Buying a home is often the biggest single purchase you’ll ever make. But it isn’t just choosing a home to buy that’s complicated. You’ve got to think through neighborhood issues, size issues, and cost issues. Buying a home can also include legal issues, construction or building concerns, and have serious tax implications. Financing your home purchase is another big topic of interest for most home buyers. From this topic page, you’ll be able to find articles and videos that help you understand how to balance what you want in a home with what you can afford to spend. You’ll also be able to refine your search about buying a home by using the topic cloud on the right navigation.
Figuring Out What You Want In A Home
By Ilyce Glink| 2007-12-04T06:03:32-06:00 December 4th, 2007|
Before you buy a home you should figure out what you want. If you have been renting for a while you have some idea of what has worked for you and what hasn't. Make a wish list for what you want in a home so you can be a successful home buyer.
Women in Real Estate
By Ilyce Glink| 2007-12-03T20:52:56-06:00 December 3rd, 2007|
If you're a single woman and debating whether to become a home buyer you're not alone. It's no longer unusual for women to buy homes by themselves. Still, it's good to be prepared for the possibility of discrimination when you are buying a home.
Buying Vs. Renting
By Ilyce Glink| 2007-12-02T23:37:44-06:00 December 2nd, 2007|
When you are thinking about becoming a home buyer, it's always good to run the numbers. A long-term renter can easily justify buying a home when he considers the total amount that he spends in rent over many years. Buying a home is a wise financial decision when you can afford it.
Reasons To Buy A Home
By Ilyce Glink| 2007-12-02T00:07:58-06:00 December 2nd, 2007|
If you're not sure whether to buy a home, consider some of the reasons that most home buyers give. People buy homes as investments, to save for their futures, to accomplish the American dream. Once you have saved for down payment and made the emotional commitment you're ready to buy your first home.
Are You Ready To Buy A Home?
By Ilyce Glink| 2007-11-30T00:42:01-06:00 November 30th, 2007|
Before you call a real estate agent, before you make buying your first home a goal, it's important to get educated. Home buying is both exciting and daunting. To help you evaluate whether you are ready to become a home buyer ask yourself some key questions.
Down Payment: Creative Ways To Get Money
By Ilyce Glink| 2007-11-30T00:00:00-06:00 November 30th, 2007|
When you're a first time home buyer you may not have enough money for a down payment. While you can buy a home with a small down payment, you may have to then pay PMI. How can you find more money for a down payment? To get down payment assistance you can borrow from a 401k, use IRA money, or get help from friends and family. Down payment assistance may also be available from your community.
Home Repairs Unfinished At Closing
By GlinkAndTamkin| 2007-11-27T00:00:00-06:00 November 27th, 2007|
Home repairs that are unfinished at the time of closing can create a world of problems for a home buyer. If you're the home buyer, you can try to use a hold back of funds to cover the cost of repairs. Or you should consult an attorney for advice about your contract and whether you can sue the seller over the unfinished repairs.
Inspection Contingencies Protect Homebuyers
By Ilyce Glink| 2007-11-24T00:00:00-06:00 November 24th, 2007|
An inspection contingency is an addendum to a contract that gives buyers the right to have a professional house inspector or other third party examine the property within a certain period of time after the agreement to purchase has been signed. It doesn't get you out of a deal, but a contingency inspection can ensure problems or potential problems are fixed before you move in.
Can IRA Withdrawal Be Used To Buy Home?
By Ilyce Glink| 2007-11-13T00:00:00-06:00 November 13th, 2007|
An IRA is a retirement account that typically allow people to put money in and receive a tax benefit on their federal income taxes for their contributions. At age 59 1/2, you can withdraw money from your IRA but must pay income taxes on it. In some cases, you can withdraw money from your IRA to buy a home.
Buying Tax Sale Properties
By GlinkAndTamkin| 2007-11-01T00:00:00-05:00 November 1st, 2007|
The process of obtaining title to a piece of property is very much a question of local action and laws. In essence, most local governments want to make sure they get their real estate taxes paid. When a homeowner fails to pay these taxes, the local governmental body can sell off the property to satisfy the amount due. Tax sale properties are sold by local governments so they can receive property tax due to them.