Decide how much house you can afford. Our simple rules will make sure you don't spend more than you have and wind up regretting it. Down payments are back. With "no down" deals almost impossible to get, buying a home requires some cash. At least 3%. Maybe 20% or more.
Avoid the 7 biggest mortgage mistakes. This is the biggest financial decision most of us will make. Avoid these pitfalls and you'll save time, money and trouble.
Save on closing costs. Our 5 smart moves will help you spot -- and reduce -- unnecessary fees, making your settlement less costly and aggravating.
FHA loans can help first-time buyers. If you have little or no money for a down payment, or iffy credit, this could be what you need.
How to find the best mortgage. A great rate. Affordable monthly payments. No surprises. You can have it all.
10 smart moves for buying a foreclosure. They typically cost 10% to 20% less than comparable homes if you get a good deal and avoid all the costly problems.
How to find the best real estate agent. These 5 smart moves can help anyone buying a home hire the right agent, at the right price, with the right contract.
How to find the best loan. You want the lowest rate and smallest monthly payment from your lender. Follow our plan to land a great deal on your home loan.
10 questions your Good Faith Estimate should answer. Make sure you're getting the loan you've been promised and avoid nasty surprises.
How to avoid buying a problem condo. Moving into a building with lots of foreclosures and deadbeat owners can be a costly, irritating mistake.
8 rules for taking a foreclosure bus tour. They can be a surprisingly good way to see a wide range of repossessed homes in just a few hours.
State programs can help you buy a home. From low-cost mortgages to cash for down payments, every state offers some kind of help, especially for first-time buyers.
A state-by-state review of programs that aid home buyers. This listing will quickly link you to the help that's available in your state, county or town.
Rent-to-buy is a marketing gimmick. It's a way to lease hard-to-sell houses. There's little benefit to renters and little chance the house will ever be theirs.
Preapproval is a great first step. This is something everyone should do before looking for a home. We'll tell you why and show you how.
Ace a mortgage application. We know all the questions you'll be asked.
Get your paperwork ready. Our checklist will make sure you remember everything.
Figure out which insurance policies you'll need. Some you'll have to buy. Others you'll have to decide whether to buy. Here's what to expect and the best choices you can make.
Turn down the optional life insurance. The specialized policies lenders push are not the best way to have the mortgage paid off if you die. We have a cheaper, better idea.
40- and 50-year loans won't reduce your monthly payments that much. But they make it much harder to build equity. And that's a big part of homeownership.
7 reasons you should pass on interest-only mortgages. If you need one of these loans to lower the payments, it's a sign you're spending too much.
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