Latest Articles About Buying a Home

What does 'pending' mean in real estate?

"Pending" is a label the real estate industry uses to signify that a home sale is nearly complete.

How to find out who owns a property

If you want to purchase a home that's not for sale, inquire about vacant land, or even learn more about the history of your own home, searching public records for ownership can be your greatest tool.

What to consider when building a house versus buying

According to the National Association of Home Builders, the median price of an existing home is nearly the same today as a new home. This means that deciding between options no longer comes down to just what you can afford.

The pros and cons of writing a house offer 'love letter'

Some people like to attach a “love letter” as part of their offer to buy a house, to try to set their bid apart from competitors'. However, the National Association of Realtors advises caution, citing the potential for fair housing issues.

The pros and cons of buying a condo instead of a starter house

Condos are a good entry point for first-time buyers, according to Nicole Rueth, a mortgage lender in Colorado, especially for those buying in big cities where prices are high and there's a limited supply of housing options.

How to find a home for sale before anyone else does

The United States has a significant housing shortage that, for now, shows little end in sight, creating intense competition among buyers looking for the perfect property. For some buyers, the only real shot at finding a home to purchase means striking before it hits the market.

Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages

If you’re financing your home purchase, you have a variety of options when it comes to customizing your loan. One choice is how you’ll pay off the mortgage and interest — either at a fixed or variable rate.

How big should your down payment be? Hint: It doesn't have to be 20%.

A down payment is when you pay a fraction of the cost of a home upfront and take out a loan to cover the rest.

How to make your offer for a home stand out from everyone else's

A nationwide shortage of listings has created intense competition among buyers — many of whom will be submitting offers to purchase the same small pool of properties in a given community. It's commonplace for homebuyers to see their offers rejected a dozen times because someone else has put forth a stronger purchase package.

The do’s and don’ts of buying land

Buying land presents an investment opportunity and a blank slate to get creative, but proceed with caution if you intend to build a house on it. This is especially true if the land is not in a residential subdivision, because a developer is not preparing the site for construction. That said ...