Buy Your Dream Home

If a second mortgage is a must while you balance buying a new home and selling your current one, there are steps you can take to secure financing help.

Prospective home buyers with bad credit can still qualify for mortgages, although the process may play out differently than for buyers with good credit.

The costs of homeownership are often worth it, but it’s important to know what expenses and fees are coming your way so you can plan, save, and avoid stress.

While there are relatively few tax credits specific to first-time home buyers, all homeowners have access to a litany of tax credits and tools to save money.

This guide will help you understand how to take on a mortgage responsibly, without falling behind on student loan payments or crippling your financial health.

Taking out a home loan, or mortgage, is a long-term financial commitment. Before you apply, learn how different mortgages work, and the process of getting one.

Let’s look at some logistical and emotional ways to manage your stress while buying a home, and where you can turn to for help when the process goes awry.

Homebuyers use appraisals to help secure a mortgage loan. So what happens if the home appraises for more than what a lender is willing to give you?

This roundup of the best places to live in Atlanta, GA breaks down the nicest neighborhoods and suburbs in and around the Georgia capital city.

There are major legal and financial factors to consider when a buyer wants, and gets, access to the home before they officially close on it.

Most title searches cost between $100 and $250 for residential properties. Here's why you'll want to get one even though it's not legally required.

Dual agents may not be legal in your state, but if they are, does it make sense to work with one when buying or selling a home?

Title insurance protects both lenders and homebuyers from financial loss if somebody contests the title to a property or other issues with the title.

Buying property can be complicated, and a real estate attorney can help by providing legal advice, offering mediation in disputes, and navigating complications.

Rent-to-own or lease-to-own is an agreement that allows a renter to buy a home after years of renting. You’ll come across two main types of rent-to-own options.

While all home inspectors should provide nearly identical services, some are much more thorough and communicative than others.

Since most of us need a mortgage to help finance the purchase of a home, it’s important to understand how a mortgage affects your credit score.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or moving to the opposite coast, real estate location companies can help with your home purchasing and moving needs.

Maryland's proximity to Washington, D.C. means that jobs are plentiful, but the state has many perks: fantastic education, gorgeous parks, and great seafood.

This complete guide walks through how to buy your first home — including saving, obtaining financing, finding an agent, and negotiating and closing the deal.

If a cash offer on a home doesn't literally mean showing up with dollar bills to a sale, what does it mean? Let's explain how cash offers work.

Most new construction sale contracts include a final walkthrough, but it may not include an inspection. Here's why you should invest in an inspection too.

Recently, home sellers have shied away from accepting offers from buyers using VA loans. Why is that? Let's examine the pros and cons of using a VA home loan.

Looking at a house with solar panels? You should know what it means to buy a home with them, whether they're leased or paid in full.

If you’re a first-time buyer, you may not have a clear picture of what the escrow process actually looks like. Let’s break down everything you need to know

Septic inspections usually are not included in a typical home inspection, so you’ll have to get one separately. They're often worth it.

Considering a move to Northern Virginia? Check out these top towns and neighborhoods in NoVa, whether you have a family, a new career, or are retiring.

The answer to this question depends on your situation and your local market. But generally speaking, don’t expect things to change drastically anytime soon.

Is there anything worse than the feeling of going above your budget for a home, only to lose out anyway? Here's how to win a bidding war.

While you can technically buy a home with a credit card, there will be some hurdles, and the cost may be prohibitive.

You've made your offer on a home you love. What happens next? Here's how long you'll wait to hear back from the seller.

What to offer on a house depends on the market, what shape the home is in, and the seller’s needs. Here's how to make a low offer, and by how much.

Collaboration with your agent is key in any real estate transaction, as they could be your greatest asset. So don't annoy them by doing any of these things.

Homes that don’t hit the market — known as “pocket listings” — can be a good option for buyers and sellers for many reasons.

Even if you have to pay penalties, you may find that breaking your lease is worth it. Here are pros and cons to consider when you make this critical decision.

If you've been evicted, your credit report has likely taken a hit. Here's how to approach fixing your credit before you make a big purchase like buying a house.

Many real estate experts expect the record-setting housing market of the past year to slow down this fall, but it's still expected to be highly competitive.

Who’s responsible for the necessary repairs if you find problems with a house after buying it?

Learn about buying a home from your family or for them, or how doing so can help you avoid competition and make closing easier.

You’ve started house hunting and want to attend some open houses. How do you get the most out of the experience?

Not all houses are the same: Let's look at some of the most common home types you’ll come across when you search for a new property to buy.

Want to buy a house with a friend, partner, or members of your family? Make sure you consider all the financial and legal responsibilities.

“As much as you can” isn’t really an answer, but it’s not bad advice either.

An easement gives someone access to your property. In some cases, they can be a nuisance, but overall, easements shouldn’t give you much cause for concern.

If you want to negotiate the best price, upgrades (such as a new roof), or concessions when buying a house, take it from the experts.

If you’re saddled with debts, the monthly payments you owe may make it difficult to meet a mortgage payment each month.

You see a house you love, or see the listing online. But a sign says “Under Contract” or “Pending.” What do these these terms mean, and is it too late to buy?

Let’s examine how cash offers will help you make a more competitive offer on a home, as well as what some of the disadvantages of cash offers are.

Trying to buy a house in a hot market? Here's how to write an excellent home offer letter that appeals to sellers and makes your offer stand out.

