One of the hottest topics in housing is whether it’s better to rent or buy a home. The answer always changes based on market conditions, so it’s handy to use a rent vs. buy calculator to do comparisons on the fly. But you should also know how rent vs. buy calculations actually work so you can feel
By Shannon Ireland Buying home insurance for the first time is overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to go it alone. Before shopping for coverage, review these common insurance questions to make sure you’re armed with the knowledge to find the best policy for your needs. Do I need a policy before buying a home? Technically,
Rarely does a buyer or seller show up to the closing without knowing exactly what their costs of sale will be. In fact, based on the mortgage loan amount of the purchase/sale price, it’s not hard to ballpark either side’s closing costs. Before you get too far along in the process, ask your real estate agent or
In 15 years of real estate, I can honestly say that I’ve seen it all. Toilet seats up in listing photos, shag carpet covered with dog hair, bedrooms doubling as marijuana growing centers, and avocado green appliances from the ’70s. Sellers aren’t required to get their homes in their best condition before showing them – let alone
So you’ve set your sights on a home that, to put it mildly, needs a little repair work. The stairs are creaky, and you’ve noticed a leak (or three). Still, your mind is made up. What’s a love-struck home buyer to do? If your heart is set on a fixer-upper, this advice from real estate
Today, most mortgage shoppers start their process online. It’s so efficient that even the mortgage industry’s main regulator recommends it. But how do you ensure a lender you find online is credible? Here are the top five ways. Define your terms Specifically, know the difference between an “online lender” and a lender you found online.
Today’s home shoppers see dozens of homes before making an offer, and probably a few dozen more before they find the one that sticks. While you’re shopping, be on the lookout for things about the home that you can’t change (or that would require major time and effort to alter). These factors will impact the home’s