Home Buying Tips

• Shopping For a Good Home Deal
  Everyone wants a good deal. But, good deals are few and far between in the many low-inventory markets around the country. Continue article...
• Too many houses, but only one fits
  Finding a home to buy is rarely easy. Some buyers look for months, even years, before finding the right house. When you do find the right house, a mixed bag of emotions can cloud your good judgment. You'll probably wonder if you're making the right decision. Continue article...
• What are the benefits of piggyback financing?
  When a buyer puts 10 percent or less cash down, most lenders require mortgage insurance, known as PMI, which is paid for by the buyer. The cost of PMI is about 1/2 percent of the loan amount annually. So, on a $250,000 mortgage, PMI will run about $1,250 per year. Continue article...
• Taking possession of home before closing gets risky
  Rarely do you find a home to buy that's in exactly the condition you'd like it to be. Even if the home is new, relatively new or well-maintained, you may want to make changes to the decor so that it suits your style preferences and works with your possessions. Continue article...
• If your suburb sprawls, your gut is more likely to sprawl, too
  Car-loving suburbanites pack on about six more pounds than those who live in dense cities, where people tend to keep off weight by walking more. Continue article...
• Traps all home buyers should avoid
  At the beginning of a new year, it's natural to make resolutions. For instance, you may have been putting off buying a home. Now you've resolved to buy before interest rates rise and you're priced out of the market. Before forging ahead, consider the following tips and traps. Continue article...