Can I Use My 401(k) to Buy a House?
For many families, their 401(k) or other retirement plan is their biggest, most important asset. So it’s very natural to wonder if you can use your 401(k) to help make a down payment on a house. The answer is a qualified “yes.” It is possible to use a 401(k) plan to help with purchasing a […]
Applying for a Mortgage? Avoid These Common Mistakes
February 15, 2013
in Home Buying Guide, Mortgage Loans | Tagged buyer, buying, credit, homebuyer, loan, mortgage, preapproval, preapproved, real estate, scoreIf you’re a first-time buyer, an itch to start looking at homes typically starts just after you make the decision to buy. The feeling may be so overwhelming that it’s the very first thing you do. That’s mistake number one: Looking at homes without knowing how much you can spend on a home isn’t just […]
What You Should Know About Buying a Condo
December 28, 2012
in Home Buying Guide | Tagged association, buying, condo, condominium, dues, fees, hoa, real estateThere’s a lot to like about life without yard upkeep, or worrying about what color to paint the front door, or what to do if the roof leaks. Such is life in the typical condominium. Although the maintenance headaches of owning a single-family home are pretty much nonexistent when you own a condo, this headache-free […]
The Real Estate Transaction: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
December 14, 2012
in Home Buying Guide, Tips When Selling a Home | Tagged agent, appraisal, buying, inspection, preapproval, problems, purchase, real estate, sale, selling, transaction“Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” While Edward Murphy was referring to the use of new measurement devices, his rule can be aptly applied to the real estate transaction without a hiccup. From the very first step – getting preapproved for a mortgage – to choosing a real estate agent to the close […]
Buying Land: 5 Things to Consider
Whether you’re building a residence, need extra storage, or are purchasing as an investment or farm property, the time to buy land has never been better. It’s still a buyer’s market in many areas, yet many sources claim the housing market is turning a corner. In fact, due to the election year and historically low interest […]
Timeshares 101
November 16, 2012
in Home Buying Guide, Investment Property | Tagged condo, property, real estate, resort, timeshare, vacation“Timeshare” used to be a dirty word, and it still leaves a bad taste in many mouths. Say the word to some folks and they begin conjuring up images of a group of people who could make used car salespeople look like amateurs. Time has changed the timeshare industry, softened its edges and blurred its […]
Safety for Children: A Homebuyer’s Guide to Kids’ Rooms and Play Areas
October 5, 2012
in Home Buying Guide | Tagged child, children, den, family, home buying, kids, safe, safety, swimming pool, teenagers, teensChildren alter how families look at homes during the home buying process. A family with children has to consider extra bedrooms, extra bathrooms, and safe places for children to learn and play. Indoor and outdoor recreation should be fun and comfortable, while safety should always remain the highest priority. Kids’ Rooms Kids’ rooms should be […]
How Your Credit Score Affects Your Mortgage Rate
September 14, 2012
in Home Buying Guide, Mortgage Interest Rates | Tagged credit, financing, home buying, home loan, interest, lender, loan, mortgage, rate, rates, report, scoreCredit checks are a necessary part of applying for any loan, but they are especially important during two stages of the loan process: on the day you apply for a mortgage and shortly before closing on the loan. The first credit check is to ensure that you pay your bills on time and have sufficient […]
Moving: How to Hire the Pros
August 24, 2012
in Home Buying Guide, Job Relocation, Tips When Selling a Home | Tagged companies, company, move, mover, moving, relocate, relocatingHave you ever noticed how busy your friends and family members become on your moving day? Can you blame them? Moving is tough, manual labor. The only reason that folks might be willing to help is in the hopes you’ll reciprocate when it’s their turn to move. Being able to round up enough people to […]
A Quick Guide to Buying a Home for a Parent
August 17, 2012
in Home Buying Guide | Tagged benefits, buying, family, home buying, investment, medicaid, parent, parents, property, real estate, secondAllowing your mom or dad to live at home in a property you provide is a wonderful gift – a way to say thanks for all they’ve done for you, and a way to be sure that they’re safe and comfortable. If you’re thinking about buying a home for a parent, you have several options […]
- Fact #1
Typical national real estate web sites may only cover 20% of what is for sale in a particular location and many display homes already sold.
- Fact #2
Only a broker or agent affiliated sites can give you the most up-to-date home listings.
- Fact #3
You can see all the listings that real estate agents see by searching locally on a broker or agent site.
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