ heads, but it’s far from the only incentive when you’re competing with other buyers. […]
It’s finally happened — after months of searching, you’ve found your dream home. It’s the perfect size for your growing family, the kitchen was just remodeled and there’s a huge deck for entertaining. And best of all, the seller accepted your offer! As we near your closing date, your lender will want to verify the […]
You saw an online ad for low mortgage rates and decided to apply — just to see if you qualify. Now your phone is buzzing nonstop, and lenders are emailing you about “DTIs” and W-2s. The onslaught of financing questions can be baffling when you’re tackling them alone. But it doesn’t have to be that […]
You’ve been living with your best friend since freshman year of college, and it’s been a blast. So why not pool your money and go in on a house together? After all, it’s easier to buy when you have two incomes. It’s true that co-buying a home with friends or family can make it easier […]
Have you ever decided to buy something, only to find out about additional costs at the end? The last thing you want is to be surprised by unexpected fees – especially at your closing. You’ve made your financial calculations. Extra charges at the eleventh hour could make all your plans go bust. But you can’t […]
You know all those fantastic home features you hear your friends gushing about in their new home? The top-notch school district and Jacuzzi? The spacious third level and even more abundant yard? Well, there’s nothing wrong with any of those things. But they’re not right for everyone. In fact, for some buyers, they might even […]
You wouldn’t pick out shoes before choosing an outfit, right? Or buy car accessories without first deciding if you want a truck or a sedan? Well, house hunting should be treated the same way. You shouldn’t search for a dream home without vetting neighborhoods or experiencing the new area for yourself. If the area doesn’t […]
TV shows make finding a profitable fixer-upper seem easy. But in the real world, there are real challenges and decisions to be made. Whether you’re buying an investment property or a starter home for your family, there are dozens of factors to consider. How much will it cost to renovate? Are home values rising or […]
Want to take the pain out of homebuying? Keep your lifestyle priorities top of mind. If you’re planning to buy a new home, there’s great news: More houses have hit the market in recent months. This means you’ve got more options to choose from. Choice is always good, but it can also be overwhelming. The […]
Who doesn’t love getting a tax refund? It’s exciting to know that your bank balance will get a boost. But remember, a refund isn’t a bonus — it’s your hard-earned money, which is why you should make the most of it. If you’re thinking of buying a new home this year — whether it’s your […]