Home Buying / Selling: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Short Sale Basics
The fundamentals behind a short sale in real estate, why lenders may accept a real estate short sale, how to do short sales, and how a short sale financially affects sellers, whether or not the seller is in foreclosure.
The fundamentals behind a short sale in real estate, why lenders may accept a real estate short sale, how to do short sales, and how a short sale financially affects sellers, whether or not the seller is in foreclosure.
Buying Short Sales
Buying Short Sales. Before you buy a short sale, read about your rights. Why the seller's lender needs to approve a short sale and what is involved in closing short sale transactions.
Buying Short Sales. Before you buy a short sale, read about your rights. Why the seller's lender needs to approve a short sale and what is involved in closing short sale transactions.
Title Insurance Policy
Title insurance policies as they pertain to real estate: owners and lenders title policies, terms of coverage, liability and protection. Title commitments and preliminary title reports prior to issuance of title insurance policies.
Title insurance policies as they pertain to real estate: owners and lenders title policies, terms of coverage, liability and protection. Title commitments and preliminary title reports prior to issuance of title insurance policies.
First Time Home Buyer
Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming for a first-time home buyer because few home buyers know where or how to begin the search to buy a home. The first home buying step should be to align yourself with a pro who has experience working with a first-time home buyer and can show you the ropes.
Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming for a first-time home buyer because few home buyers know where or how to begin the search to buy a home. The first home buying step should be to align yourself with a pro who has experience working with a first-time home buyer and can show you the ropes.
Get Rid of Fleas
Flea infestation? How to get rid of fleas in your house and yard, especially before putting your house on the market. Here's how to make your house flea free and stop the fleas from coming back.
Flea infestation? How to get rid of fleas in your house and yard, especially before putting your house on the market. Here's how to make your house flea free and stop the fleas from coming back.
Preparing House for Sale
Do you know why identical homes don't sell at identical sales prices -- why some houses sell for more money even though their square footage is the same? Learn what you can do to boost your bottom line and sell your home quickly.
Do you know why identical homes don't sell at identical sales prices -- why some houses sell for more money even though their square footage is the same? Learn what you can do to boost your bottom line and sell your home quickly.
Qualifying for Short Sales
Thinking of a short sale? Not every home owner qualifies for a short sale. Here is how to figure out if you meet the requirements for qualifying for a short sale.
Thinking of a short sale? Not every home owner qualifies for a short sale. Here is how to figure out if you meet the requirements for qualifying for a short sale.
How Short Sales Affect Credit
The affect of short sales and foreclosures on credit reports and FICO scores. Which is better to see on a credit report - a foreclosure or a short sale? How soon after foreclosure or short sale can a seller buy a new home?
The affect of short sales and foreclosures on credit reports and FICO scores. Which is better to see on a credit report - a foreclosure or a short sale? How soon after foreclosure or short sale can a seller buy a new home?
Home Inspection Checklist
Home inspection checklist items to look for when getting a home inspection. How to tell if your home inspector checked the essentials. Major and minor repair concerns.
Home inspection checklist items to look for when getting a home inspection. How to tell if your home inspector checked the essentials. Major and minor repair concerns.
Don't Buy Short Sales
Why buyers may pay more for a short sale. 11 drawbacks to buying short sales. The hype surrounding short sales and why buyers should use caution.
Why buyers may pay more for a short sale. 11 drawbacks to buying short sales. The hype surrounding short sales and why buyers should use caution.
Calculate Square Footage
Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square footage is not the figure stated when the home was advertised. Real estate agents and for sale by owner sellers can reduce their risks of lawsuit by knowing how use accepted standards to measure and calculate a home's square footage.
Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square footage is not the figure stated when the home was advertised. Real estate agents and for sale by owner sellers can reduce their risks of lawsuit by knowing how use accepted standards to measure and calculate a home's square footage.
Tenants in Common
What it means to hold title as Tenants in Common. Property deeds that show title as tenants in common. Rights of owners and possession. How to hold title as tenants in common.
What it means to hold title as Tenants in Common. Property deeds that show title as tenants in common. Rights of owners and possession. How to hold title as tenants in common.
Who Pays Agents
How does a real estate agent get paid? Who pays the real estate agent's commission? Can real estate agents get paid by both sellers and buyers. Is it legal? Just how much money do real estate agents make anyway?
How does a real estate agent get paid? Who pays the real estate agent's commission? Can real estate agents get paid by both sellers and buyers. Is it legal? Just how much money do real estate agents make anyway?
Deed of Trust
Explanation of deed of trust. Trust deeds evidence a mortgage loan secured by a promissory note. Parties to a trust deed, including role of the trustee.
Explanation of deed of trust. Trust deeds evidence a mortgage loan secured by a promissory note. Parties to a trust deed, including role of the trustee.
Foreclosure & Short Sale Taxes
Home sellers' tax obligations on foreclosures and short sales. Distressed sale tax consequences. Sellers might owe taxes even when taking a loss and letting homes go into foreclosure or selling on a short sale.
Home sellers' tax obligations on foreclosures and short sales. Distressed sale tax consequences. Sellers might owe taxes even when taking a loss and letting homes go into foreclosure or selling on a short sale.
Quitclaim Deed
Definition of quitclaim deed as it pertains to real estate and why it is so confusing to buyers and sellers.
Definition of quitclaim deed as it pertains to real estate and why it is so confusing to buyers and sellers.
Earnest Money Deposits
Explains how much earnest money is required and why buyers submit good faith deposits with offers. Why are trust accounts essential and whom can a buyer trust? How does a buyer get the money back if the transaction does not close? How can a buyer lose her good faith deposit?
Explains how much earnest money is required and why buyers submit good faith deposits with offers. Why are trust accounts essential and whom can a buyer trust? How does a buyer get the money back if the transaction does not close? How can a buyer lose her good faith deposit?
How Foreclosures Work
All about foreclosures, the risks and the profits. What is a foreclosure? How foreclosure work. Whether you're an investor or first-time home buyer,foreclosures can be a great deal, but not without substantial risk and work. Here's how to protect yourself.
All about foreclosures, the risks and the profits. What is a foreclosure? How foreclosure work. Whether you're an investor or first-time home buyer,foreclosures can be a great deal, but not without substantial risk and work. Here's how to protect yourself.
