Buying a home is a major life decision for anyone. Learn more about the home buying process through our guides and tips to make sure you find the right home for you, choose the best mortgage and financing, and avoid surprises throughout the process.
Anyone shopping for a home in 2023 faces an unfortunate truth: Mortgage interest rates have risen over the past year. And when interest rates rise, so do the total costs of buying and owning a home. Housing market pundits often point out that mortgage rates are still historically low even with this recent rise. The […]
For some prospective homebuyers, rising interest rates might make it feel like the dream of homeownership is slipping away. The good news is that even in a high-rate environment, you have multiple strategies to help you lower your interest rate or the total cost of your loan. One such strategy is the mortgage buydown. Mortgage […]
Saving up tens of thousands of dollars for a down payment can be a daunting challenge, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. That’s why a significant monetary gift from a generous family member can be a game changer when you’re working out the finances of buying a home. However, when using gifts for a down […]
Making an offer on a house is a critical step in home buying. Your offer price and the seller’s response may have implications that last for years! Savvy buyers know that successful offers — those that work for both the buyer and seller — don’t happen by chance. They take forethought and planning, plus an […]
You’ve come a long way on your homebuying journey. Now, you’ve finally found a home that’s just right, have signed a purchase contract, and are waiting for the sale to close. But how do you know that the home you’re buying is in good condition? This can cause some stress even if you’re pretty handy, […]
If the home-buying process is a marathon, then closing is the marathon’s final mile — but with hurdles between you and the finish. The good news? The finish line is indeed within sight. And armed with a bit of knowledge, you’ll easily leap those final hurdles on the way to being a homeowner. How long […]
If you’ve felt stressed while buying a home, you’re in good company. According to a June 2022 survey by Zillow, 50% of homebuyers cried at least once during the process. Younger respondents — who are more likely to be first-time homebuyers — were also more likely to have shed tears over the process. It’s no […]
Buying a home may be the culmination of a long-term goal. It might even be tied to other goals, such as starting a family. The fact is, we do develop strong emotional bonds with our homes. The challenge is not to let emotion rule the day when you’re shopping for that home. A strategic approach […]
Every homebuyer has different needs, including for financing. That’s why there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all mortgage. In fact, there are several types of home loans, each with different features, requirements, and pros and cons. So asking the question, “what type of mortgage is best for me?” is an important part of the home-buying […]
