Buyer Resources – Articles

If you’ve been thinking about investing in real estate, getting your finances in order before you start searching for properties and scheduling appointments will save you from money headaches in the long run.  Real estate investments could be one of…

Real estate investing is gaining popularity, and if you’ve been giving it some thought, this guide will give you an overview. The goal of any real estate investor is typically to make money. This means purchasing an investment property at…

If you’re not familiar with home inspections, then you might have a lot of questions about what gets inspected, how thorough the inspectors are, why you even need one, and what you can expect if you’re walking with an inspector…

Moving is stressful all on its own, but when you add in the complications that kids or pets (or both) can bring to the mix, it can feel downright impossible. Depending on the age of your children and whether your…

One excellent way to improve your financial profile is to buy a home of your own. But we won’t lie: It’s a long and potentially incredibly stressful process, especially when it comes to the dollars and cents of securing a…

Buying a home anywhere feels like a huge step, but getting settled in the suburbs can seem especially momentous for any household. After all, traditionally, suburbs were for establishing a place in the community and raising a family, where you…

One of the very best things about owning your own home is that you can change it to fit yourself and your lifestyle. Home renovations are more popular than ever before, and there are countless shows, blogs, magazines and other…

Buying a house – whether it’s your first or fifth – can be a bumpy process. Between the financing, the availability (or scarcity) of homes on the market in your price range that meet your needs, the offer process, the…

So you’re finally a homeowner – congratulations! This is an important step in anyone’s life, and it’s absolutely normal to feel somewhat (or wildly) unprepared for the realities of owning a place of your own. What if there’s an emergency,…

What is the return on new versus previously owned homes? Buying into a new-home community may seem riskier than purchasing a house in an established neighborhood, but any increase in home value depends upon the same factors: quality of the…

How much does my real estate agent need to know? Real estate agents would say that the more you tell them, the better they can negotiate on your behalf. However, the degree of trust you have with an agent may…

Can I use an agent for a new home? Yes, however, buyers should be aware of the differences inherent in working with sales agents who are employed by the developer, rather than traditional real estate agents. Builders commonly require that…

Where do I get information on IRS publications? The Internal Revenue Service publishes a number of real estate publications. They are listed by number: Order by calling 1-800- TAX-FORM. Are seller-paid points deductible? As of Jan. 1, 1991, homeowners have…

Are taxes on second homes deductible? Mortgage interest and property taxes are deductible on a second home if you itemize. Check with your accountant or tax adviser for specifics. Do all loans require impound accounts? If you are taking out…

Can you buy homes below market? While a typical buyer may look at five to 10 homes before making an offer, an investor who makes bargain buys usually goes through many more. Most experts agree it takes a lot of…

Do I need a home inspection? Yes. Buying a home “as is” is a risky proposition. Major repairs on homes can amount to thousands of dollars. Plumbing, electrical and roof problems represent significant and complex systems that are expensive to…

Do you have to buy HUD homes through a realty agent? You can only purchase a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development property through a licensed real estate broker. HUD will pay the broker’s commission up to 6 percent…

What are the pros and cons of adding on or buying new? Before making a choice between adding on to an existing home or buying a larger one, consider these questions: Do we dig deep and buy a dream home…

How can I save on closing costs? Studies show that the closing costs, which can average 2 to 3 percent of a total home purchase price, are often more costly than many buyers expect. But there are some ways to…