Buying a Short Sale House
How to figure out if buying that short sale house will work. Questions to ask the short sale listing agent, and how to research the home's history before writing a short sale offer.
How to figure out if buying that short sale house will work. Questions to ask the short sale listing agent, and how to research the home's history before writing a short sale offer.
Buying With Bad Credit
How buy a home with bad credit, even if you have filed bankruptcy or gone through a foreclosure. Comparing he difference in rates for a variety of FICO scores. How to get an FHA loan after foreclosure.
How buy a home with bad credit, even if you have filed bankruptcy or gone through a foreclosure. Comparing he difference in rates for a variety of FICO scores. How to get an FHA loan after foreclosure.
Lease Options
Difference between lease options and lease purchase sales. Benefits to home buyers to do a lease option. Understanding lease options.
Difference between lease options and lease purchase sales. Benefits to home buyers to do a lease option. Understanding lease options.
Worst Selling Mistake
Pricing real estate is part art and part science. The one thing you DO NOT want to do is overprice your home! Why? Find out why this seller had to sell at almost 50% of her original list price of $1.3 million.
Pricing real estate is part art and part science. The one thing you DO NOT want to do is overprice your home! Why? Find out why this seller had to sell at almost 50% of her original list price of $1.3 million.
HUD-1 Settlement Statement
Are you buying a home? The HUD-1 settlement statement is the standard real estate settlement form for federally-related mortgage loans. Deciphering the HUD-1 can be confusing, but you'll be ready to study your closing statement after reading this handy reference.
Are you buying a home? The HUD-1 settlement statement is the standard real estate settlement form for federally-related mortgage loans. Deciphering the HUD-1 can be confusing, but you'll be ready to study your closing statement after reading this handy reference.
short sale vs. foreclosure
Should you do a short sale or a foreclosure? Is a short sale or foreclosure better for your credit rating? How do you qualify for a short sale? Are there any advantages at all to doing a foreclosure?
Should you do a short sale or a foreclosure? Is a short sale or foreclosure better for your credit rating? How do you qualify for a short sale? Are there any advantages at all to doing a foreclosure?
Property Deeds
Real property deeds are used to transfer title. What are Warranty Deeds, Grant Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds. What makes them valid? Do they need to be notarized? Legal instruments used to transfer title to real estate.
Real property deeds are used to transfer title. What are Warranty Deeds, Grant Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds. What makes them valid? Do they need to be notarized? Legal instruments used to transfer title to real estate.
Vent-Free Gas Logs
Are vent-free gas logs, also called unvented gas logs, the best choice for your home? This article gives you the facts and helps you sort out the pros and cons of vent-free gas fireplaces.
Are vent-free gas logs, also called unvented gas logs, the best choice for your home? This article gives you the facts and helps you sort out the pros and cons of vent-free gas fireplaces.
Agent Interview
Questions to ask before you hire a real estate agent to represent you to buy or sell a home.
Questions to ask before you hire a real estate agent to represent you to buy or sell a home.
Buyer's Closing Costs
Definition of closing costs, including recurring and non-recurring (prepaid) fees. Addresses seller credits to buyer for closing costs and explanation of lender's requirements for such credits.
Definition of closing costs, including recurring and non-recurring (prepaid) fees. Addresses seller credits to buyer for closing costs and explanation of lender's requirements for such credits.
Before Selling Home
Preparing to sell your home, before signing listing agreements or making repairs. Home selling checklist to determine if you are ready to sell your home.
Preparing to sell your home, before signing listing agreements or making repairs. Home selling checklist to determine if you are ready to sell your home.
Vented Gas Log Fireplaces
Gas log fireplaces are an ideal choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the warmth of a fire without the chores of hauling wood and cleaning ashes. One type of gas log fixture is vented to the outside, like woodburning fireplaces. This article helps you decide if a vented gas fireplace is the best choice for your home.
Gas log fireplaces are an ideal choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the warmth of a fire without the chores of hauling wood and cleaning ashes. One type of gas log fixture is vented to the outside, like woodburning fireplaces. This article helps you decide if a vented gas fireplace is the best choice for your home.
Loan Preapproval
Why should a first-time home buyer get preapproved for a loan? Here are reasons why it's to a homebuyer's advantage to get preapproved for a home loan over being pre-qualified.
Why should a first-time home buyer get preapproved for a loan? Here are reasons why it's to a homebuyer's advantage to get preapproved for a home loan over being pre-qualified.
Winterizing Homes
How to winterize your home and prepare for winter. Home maintenance tips to make the seasonal transition from summer to winter, regardless of where you live.
How to winterize your home and prepare for winter. Home maintenance tips to make the seasonal transition from summer to winter, regardless of where you live.
FHA Loans For Home Buying
FHA Loans are rebounding with home buyers. Find out why FHA loans are popular for first-time home buyers and the benefits to obtaining an FHA loan.
FHA Loans are rebounding with home buyers. Find out why FHA loans are popular for first-time home buyers and the benefits to obtaining an FHA loan.
Final Walk Through
What's involved in the final home inspection walk-through? What happens if repairs aren't made as promised or something else is wrong? What rights do home buyers have? When does the walk-through take place. All these answers and more.
What's involved in the final home inspection walk-through? What happens if repairs aren't made as promised or something else is wrong? What rights do home buyers have? When does the walk-through take place. All these answers and more.
Home Staging
Beyond decorating and cleaning, home staging is about illusions. Staging makes your house look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer, more loving, and it makes home buyers want to buy it.
Beyond decorating and cleaning, home staging is about illusions. Staging makes your house look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer, more loving, and it makes home buyers want to buy it.
Modular and Manufactured Homes
Modular homes and manufactured homes are not the same thing. They are different types of structures. The differences between a modular home and a manufactured home can affect resale value and determine whether or not the house can be built on your land. Learn the facts before you buy.
Modular homes and manufactured homes are not the same thing. They are different types of structures. The differences between a modular home and a manufactured home can affect resale value and determine whether or not the house can be built on your land. Learn the facts before you buy.