While hunting for a new home, you may be curious whether recent previous residents met an untimely end. Here's how to find out whether that's the case.

Which of Texas' biggest, most popular cities is best? Compare life, food, housing, and more in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.

A spec home, also known as a move-in ready home, is a type of new construction house that could be a great fit for a new family.

Breaking down the pros and cons of living in, and selling, a home near power lines.

Real estate agents across the country share their tips for winning the home of your dreams.

Comparing two short-term home financing options that may or may not make sense for you.

Not surprisingly, land in rural, suburban, and urban areas will have different price points. Here's what you need to know.

You hear these titles thrown around a lot in the home buying process. What do they mean?

It's possible to avoid an HOA, though those situations are rare and hard-fought. Plus, the fight might not be worth it. Learn more about refusing to join HOAs.

What is a kick out clause in real estate, and how should home buyers and home sellers think about them?

We’ve made a house hunting checklist to help you remember all the important details you need to look out for while home shopping.

Homeowners associations have many rules and some fees. For the most part, they're worth it.

Looking to move to the D.C. area? Check out this list of some of the best places to live in the DMV.

Let's talk about how to decide if now is a good time to buy a house.

Prospective home buyers in 2021 want to know if buying a house is worth it. Here’s why you should buy a house — or why not.

Looking to buy a house in a different state before you move? Follow these tips and make moving to a new state or city easier.

It typically takes around six months from start to finish to buy a house -- but the exact timeline is different for everyone and depends on a few key factors.

Do you need an agent when buying a new construction home? Going without an agent won’t mean a discount, and you won’t have anyone looking out for you.

This roundup of the best places to live in Dallas breaks down the nicest neighborhoods and suburbs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Found the perfect home but still have a house to sell? Here’s what to know about buying before selling your existing home.

To help you make sense of listing descriptions, we put together a list of the common and not-so-common terms and idioms you may encounter.

A listing goes through many stages before it’s sold or taken off the market. Our guide defines all the statuses so you know whether you can still make an offer.

Read on to learn the nine steps to buying a home in Texas, including financial requirements and tips for making a competitive offer.

We ranked the top neighborhoods and suburbs in Raleigh-Durham based on housing, quality of schools, and commute times to help you find the best place to live.

We ranked the top neighborhoods and suburbs in Charlotte based on housing, quality of schools, and commute times to help you find the best place to live.

A home appraisal happens after you make an offer on a home. To help you prepare, we share how long an appraisal takes and what factors the appraiser reviews.

Buying a new home is very different than buying an existing one. We explain the 8 major steps of the new construction buying process and what questions to ask.

We ranked the top neighborhoods and suburbs in Houston based on housing, quality of schools, and commute times to help you find the best place to live.

Before you start browsing listings or visiting open houses, there are some tips that first-time home buyers in Texas should keep in mind.

In this article, we’ll go over common questions about mortgage pre-approvals, including “how long does a mortgage pre-approval last?”

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in the Denver area, you'll need to prepare. Here are some essential tips for buying a home in Denver.

Whether you are ready to buy a house now or in the early stages of consideration, here are some tips and tricks for buying a home in Texas.

Looking for the best area in Atlanta, Georgia to buy a home? With many great real estate options, you’re sure to find the perfect Atlanta neighborhood.

Buying a home in Denver, Colorado? This Denver, Colorado neighborhood guide highlights some of the best neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado for families.

If you’re a service member or veteran looking to buy a second home, you might be wondering, "How many times can I use a VA loan?" Here's what you need to know.

There are a ton of benefits of VA loans in Texas. Here's a breakdown of Texas VA loans and how they can make homeownership easier and more affordable.

While building a new house in Texas can be a great option, it does come with its own set of considerations. Here are 4 tips for building a house in Texas.

Looking to put down roots in Austin, Texas? This Austin, Texas neighborhood guide highlights some of the best neighborhoods in Austin, TX for families.

Read how Casey Edwards, a working dog mom of three, bought her dream home in Dallas-Fort Worth and sold her current home without the typical stress or hassle.

Juggling both buying and selling isn’t easy. That's why some people add a home sale contingency in their offer on a new home. Here's what a contingency means.

It’s no secret that buying a home requires quite a bit of paperwork. Here is a break down of what a Proof of Funds Letter is and what counts as Proof of Funds.

Here are 5 essential questions to ask when buying a house. Make sure to get all of the home buying questions answered before you sign on the dotted line!

At some point, you may have come across an "active contingent" listing. Here’s a look at what active contingent means and what active contingent status is.

There are a ton of details that go into a real estate contract, from concessions to contingencies. Let's break down what a contingent offer means.

Getting an appraisal is an essential step in any home purchase or sale. So what is an appraisal and why is it important? Let's go over what you'll need to know.

If you’re a potential home buyer or seller, you'll want to know everything about appraisal contingencies for real estate and how they can affect your home sale.

Looking for the perfect place to buy a home in San Antonio? This guide will help you find the best neighborhood in San Antonio for you and your family.

Finding the right area to put down roots and buy a home in Dallas can be tricky. This Dallas, Texas neighborhood guide will help you find the perfect place.

Congrats, you're ready to close on your home! Here’s a look at how long the closing process on a home takes and some potential delays to watch out for.

Real estate lingo can get pretty complex. A “contingent offer” could decide if your real estate transaction is simple or stressful, so here’s what it means.

Although mortgages are very common, they can get pretty confusing. Here’s an overview of how mortgages work to help you jumpstart your home buying journey.