When it comes to buying a home, practical decision-making and emotions are intimately connected. Buyers may be looking for a gourmet kitchen or a beautiful bath, but little luxurious touches can be enough to convey the enviable lifestyle they want... (Read More)

You may think that you missed the boat on a mortgage refinance, with rates now climbing after years of historic lows. Not so fast … Mortgage rates actually fell again in March. It’s likely a combination of wary investors and caution on the... (Read More)

When you look for a home, you’re looking at factors such as price, location, décor and size. When a lender looks at the amount of mortgage loan you qualify for, he or she is only interested in finances. The lender compares your monthly income... (Read More)

Most things in a real estate transaction are negotiable. You can haggle over the agents’ commissions, the money put aside for repairs, the amount of time you have to get your loan approved—anything that’s in a contract is up for... (Read More)

Condominium ownership is a great option for first-time buyers, empty-nesters and anyone in between who is looking for financial flexibility without the responsibility of major property maintenance. What do you need to know if you’re in the market... (Read More)

Visiting open houses in your dream neighborhood is a fun way to spend your weekends, but it won’t get you closer to your goal of buying property. When you’re serious about purchasing your first home, you need to know how much money you’ll have... (Read More)

For many homeowners looking to sell their property, the idea of paying a real estate commission is a bit daunting. The national average rate paid to a Realtor upon sale is 5%. Therefore, on a $400,000 property, the seller would pay $20,000 from his... (Read More)

It’s like a different language. APR, Fannie Mae, FHA, Freddie Mac, CFPB, PMI, HELOC—you can get lost in the terms of the lending industry. Don’t worry. Your lender can help you understand the ones relevant to your situation. But it’s a... (Read More)

SafeKids.org wants home buyers to remember that homes contain an abundance of items that could be dangerous to children. While your home may be a place to relax, play and enjoy spending time with family, it is also may be fraught with possible... (Read More)