Reasons to Buy
There are many benefits to buying a home, especially for first-time home buyers, beyond tax deductions. Here is a list of eight reasons to buy a home.
There are many benefits to buying a home, especially for first-time home buyers, beyond tax deductions. Here is a list of eight reasons to buy a home.
Interview Mortgage Broker
How do you know if your mortgage lender is giving you a good deal? Carry this list of questions to ask with you when shopping for a loan. There is more that separates loan officers and mortgage brokers from each other than interest rates and points.
How do you know if your mortgage lender is giving you a good deal? Carry this list of questions to ask with you when shopping for a loan. There is more that separates loan officers and mortgage brokers from each other than interest rates and points.
Buying a Gas Log Fireplace
Gas logs are growing in popularity every year, so manufacturers have geared-up to offer us a wide selection of appliances. You'll find gas logs, freestanding gas stoves, and contained fireplace units that are mounted to a wall. But did you know that the residue produced by gas logs are not always vented to the outside? It's important to understand the differences between vented and vent-free units before you buy a gas log fireplace.
Gas logs are growing in popularity every year, so manufacturers have geared-up to offer us a wide selection of appliances. You'll find gas logs, freestanding gas stoves, and contained fireplace units that are mounted to a wall. But did you know that the residue produced by gas logs are not always vented to the outside? It's important to understand the differences between vented and vent-free units before you buy a gas log fireplace.
Residential Appraisals
A successful home buying transaction depends quite a bit on getting a positive appraisal for the property. If you're paying cash for the house, the appraisal must only meet your approval, but if you're getting a loan, your lender will make sure that all aspects of the appraisal meet its requirements. Here are some of the appraisal results your lender will consider before granting the loan.
A successful home buying transaction depends quite a bit on getting a positive appraisal for the property. If you're paying cash for the house, the appraisal must only meet your approval, but if you're getting a loan, your lender will make sure that all aspects of the appraisal meet its requirements. Here are some of the appraisal results your lender will consider before granting the loan.
Land Contracts
Seller financing via a land contract, which is sometimes called an Installment Sale Land Contract or contract for deed. The benefits and drawbacks to using land contracts to buy or sell a home. The differences between wrap-around and straight land contracts.
Seller financing via a land contract, which is sometimes called an Installment Sale Land Contract or contract for deed. The benefits and drawbacks to using land contracts to buy or sell a home. The differences between wrap-around and straight land contracts.
Property Search
How to do a property search. How to find information on any property: who owns the home and balances of mortgage loans. Finding specific details of property. Public records search, MLS search, property information and tax records. Ordering free property profiles.
How to do a property search. How to find information on any property: who owns the home and balances of mortgage loans. Finding specific details of property. Public records search, MLS search, property information and tax records. Ordering free property profiles.
Short Sale Approval
How long should a buyer wait for a short sale offer to be approved by the bank? Approximate length of time for banks to issue short sale approvaas.
How long should a buyer wait for a short sale offer to be approved by the bank? Approximate length of time for banks to issue short sale approvaas.
Buying Points
Discount points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to lower the interest rate on your home loan. While buying points is sometimes a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it saves. Here are some tips that will help you decide if buying points makes sense for your home purchase.
Discount points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to lower the interest rate on your home loan. While buying points is sometimes a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it saves. Here are some tips that will help you decide if buying points makes sense for your home purchase.
House Price
How much is your house worth? Here is how to determine your house value and figure out which house price is right for your real estate market.
How much is your house worth? Here is how to determine your house value and figure out which house price is right for your real estate market.
Bank Rejection Short Sales
Reasons behind a bank's rejection of a short sale. Why short sales are most often turned down by banks and mortgage companies. How to increase chances a lender will accept a short sale.
Reasons behind a bank's rejection of a short sale. Why short sales are most often turned down by banks and mortgage companies. How to increase chances a lender will accept a short sale.
Stopping Foreclosures
Ways to stop foreclosure. Alternatives and options for foreclosure, working out forbearances, note modifications, reinstatements.
Ways to stop foreclosure. Alternatives and options for foreclosure, working out forbearances, note modifications, reinstatements.
How Much Can I Afford?
How much home can first-time home buyers afford? How to set realistic goals for home buying. Tips for selecting that first home.
How much home can first-time home buyers afford? How to set realistic goals for home buying. Tips for selecting that first home.
Buyer's Market Offers
Ten great tips on how to grab the edge in a buyers' market and get your purchase offer accepted at the price and terms you deserve.
Ten great tips on how to grab the edge in a buyers' market and get your purchase offer accepted at the price and terms you deserve.
Writing Offers
Guide to writing offers to purchase real estate.
Guide to writing offers to purchase real estate.
Home Heating Systems
Details to help you identify some of the traditional home heating systems you may encounter during your search for a new home.
Details to help you identify some of the traditional home heating systems you may encounter during your search for a new home.
Easements and Rights-of-Way
Find out why you must know the details about existing easements and rights-of-way before you buy a home or other real estate.
Find out why you must know the details about existing easements and rights-of-way before you buy a home or other real estate.
Finding Foreclosures
How to find foreclosures, government repossessed and bank repos. Find search engines that help you locate foreclosures after the Notice of Default is filed and homes seized by government entities.
How to find foreclosures, government repossessed and bank repos. Find search engines that help you locate foreclosures after the Notice of Default is filed and homes seized by government entities.
Home Buyer Tax Credit
Explanation of the 2009 $8,000 home buyer tax credit. How to qualify for the home buyer tax credit.
Explanation of the 2009 $8,000 home buyer tax credit. How to qualify for the home buyer tax credit.
Molds in Your Home
Molds are a hot topic in the home buying community, especially stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes called toxic black mold. Find out what steps you should take to detect and kill black mold and other molds in your home.
Molds are a hot topic in the home buying community, especially stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes called toxic black mold. Find out what steps you should take to detect and kill black mold and other molds in your home.
Finding an agent
How to find a great real estate agent. How do you find a qualified and knowledgeable real estate agent? Here are excellent suggestions.
How to find a great real estate agent. How do you find a qualified and knowledgeable real estate agent? Here are excellent suggestions.
Close on Home
Time period to close on a home. Explanation of process and time length required to close when buying a home. Ways to speed up your home closing.
