Home Buying Articles and Advice

Benefits of Owning Your Own Home

The Best Investment

Income Tax Savings

Stable Monthly Housing Costs

Freedom and Individuality

Important Things To Avoid Before Buying a Home

Don't Move Money Around

The Effect of Changing Jobs

No Major Purchases of Any Kind

Don't Buy a Car - or Did You Already Buy One?

When Income Grows and You Want to Buy "Stuff"

Debt-to-Income Ratios and Car Payments

How Buying a Car Reduces Your Purchase Price

The Business Cycle and Buying a Home

Recession and Expansion

Supply and Demand

Should You Try to "Time the Market"?

Comparable Sales and Your Offer Price

Determining Your Offer Price

Comparable Sales in the Public Record

Comparable Sales in the Multiple Listing Service

Comparable Sales - Pending Transactions

Other Factors Influencing Your Offer Price

Major Factors Influencing your Offer Price

How Property Condition Affects Your Offer

How Home Improvements Affect Your Offer

How Market Conditions Affect Your Offer

How Seller Motivation Affects Your Offer

The Final Decision on Your Offer Price

Offering to Purchase Real Estate- the Basics

Introduction and Overview

Contingencies in a Purchase Offer

Earnest Money Deposit

The Closing Date

Transfer of Possession

Writing an Offer - Safeguards Regarding the Property

Disclosures From the Seller

Condition of the Property Upon Transfer

Inspections You Should Require

Final Walk-Through Inspection

How Financing Details Affect Your Offer

Closing Costs and Financing Incentives

Seller Financing

Other Financing Details in Your Offer

How FHA and VA Financing Affects Your Offer

Extra Costs for the Seller

VA and FHA Appraisals

Selecting Service Providers

You and the Seller Must Agree

Escrow and Settlement

Title Insurance

Termite and Pest Inspection

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