Buying a home is a serious "adulting" move — one that comes with a great deal of financial responsibility. There’s nothing quite like being a first-time homeowner. Yet what many newbie homeowners don’t share is how much hard work and sacrifice... (Read More)
You've found the home of your dreams, the seller has accepted your offer and your loan application is being processed. When is the best time to "lock" your mortgage rate? And for how long should your lock be effective? If you're buying or building a... (Read More)
You know that VA home loans are an incredible benefit for veterans and active-duty military personnel. But are National Guard members and reservists eligible as well? The answer is yes for those who meet certain criteria and who have completed at... (Read More)
Ready to make a move? Finding the right property can be a daunting task. In addition to selecting a design and a floor plan that you like, you also have to think about the condition the home is in.
Although it might be tempting to sign a mortgage... (Read More)
There's nothing like moving — whether it's across town or across the country — to make you realize just how much stuff you have! When moving, you're likely to let some things go, but probably also add some new appliances, furniture and other... (Read More)
One of the biggest decisions of your life is when you decide to buy a house rather than rent one. You may have rented for several years because it just made sense. However, now you may be wondering if it's the right time to buy.
The decision to... (Read More)
Stop for a moment and really think about this one: What are you looking for in your next home? The National Association of Realtors surveyed home buyers nationwide on the home features that are most important to them and found that home buying needs... (Read More)
Mortgage rates have been so low for so long that it's almost hard to believe that they were once in double-digit territory. In 1981, for example, home loan rates reached nearly 17%, the highest level on record, according to the Freddie Mac... (Read More)
You're just about ready to make an offer on a home you'd like to purchase. You'll need to decide how much money you're going to offer for the property, of course. And you'll also need to figure out how much to offer in earnest money. The earnest... (Read More)
Moving into your first home? You're probably wondering how to make the most of your square footage. Who doesn't, right? Take a cue from the experts and look under, over and inside to find a home for everything.
First, start with the basics and... (Read More)