Time period to close on a home. Explanation of process and time length required to close when buying a home. Ways to speed up your home closing.
Credit Score Calculation Facts
Home buyers who are seeking a mortgage find out early-on that their credit score plays an important part in the home buying process and in determining the interest rate that a lender offers. Learn how your credit score is calculated and start taking steps to increase your scores.
Home buyers who are seeking a mortgage find out early-on that their credit score plays an important part in the home buying process and in determining the interest rate that a lender offers. Learn how your credit score is calculated and start taking steps to increase your scores.
General Warranty Deed
The definition of a general warranty deed. Real estate glossary.
The definition of a general warranty deed. Real estate glossary.
Short Sale Reasons
Reasons to choose a short sale instead of a foreclosure. Differences between short sales and foreclosures and why a short sale could be preferable to foreclosure.
Reasons to choose a short sale instead of a foreclosure. Differences between short sales and foreclosures and why a short sale could be preferable to foreclosure.
Home Offer Pricing
Criteria to use when making an offer to buy a home. Data to help determine the price to pay for a home. Factors that influence home offer prices.
Criteria to use when making an offer to buy a home. Data to help determine the price to pay for a home. Factors that influence home offer prices.
For Sale By Owner
How to sell a home as a for sale by owner, without an agent, without representation. Proven tips for marketing your home as a for sale by owner
How to sell a home as a for sale by owner, without an agent, without representation. Proven tips for marketing your home as a for sale by owner
Buying a Home Guide
Complete A to Z guide to buying a home. From figuring out what you need versus in a home to what you want, to finding an agent to help you with buying a home, cleaning up credit, finding a lender and locating that perfect home to all the final details of buying a home.
Complete A to Z guide to buying a home. From figuring out what you need versus in a home to what you want, to finding an agent to help you with buying a home, cleaning up credit, finding a lender and locating that perfect home to all the final details of buying a home.
Home Warranty
Explanation of home warranty coverage and plans. What do home warranty program protect? What is covered and what is excluded from coverage? How to ask a seller to pay for a home protection plan.
Explanation of home warranty coverage and plans. What do home warranty program protect? What is covered and what is excluded from coverage? How to ask a seller to pay for a home protection plan.
Grantor
Definition of a Grantor as it pertains to real estate. What is a Grantor? What does a Grantor Grant?
Definition of a Grantor as it pertains to real estate. What is a Grantor? What does a Grantor Grant?
Hire Real Estate Agent
Why hire a real estate agent when you can do the job yourself? Here are 10 good reasons to hire a buyer's agent or a seller's agent that you might have overlooked and not considered.
Why hire a real estate agent when you can do the job yourself? Here are 10 good reasons to hire a buyer's agent or a seller's agent that you might have overlooked and not considered.
Agent Protocol
How to keep the peace among real estate agents when home shopping. Here are the rules laid out for you. Whether you should hire a buyer's agent or buy a house without representation. How to approach agents if you aren't sure yet whom to hire. What is proper protcol? Why listing agents sometimes get mad when you call.
How to keep the peace among real estate agents when home shopping. Here are the rules laid out for you. Whether you should hire a buyer's agent or buy a house without representation. How to approach agents if you aren't sure yet whom to hire. What is proper protcol? Why listing agents sometimes get mad when you call.
Land Buying Tips
How to buy land. Land buying tips for building a new home. Benefits and drawbacks to buying land in the country. Addressing concerns before buying land will help to ensure that you can build the home you want.
How to buy land. Land buying tips for building a new home. Benefits and drawbacks to buying land in the country. Addressing concerns before buying land will help to ensure that you can build the home you want.
Negotiate Offers
Offer negotiation tips: three tried and true methods that get home sellers to say "yes" to your real estate offer, how to negotiate an offer to acceptance by using three simple tools.
Offer negotiation tips: three tried and true methods that get home sellers to say "yes" to your real estate offer, how to negotiate an offer to acceptance by using three simple tools.
Bridge Loans
Bridge loans and how they work. Why a home buyer might consider a bridge loan when buying a home and selling a home. Bridge loans are temporary financing for bridging the gap between the sales price of a home and the new mortgage.
Bridge loans and how they work. Why a home buyer might consider a bridge loan when buying a home and selling a home. Bridge loans are temporary financing for bridging the gap between the sales price of a home and the new mortgage.
Banks vs. Mortgage Brokers
If you're buying a home, chances are you'll need a mortgage, but did you know there are big differences between mortgage brokers and bank loan officers? The differences affect your home buying transaction.
If you're buying a home, chances are you'll need a mortgage, but did you know there are big differences between mortgage brokers and bank loan officers? The differences affect your home buying transaction.
Deficiency Judgments
Definition of deficiency judgment. How deficiency judgments are obtained after a foreclosure or a short sale. Collection attempts for a deficiency judgment.
Definition of deficiency judgment. How deficiency judgments are obtained after a foreclosure or a short sale. Collection attempts for a deficiency judgment.
Cancel Purchase Contract
How to cancel a purchase agreement, listing, buyer's broker agreement or real estate contract
How to cancel a purchase agreement, listing, buyer's broker agreement or real estate contract
Counter Offers
What are real estate counter offers and how many times do sellers and home buyers bicker back and forth? How are counter offers rejected and accepted? What are normal procedures for counter offers and multiple counters?
What are real estate counter offers and how many times do sellers and home buyers bicker back and forth? How are counter offers rejected and accepted? What are normal procedures for counter offers and multiple counters?
Improving Your Credit Scores
Most increases to your credit scores take place over time and require an ongoing effort from you, but in order to increase your scores you must understand the factors that drive them up and down. Use these tips and techniques to start improving your credit scores today.
Most increases to your credit scores take place over time and require an ongoing effort from you, but in order to increase your scores you must understand the factors that drive them up and down. Use these tips and techniques to start improving your credit scores today.
Closet Organizational Tips
Extra storage is always a plus, whether you are selling a home or staying there yourself. If you are selling, consider that well designed closets attract home buyers and help you stay organized while the home is still yours. Use these tips to maximize your closet potential.
