Home Buying
Handle an Appraisal Gap - Solutions When Values Don't Match
An appraisal gap occurs when the home appraises for less than your offer. Learn your options: renegotiate, cover the gap, dispute the appraisal or walk away.
Lisa Rodriguez
Home Buying
Your guide to purchasing a home. Learn about the buying process from pre-approval to closing day.
24 articles
Home Buying
Buying a Foreclosure - Tips for working through the Market
Foreclosures can offer 10-30% discounts but come with risks. Learn about REO, auction and pre-foreclosure purchases and how to protect yourself.
Sarah Mitchell
Home Buying
Buy a House Without a Realtor - Weighing Pros and Cons
Yes, you can buy a house without a realtor. Learn the FSBO process, potential savings and risks of going without buyer representation.
Sarah Mitchell
Home Buying
Understand Closing Costs - Minimize Your Expenses
Closing costs typically run 2-5% of the loan amount. Learn what fees to expect, who pays what and how to negotiate lower costs.
Lisa Rodriguez
Home Buying
Down Payment Assistance - Free Funds for Your Home Purchase
Down payment assistance programs offer grants and forgivable loans to help buyers. Find programs in your state and learn how to qualify.
Sarah Mitchell
Home Buying
Earnest Money Explained - Determine the Right Amount
Earnest money shows sellers you're serious. Typically 1-3% of the purchase price, it's held in escrow and applied to closing costs if the deal closes.
David Thompson
Home Buying
Avoid First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes - Key Errors to Avoid
Avoid common first-time buyer mistakes like skipping pre-approval, not shopping rates and waiving inspections. Save thousands with these tips.
David Thompson
Home Buying
First-Time Home Buyer Programs - Discover Funding Options
First-time buyers can access 3% down loans, down payment grants and tax credits. Learn federal, state and local programs that help you buy sooner.
Sarah Mitchell
Home Buying
First-Time Home Buyer Tips - Practical Advice for Success
First time home buyer tips from mortgage experts. Learn what to avoid, how to prepare and mistakes that cost thousands.
Sarah Mitchell
Home Buying
Gift Funds for Down Payment - Know the Guidelines
Use gift money for your down payment with a proper gift letter and paper trail. Learn which loans allow gifts and documentation requirements.
Lisa Rodriguez
Home Buying
Home Inspection Checklist - Key Areas to Examine
Home inspections cover structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and more. Learn what to expect and red flags to watch for.
Lisa Rodriguez
Home Buying
Closing on a House: Speed Up Your Timeline Today
Closing on a house takes 30-45 days on average. Learn what affects your timeline and how to close faster.
Sarah Mitchell
Home Buying
Home Loan Application: Secure Financing with Ease
Learn how to apply for a home loan from start to finish. Documents needed, timeline and tips to get approved faster.
David Thompson
Home Buying
Buying a House with Bad Credit: Options Available Now
Learn how to buy a house with bad credit. FHA loans, credit repair tips and alternative options for low credit score buyers.
Michael Rodriguez
Home Buying
Buying a House: Essential Steps for Success
Learn how to buy a house from start to finish. What you need, how much it costs and step-by-step instructions.
David Thompson
Home Buying
Making an Offer on a House: Strategies for Winning
Make a competitive offer by pricing based on comps, including contingencies and earnest money. Learn negotiation tactics and what to include.
David Thompson
Home Buying
Mortgage Pre-Approval: Speed Up Your Home Buying
Mortgage pre-approval takes 1-3 days and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. Learn the process, documents needed and how long it lasts.
Lisa Rodriguez
Home Buying
Mortgage Underwriting: Understand the Process Fast
Mortgage underwriting takes 1-3 weeks. Learn what underwriters check, common conditions and how to speed up your approval.
David Thompson
Home Buying
Seller Concessions: Lower Your Closing Costs Wisely
Seller concessions let the seller pay some of your closing costs. Limits range from 3-9% depending on loan type and down payment. Learn how to negotiate them.
Sarah Mitchell
Home Buying
Documents Needed for a Mortgage: Your Complete List
Mortgage applications require pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements and ID. Get the complete document checklist to speed up your approval.
David Thompson
Home Buying
Closing Day: Final Steps for Your Home Purchase
At closing, you'll sign documents, pay closing costs and get your keys. Learn what to expect, what to bring and how long it takes.
Lisa Rodriguez
Home Buying
Home Appraisal: Why It Matters for Your Purchase
A home appraisal determines your property's market value. Learn how appraisals work, what appraisers look for and what to do if it comes in low.
Lisa Rodriguez
Home Buying
Earnest Money: What to Know Before Paying
Earnest money is a deposit showing you're serious about buying. Typically 1-3% of price, held in escrow until closing.
Lisa Rodriguez
Home Buying
Title Insurance: Safeguarding Your Property Investment
Title insurance protects against ownership disputes and liens on your property. Learn about lender's vs owner's policies and what they cost.
David Thompson