Buying a vacation home is exciting--but as with any other major purchase, it's important to think things through carefully. Here are some suggestions to help you make the best buy.
Buying a home in a hot market (with rapidly increasing prices and relatively low inventory) may require you to pay above list price. Be prepared for a bidding war.
A home is one of the most important purchases you can make, so don't be sucked in by a fresh coat of paint and nice carpeting! Keep a sharp eye and consider the details.
Before you inspect a home you're considering buying, see if you can meet with its current occupants or owners to get background information on the home.
Sellers who want to save the brokerage fee by selling their home themselves put the house on the market as FSBO - For Sale by Owner. When working with FSBO sellers, keep these steps in mind.
Most buyers don't realize that many real estate agents actually have a financial responsibility to the seller, not the buyer. Here's how to hire a buyer's agent whose first responsibility is to you.
A lot of people looking to buy a new home assume their real estate agent is working solely in their best interests. In reality, some agents, called "dual agents" actually have a financial...
Why pay for a home inspection? A home inspection will help buyers uncover defects in a home before they invest. For sellers, getting a home inspection before the home goes on the market will avoid...
Now that you've had a home inspection, make sure you understand the significance of its findings before you buy.
Whether you plan to buy a mountain hideaway or a beachfront condo, evaluate a vacation home just as you would your primary residence.
Poor credit will make buying a home more difficult - but not impossible. Here are some options you can consider.
If you're a first-time buyer or you're buying or selling a home without an agent, a real estate lawyer can answer your questions, help you negotiate, and take care of a lot of the little details...
Once you find that dream home, be sure you've taken steps to make an informed offer.
You've found your dream home and you're ready to make your offer. Remember, the offer you make could become legally binding. Here are the steps you'll need to take.
If the seller doesn't accept your offer, you still have a chance. Look at the seller's counteroffer to see if you can reach an agreement.
A purchase agreement is the offer you present to the seller. If you're working with an agent, he or she will handle this for you. Be careful: When your offer is accepted, it becomes the purchase...
Earnest money is money you put up to show your intent to buy the property. When you make an offer, you can show the sellers a copy of your earnest money check; once your offer is accepted, the...
Contracts are easier to get into than out of - but it can be done. Here are some strategies for getting out of your obligation.
Closing on a home refers to the point when all the terms of the contract have been met and you are ready to sign the final loan papers that will transfer ownership of the property.
If you don't have all the money you need for a down payment, don't despair - it's out there somewhere!