Extra storage is always a plus, whether you are selling a home or staying there yourself. If you are selling, consider that well designed closets attract home buyers and help you stay organized while the home is still yours. Use these tips to maximize your closet potential.
Low Appraisals
Both sellers and buyers can get blindsided by low appraisals. If an appraisal comes in low, here are available options. A low appraisal doesn't mean the transaction will blow up. You can still close and salvage the deal.
Both sellers and buyers can get blindsided by low appraisals. If an appraisal comes in low, here are available options. A low appraisal doesn't mean the transaction will blow up. You can still close and salvage the deal.
After Buying-Things to Buy
After you buy a home, here is a budget for things you will need to buy to stock the home. Many new home owners don't think about the hidden costs of home ownership or what they will need to buy after closing.
After you buy a home, here is a budget for things you will need to buy to stock the home. Many new home owners don't think about the hidden costs of home ownership or what they will need to buy after closing.
Lowball Offers
How to make a lowball offer that is not insulting to the seller. Tips on getting lowball offers accepted.
How to make a lowball offer that is not insulting to the seller. Tips on getting lowball offers accepted.
Mortgage Loan Types
Mortgage loan types. Differences among conventional, FHA and VA mortgage loan types. Interest Only Mortgages, Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Types, Fixed-Rate Mortgages, Combo / Piggyback Loans, HELOC, home equity, reverse mortgages and bridge loans.
Mortgage loan types. Differences among conventional, FHA and VA mortgage loan types. Interest Only Mortgages, Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Types, Fixed-Rate Mortgages, Combo / Piggyback Loans, HELOC, home equity, reverse mortgages and bridge loans.
EIFS, Synthetic Stucco
EIFS, also called synthetic stucco, is under fire for promoting moisture retention that can lead to structural problems. Find out why this happens and what you can do if your home is affected.
EIFS, also called synthetic stucco, is under fire for promoting moisture retention that can lead to structural problems. Find out why this happens and what you can do if your home is affected.
Listing agreements
Types of real estate listing agreements: Exclusive Right-to-Sell, Exclusive Agency and Open listings. Length of time to list, how to exclude buyers from the agreement, whether you can cancel the listing.
Types of real estate listing agreements: Exclusive Right-to-Sell, Exclusive Agency and Open listings. Length of time to list, how to exclude buyers from the agreement, whether you can cancel the listing.
Real Estate Agent Income
Real estate agent potential income and the average amount of money real estate agents earn.
Real estate agent potential income and the average amount of money real estate agents earn.
REO Tips
Tips for buying REO homes. How to get REO offers accepted on foreclosed homes, especially in multiple-offer situations.
Tips for buying REO homes. How to get REO offers accepted on foreclosed homes, especially in multiple-offer situations.
Cash for Keys
Definition of cash for keys, including explanation of tenant's rights under foreclosure and how some how some homeowners can avoid eviction during the foreclosure process.
Definition of cash for keys, including explanation of tenant's rights under foreclosure and how some how some homeowners can avoid eviction during the foreclosure process.
Buying Again After Foreclosure
After a short sale or foreclosure, how long must you wait before you can buy a home again? These Fannie Mae guidelines set forth the waiting period for home buying after a foreclosure, short sale or deed-in-lieu-of.
After a short sale or foreclosure, how long must you wait before you can buy a home again? These Fannie Mae guidelines set forth the waiting period for home buying after a foreclosure, short sale or deed-in-lieu-of.
Auction As-Is Sales
The condition of homes puchased at auctions or trustee sales. What can a buyer expect and prepare for when buying a home without an inspection.
The condition of homes puchased at auctions or trustee sales. What can a buyer expect and prepare for when buying a home without an inspection.
Tips for Buying a New Home
Tips for buying a new home from a builder. What rights do buyers have when purchasing new construction? Is it wise to use the builder's agent and lender? Precautionary steps new home buyers can take to ensure the neighborhood will sustain its value and the buyer's investment is protected.
Tips for buying a new home from a builder. What rights do buyers have when purchasing new construction? Is it wise to use the builder's agent and lender? Precautionary steps new home buyers can take to ensure the neighborhood will sustain its value and the buyer's investment is protected.
Contract Contingencies
Common purchase contract contingencies to use when buying a home. How to make a contract contingent on appraisal, loan and approval of inspections.
Common purchase contract contingencies to use when buying a home. How to make a contract contingent on appraisal, loan and approval of inspections.
Facts About Radon Gas
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that can seep into your home. Most home buyers perform radon tests before buying a home because high radon levels can potentially cause health problems. Get the facts about radon tests and learn what to do if levels are high.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that can seep into your home. Most home buyers perform radon tests before buying a home because high radon levels can potentially cause health problems. Get the facts about radon tests and learn what to do if levels are high.
Repairs Before Selling
Which remodeling jobs pay back big at resale? Here is how to invest your repair and home improvement dollars to get the most bang for your buck. Whether you're fixing up a home for resale or personal enjoyment, spending the right dollars in the right rooms will return rewards.
Which remodeling jobs pay back big at resale? Here is how to invest your repair and home improvement dollars to get the most bang for your buck. Whether you're fixing up a home for resale or personal enjoyment, spending the right dollars in the right rooms will return rewards.
Land Contract Home Sales
How to sell your home on a land contract. Tips for putting your home up for sale on a land contract; negotiating land contract terms, protecting seller's rights under a land contract and making your land contract saleable on the secondary market.
How to sell your home on a land contract. Tips for putting your home up for sale on a land contract; negotiating land contract terms, protecting seller's rights under a land contract and making your land contract saleable on the secondary market.
Down Payment to Buy Home
How to get a down payment, apart from holding up a liquor store. Legal ways to find the cash to put down on a home. How much is required for a down payment? How much do you need to put down? If you have good credit, it's zero!
How to get a down payment, apart from holding up a liquor store. Legal ways to find the cash to put down on a home. How much is required for a down payment? How much do you need to put down? If you have good credit, it's zero!
Best Places to Live
How to choose the best place to live. If you could live anywhere in the United States, which places would you choose that are best for you? Here's how to help you decide where you would love to live.
How to choose the best place to live. If you could live anywhere in the United States, which places would you choose that are best for you? Here's how to help you decide where you would love to live.
