Buying a Home

When to offer less than a home's list price

Consider recent sales, home condition and other factors.

How to terminate a buyer's agent agreement

A step-by-step walkthrough of the mutual release process, commission obligations and what your contract requires.

Retired? Qualifying for a mortgage may be easier than you think.

Income, savings and debt matter more than age when applying for a loan.

What is a nonconforming mortgage? Here’s why you should be cautious of it.

These loans can make a purchase possible — but often by allowing buyers to take on more financial risk than standard borrowing permits.

Should you buy a home in a subdivision?

Fees, rules and resale value all shape the trade-off in planned communities.

Things to consider before applying for a mortgage loan

What to check before you start the process.

What is a co-op and how does it work?

Understand share-based ownership, board approvals, financing options and maintenance costs before you purchase.

What is a brokerage agreement for buying real estate?

How the contract works, when to sign and which terms to check first.

Five ways to determine if your potential new neighborhood is safe

Crime statistics, vacant properties and residents can shed light on whether to buy in the area.

Mortgage 101: Understanding your monthly mortgage payment

What goes into your loan bill and how to estimate it.