The first and most important step in buying a home is getting prequalified for a home loan.
Having a preapproved loan will put you at the top of the list when presenting an offer.
Having trouble getting traditional financing? If the seller doesn't need all the cash from the sale of the property to buy another home, he or she might be willing to offer you seller financing.
Every time you use one of these money-saving steps, it's money in your house fund.
Investing in a home with a friend or partner may allow you to buy a home you wouldn't otherwise be able to afford. Just be very careful about picking your partner!
You'll be a busy person if you're buying and selling homes at the same time. The key to making the transaction go smoothly is good timing.
There are literally dozens of home mortgage lenders in virtually every locale. So how do you find the right lender for you? You have two basic options: you can hire someone (a mortgage broker) to...
Because interest rates can fluctuate, it sometimes pays to lock in an attractive interest rate. A lock-in is a lender's commitment to guarantee a specific interest rate if you purchase a home...
Refinancing your home, or taking out a new loan and paying off the old one, can be financially beneficial - but only if the costs to do it are within reason.
There are several components that go into a mortgage payment. Missing something can often lead to an unpleasant and very stressful surprise. Follow these simple steps to avoid any unpleasantries...
The down payment, or amount of cash you'll have to pay toward the actual purchase of a home, is determined by the lender as a percentage of the value of the house.
If you're looking to buy your first home, lots of first-time buyer's programs are available to help you. You'll be better off if you determine what program you are eligible for before you choose a...
A home equity loan allows you to tap into the equity in your home to pay for improvements, education, a car, a vacation - it's up to you. And the best thing is, the interest is tax deductible.
A home equity line of credit is like a special checking account that taps into the equity in your home, allowing you to make improvements, pay for education, buy a car or whatever you want. And...
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a federally backed program that insures loans originated and serviced by qualified lenders. It was originated to help low-income and moderately...
Buying a home for zero down can be accomplished, but may cost you more in the long run with all the additional fees and costs associated with this sort of loan.
Assuming a mortgage (taking over someone else's mortgage) is an alternative to getting a new loan and can sometimes be the least expensive way to finance a property.
Whether you are getting a loan or already have one, you will likely be charged a prepayment penalty if you have to pay off the loan during the first two to five years of the loan period. However,...
The home loan process is often confusing and frustrating. Follow these steps to demystify it.
Your loan-to-value ratio is an important figure that you need to know when getting or refinancing a loan or requesting the removal of private mortgage insurance (PMI). Here's how to figure it out.
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