Lowball Offer Mistakes
Top 5 mistakes buyers make when writing lowball offers. Why sellers reject lowball offers. How to avoid making mistakes when writing a lowball offer.
Top 5 mistakes buyers make when writing lowball offers. Why sellers reject lowball offers. How to avoid making mistakes when writing a lowball offer.
Find Right Home
You can cut down on the red tape and save a lot of time if you stop to figure out what you might want to buy before searching for a home. Here are all the questions you need to answer upfront (and agree upon among all the home buyers) to define your objectives.
You can cut down on the red tape and save a lot of time if you stop to figure out what you might want to buy before searching for a home. Here are all the questions you need to answer upfront (and agree upon among all the home buyers) to define your objectives.
Correct Credit Reports
You just discovered errors on your credit report, or even worse, accurate references to late payments or other issues that affect your credit scores and reports. Take a few deep breaths and try to stay calm, because credit report errors can be fixed--and without help from companies that promise to repair your credit.
You just discovered errors on your credit report, or even worse, accurate references to late payments or other issues that affect your credit scores and reports. Take a few deep breaths and try to stay calm, because credit report errors can be fixed--and without help from companies that promise to repair your credit.
Septic System Maintenance
Taking care of a septic tank and septic system isn't difficult, because modern waste removal systems function efficiently when you follow a few basic guidelines. Here are some tips to help you take care of your septic system.
Taking care of a septic tank and septic system isn't difficult, because modern waste removal systems function efficiently when you follow a few basic guidelines. Here are some tips to help you take care of your septic system.
Why Buy Overpriced
When other buyers thumb noses at dated inventory, savvy home buyers can profit by considering homes that have been on the market longer than 30 days. When a home doesn't sell, it's not always a case of "something wrong" with the home.
When other buyers thumb noses at dated inventory, savvy home buyers can profit by considering homes that have been on the market longer than 30 days. When a home doesn't sell, it's not always a case of "something wrong" with the home.
Pricing a Short Sale
How to figure out how much your short sale home is worth on the market. Pricing your short sale home to sell and at a price acceptable to your lender.
How to figure out how much your short sale home is worth on the market. Pricing your short sale home to sell and at a price acceptable to your lender.
Short Sale
Definition of a short sale
Definition of a short sale
Making Offers on a Home
How much to offer to buy a home. Making offers on a home, how much is too much and how much is too little to offer. Tips for figuring out a reasonable price to offer a home seller.
How much to offer to buy a home. Making offers on a home, how much is too much and how much is too little to offer. Tips for figuring out a reasonable price to offer a home seller.
Best Day to Buy a Home
If you could pick any day of the year to buy a home, which day is best? Under what conditions are sellers most likely to sign a low offer? On which days can you get the best deal of the year? How the pros often make a killing in the real estate market.
If you could pick any day of the year to buy a home, which day is best? Under what conditions are sellers most likely to sign a low offer? On which days can you get the best deal of the year? How the pros often make a killing in the real estate market.
Step By Step Home Buying
You'll feel more confident about your home buying journey when you understand what is required of you and every other person who is involved in the transaction. This guide takes you through it, and shows you that you're only 11 steps away from buying a home.
You'll feel more confident about your home buying journey when you understand what is required of you and every other person who is involved in the transaction. This guide takes you through it, and shows you that you're only 11 steps away from buying a home.
Owner Financing
Owner financing, using seller financing to buy a home. Types of owner financing and creative financing instruments. How to negotiate owner-financed real estate sales.
Owner financing, using seller financing to buy a home. Types of owner financing and creative financing instruments. How to negotiate owner-financed real estate sales.
Blunders
How to avoid messing up your real estate transaction. Here are common deal busters that agents often forget to warn buyers about.
How to avoid messing up your real estate transaction. Here are common deal busters that agents often forget to warn buyers about.
Modular Homes FAQ
If you think a modular home is the same as a manufactured home, take a closer look. Modular homes and manufactured homes are two completely different types of structures. Learn the similarities and differences before you get too far in your home buying journey.
If you think a modular home is the same as a manufactured home, take a closer look. Modular homes and manufactured homes are two completely different types of structures. Learn the similarities and differences before you get too far in your home buying journey.
Grantee
Definition of a Grantee as it pertains to real estate.
Definition of a Grantee as it pertains to real estate.
Short Sale Profits
Who wins on a short sale? Do sellers benefit from selling homes on short sales? Who profits from short sales? Are short sales better than foreclosures for a seller?
Who wins on a short sale? Do sellers benefit from selling homes on short sales? Who profits from short sales? Are short sales better than foreclosures for a seller?
Comparative Market Analysis
Definition of comparative market analysis (CMA) and how to interpret a CMA. Explanation of elements in a comparative market analysis. Understanding comparable sale numbers. Adjusting for variances between non-similar homes and the subject property.
Definition of comparative market analysis (CMA) and how to interpret a CMA. Explanation of elements in a comparative market analysis. Understanding comparable sale numbers. Adjusting for variances between non-similar homes and the subject property.
Short Sales - Foreclosures
Tips for sellers facing foreclosure, including short sales. Basics for home buyers or investors buying short sales and homes in foreclosure.
Tips for sellers facing foreclosure, including short sales. Basics for home buyers or investors buying short sales and homes in foreclosure.
Buyer's Broker Agreements
Buyer's broker agreements, authorization to represent buyers, types of buyer listing agreements, terms, conditions and duration.
Buyer's broker agreements, authorization to represent buyers, types of buyer listing agreements, terms, conditions and duration.
Junction Box
Definition of junction box. Installing electrical junction box.
Definition of junction box. Installing electrical junction box.
Home Marketing
Top 10 marketing tips that are designed to sell your home faster and for more money, regardless of whether it's a buyer's or a seller's market.
Top 10 marketing tips that are designed to sell your home faster and for more money, regardless of whether it's a buyer's or a seller's market.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
If you're in the home buying mode, you might be thinking about a bi-weekly mortgage payment plan, wondering if it can help you pay off your mortgage more quickly. Here's an explanation of how a bi-weekly mortgage payment plan works, plus tips about other methods you can use to reduce your interest expense and pay off your home loan in a much shorter time.
If you're in the home buying mode, you might be thinking about a bi-weekly mortgage payment plan, wondering if it can help you pay off your mortgage more quickly. Here's an explanation of how a bi-weekly mortgage payment plan works, plus tips about other methods you can use to reduce your interest expense and pay off your home loan in a much shorter time.
2009 Real Estate Predictions
Real estate prediction and forecast for 2009. What's in store for banks, title and escrow, real estate companies, and home buyers and sellers for 2009.
Real estate prediction and forecast for 2009. What's in store for banks, title and escrow, real estate companies, and home buyers and sellers for 2009.
Bad Home Layouts
What constitutes a good home layout? How to spot trouble layouts before buying a home. What types of layout turn-off home buyers and cost sellers potential profit? How can you avoid buying a home with a bad layout?
What constitutes a good home layout? How to spot trouble layouts before buying a home. What types of layout turn-off home buyers and cost sellers potential profit? How can you avoid buying a home with a bad layout?
Hiring Buyer's Agents
Should you sign a buyer's broker agreement? Should buying agents show homes to buy without a signed buyer's broker agreement? Advantages and pitfalls to working exclusively with a buyer's agent.
Should you sign a buyer's broker agreement? Should buying agents show homes to buy without a signed buyer's broker agreement? Advantages and pitfalls to working exclusively with a buyer's agent.
Streamlined 203K Loans
How to get an FHA Streamlined 203K loan when buying a fixer. Benefits to a Streamlined 203K loan over a 203K FHA loan. How to apply for a Streamlinde 203K loan to fix up a house you are buying and roll the costs into your mortgage.
How to get an FHA Streamlined 203K loan when buying a fixer. Benefits to a Streamlined 203K loan over a 203K FHA loan. How to apply for a Streamlinde 203K loan to fix up a house you are buying and roll the costs into your mortgage.
Buy or Rent
Not everybody should buy a home. Some potential home buyers should rent and not buy. How can you tell when it's time to buy? Which factors could make renting a better option?
Not everybody should buy a home. Some potential home buyers should rent and not buy. How can you tell when it's time to buy? Which factors could make renting a better option?
Paying Cash to Buy Homes
Advantages and benefits to paying cash for a home. Ways to beat out other non-cash offers. Why a home seller prefers cash.
Advantages and benefits to paying cash for a home. Ways to beat out other non-cash offers. Why a home seller prefers cash.
Home Buying Questions
Here's a list of questions you need answers on before buying a home. Home buying questions to ask your agent or the seller before writing that offer to buy a home.
Here's a list of questions you need answers on before buying a home. Home buying questions to ask your agent or the seller before writing that offer to buy a home.
How To Sell a Time-Share
Selling a time-share usually isn't easy, but there are some things you can do to help make sure your unit is one that can be marked "sold." Use these tips to sell your time-share.
Selling a time-share usually isn't easy, but there are some things you can do to help make sure your unit is one that can be marked "sold." Use these tips to sell your time-share.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
An adjustable rate mortgage, called an ARM for short, offers home buyers lower initial interest rates, but the lower rates are not guaranteed for the length of the loan. Learn how ARMs work and when an adjustable rate mortgage might be your best option for a home loan.
An adjustable rate mortgage, called an ARM for short, offers home buyers lower initial interest rates, but the lower rates are not guaranteed for the length of the loan. Learn how ARMs work and when an adjustable rate mortgage might be your best option for a home loan.
Walk Away From Home
Home owners who walk away from a home and let their mortgages go into default. Alternatives to walking away from your home and ways to stop foreclosure.
Home owners who walk away from a home and let their mortgages go into default. Alternatives to walking away from your home and ways to stop foreclosure.
Short Sale Ruins Credit
Will a short sale ruin your credit rating? What is better: a short sale or a foreclosure? Length of time before a home owner can buy another home after a short sale or foreclosure.
Will a short sale ruin your credit rating? What is better: a short sale or a foreclosure? Length of time before a home owner can buy another home after a short sale or foreclosure.
Negotiate Commissions
How are real estate commissions negotiated? What's fair? What's open for debate and discussion? Why should you negotiate? Why would an agent negotiate real estate commissions with you?
How are real estate commissions negotiated? What's fair? What's open for debate and discussion? Why should you negotiate? Why would an agent negotiate real estate commissions with you?
Foreclosures, Short Sales, REO
Foreclosures, short sales and REOs: differences. Buying distressed properties under market value. Which is more profitable for a buyer -- short sales, foreclosures or real-estate-owned (REO's)? How CA law affects foreclosure sales.
Foreclosures, short sales and REOs: differences. Buying distressed properties under market value. Which is more profitable for a buyer -- short sales, foreclosures or real-estate-owned (REO's)? How CA law affects foreclosure sales.
Foreclosure Basics
Three basic types of foreclosures. Explanation of pre-foreclosure, foreclosure and post-foreclosures. How to determine the type of foreclosure before writing a purchase offer.
Three basic types of foreclosures. Explanation of pre-foreclosure, foreclosure and post-foreclosures. How to determine the type of foreclosure before writing a purchase offer.
Disclosures & Material Facts
Homebuyers are entitled to seller disclosures and to hear all material facts. As a home seller, what do you need to disclose? Are deaths on the property required disclosures? Do you need to disclose recent repairs?
Homebuyers are entitled to seller disclosures and to hear all material facts. As a home seller, what do you need to disclose? Are deaths on the property required disclosures? Do you need to disclose recent repairs?
Buying REO foreclosures
How to buy a foreclosures / REOs from the bank. Negotiating offers for bank owned homes. Difference between REO homes and short sales. Hiring an agent to buy REOs.
How to buy a foreclosures / REOs from the bank. Negotiating offers for bank owned homes. Difference between REO homes and short sales. Hiring an agent to buy REOs.
Downpayment Gift Assistance
Downpayment gift or grant assistance programs help home buyers close on a home by providing funds for downpayment and closing costs. Find out how they work and how you can take advantage of a gift assistance program.
Downpayment gift or grant assistance programs help home buyers close on a home by providing funds for downpayment and closing costs. Find out how they work and how you can take advantage of a gift assistance program.
Short Sale Mistakes
Top 7 mistakes made by short sale sellers, and why some short sales are doomed from the start.
Top 7 mistakes made by short sale sellers, and why some short sales are doomed from the start.
Contingent Contracts
How to write a purchase contract contingent on your home selling. What happens if your home doesn't sell? Enforcing the First Right of Refusal. Decisions buyers face when sellers issue a Notice to Perform. How sellers can knock a buyer out of a contingent contract. Protection clauses for both parties.
How to write a purchase contract contingent on your home selling. What happens if your home doesn't sell? Enforcing the First Right of Refusal. Decisions buyers face when sellers issue a Notice to Perform. How sellers can knock a buyer out of a contingent contract. Protection clauses for both parties.
Kitchen Remodel
Step-by-step instructions on how to remodel a kitchen, from tearing out a kitchen, to hanging drywall, replacing electrical and plumbing, to installing new kitchen cabinets and appliances. Complete A to Z kitchen remodeling project.
Step-by-step instructions on how to remodel a kitchen, from tearing out a kitchen, to hanging drywall, replacing electrical and plumbing, to installing new kitchen cabinets and appliances. Complete A to Z kitchen remodeling project.
How to Improve Curb Appeal
If you're selling a home, one of the first things you should do is improve its curb appeal. Use these curb appeal tips to attract potential home buyers from the moment they step out of their car.
If you're selling a home, one of the first things you should do is improve its curb appeal. Use these curb appeal tips to attract potential home buyers from the moment they step out of their car.
Short Sale Myths
Popular myths about short sales. Top 5 misconceptions about a short sale. Why agents, sellers and buyers don't understand how a short sale works and believe the myths they hear.
Popular myths about short sales. Top 5 misconceptions about a short sale. Why agents, sellers and buyers don't understand how a short sale works and believe the myths they hear.
MLS - What is MLS?
MLS stands for multiple listing service. Definition of MLS. Suggestions for MLS home searches. How to find MLS listings in your area.
MLS stands for multiple listing service. Definition of MLS. Suggestions for MLS home searches. How to find MLS listings in your area.
Why Isn't My Home Selling
How to figure out why your home isn't selling and fix the problem so your home sells. There are a lot of reasons why a home doesn't sell apart from price.
How to figure out why your home isn't selling and fix the problem so your home sells. There are a lot of reasons why a home doesn't sell apart from price.
HUD Foreclosures
Learn how to buy a HUD foreclosure. HUD foreclosures are available throughout the US. This guide will help you understand the sales process you must use if you want to buy a foreclosure from HUD.
Learn how to buy a HUD foreclosure. HUD foreclosures are available throughout the US. This guide will help you understand the sales process you must use if you want to buy a foreclosure from HUD.
Short Sale Loans
Doing short sales when two loans are secured to the property. How to handle dual short sale mortgage loans. Negotiating with first- and second-position lenders for short sales.
Doing short sales when two loans are secured to the property. How to handle dual short sale mortgage loans. Negotiating with first- and second-position lenders for short sales.
Protect Privacy
Are your secrets safe? Before a home goes on the market and home buyers start to traipse through, savvy sellers will hide confidential information. Even so, you might be astonished to learn what home buyers can figure out about you.
Are your secrets safe? Before a home goes on the market and home buyers start to traipse through, savvy sellers will hide confidential information. Even so, you might be astonished to learn what home buyers can figure out about you.
VA Home Loans
If you are buying a home, and have served in the US Armed Services, you might quality for a VA home loan. It's a good program for members of our Armed Forces. Learn more about it here.
If you are buying a home, and have served in the US Armed Services, you might quality for a VA home loan. It's a good program for members of our Armed Forces. Learn more about it here.
Home Selling Path
Home selling path from A to Z. Simple steps for home sellers, from choosing a sales price to closing. Complete path to selling a home in easy-to-understand terms.
Home selling path from A to Z. Simple steps for home sellers, from choosing a sales price to closing. Complete path to selling a home in easy-to-understand terms.
Negotiate Short Sales
How to negotiate with banks on a short sale. Tips for getting the bank to accept a short sale offer.
How to negotiate with banks on a short sale. Tips for getting the bank to accept a short sale offer.
Mortgage Buydowns
How buying down the interest rate gives buyers lower monthly mortgage payments. Mortgage buydowns such as 1-2-3 Buydowns or 2-1 Buydowns allow home buyers to qualify for loans that might otherwise be out of their financial reach.
How buying down the interest rate gives buyers lower monthly mortgage payments. Mortgage buydowns such as 1-2-3 Buydowns or 2-1 Buydowns allow home buyers to qualify for loans that might otherwise be out of their financial reach.
Passing Your Home Inspection
Nearly all home buyers hire a professional home inspector to inspect your home before they go to closing and there are several home inspection hot-spots that worry buyers the most. Get your house ready for a home inspection by taking care of these issues before you put the house on the market.
Nearly all home buyers hire a professional home inspector to inspect your home before they go to closing and there are several home inspection hot-spots that worry buyers the most. Get your house ready for a home inspection by taking care of these issues before you put the house on the market.
Mortgage Interest
How to figure mortgage interest on your home loan. Computing simple or mortgage interest. Determining the unpaid principal balance on your amortized loan, the monthly interest amount and the daily interest charged.
How to figure mortgage interest on your home loan. Computing simple or mortgage interest. Determining the unpaid principal balance on your amortized loan, the monthly interest amount and the daily interest charged.
Get Mortgage
All about lending institutions that make real estate loans. The differences among mortgage lenders such as mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, banks, savings and loans and credit unions.
All about lending institutions that make real estate loans. The differences among mortgage lenders such as mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, banks, savings and loans and credit unions.
Refinance Mortgages
Tips to consider before doing a mortgage loan refinance. How to recoup mortgage loan refinance costs, comparing rolling costs into the loan and scrutinizing amortization periods to accelerate loan payoffs. The drawbacks to refinancing that a lender won't tell you.
Tips to consider before doing a mortgage loan refinance. How to recoup mortgage loan refinance costs, comparing rolling costs into the loan and scrutinizing amortization periods to accelerate loan payoffs. The drawbacks to refinancing that a lender won't tell you.