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LEARNING CENTER

Learn everything you need to know about buying a home.

Please read through the articles below to help you learn more about the home-buying process.

What Is the Average Down Payment for a Home?

What Is the Average Down Payment for a Home?

One of the biggest hurdles to homeownership is saving up the all-important down payment. It can impact how much house you can afford, what types of loans you use, and how long…

How to Know When You Should Buy a House

How to Know When You Should Buy a House

Do you enthusiastically pore over home listings on online platforms in your spare time? Is driving around looking for For Sale signs your idea of a perfect Saturday afternoon? If so, you…

Negotiating a House Price as a Buyer

Negotiating a House Price as a Buyer

Buying or selling a home often comes with some negotiation. In fact, it is expected and normal for both parties to set a price higher (seller) or make an offer lower (buyer)…

How to Get Your House Ready to Sell

How to Get Your House Ready to Sell

You’ve mastered the process of home buying, but are you ready to be a seller when it’s time to move out? Believe it or not, selling your home can be just as…

How to Determine if You Are in a Buyer’s Market or Seller’s Market

How to Determine if You Are in a Buyer’s Market or Seller’s Market

Being a savvy real estate buyer or seller requires that you know and understand the market conditions. This includes the types of homes, comparable purchase prices, and so much more. But one…

How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?

How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?

The home-buying process is exciting but can be lengthy, especially if you have a purchase fall through and have to start over. How long should you expect it to take to buy…

Buying a House without a Real Estate Agent

Buying a House without a Real Estate Agent

Working with a real estate agent can be very helpful when purchasing a house, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. But for the seasoned, experienced buyers or the newbies who want…

Buydown to Reduce Your Mortgage Interest Rate

Buydown to Reduce Your Mortgage Interest Rate

If you are buying a home, you have probably looked at all kinds of ways to reduce your monthly mortgage costs. These can include putting down a higher down payment or improving…

What to Look for in a Neighborhood When Buying a House

What to Look for in a Neighborhood When Buying a House

Evaluating a potential new home’s features is just one part of finding the perfect place to buy. You should also carefully consider the neighborhood that you will be living in to decide…

A Home Inspection Checklist

A Home Inspection Checklist

When purchasing a home, it is always a good idea to have it professionally inspected. Many lenders even require it as a condition of the loan. Home inspectors charge between $270 and…

What Is an FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium?

What Is an FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium?

FHA mortgages are great for homebuyers without a sizable down payment or with low credit. Each situation is unique and based on a combination of factors like income, credit, and the property’s…

A Home Appraisal Checklist

A Home Appraisal Checklist

Searching for and finding the perfect new home is just one step of the home-buying process. Once you find the perfect home and have a sales contract, it is time to actually…

How Much Do I Need for a House Down Payment?

One of the first hurdles that potential homeowners must overcome is saving up a down payment. It can take years, depending on the home prices in your area and how much you…

Do I Need a Realtor to Buy a House?

Do I Need a Realtor to Buy a House?

When you are ready to make a new home purchase, the first thing to consider is who you want on your team. A Realtor or real estate agent can be your advocate…

How to Buy a House with No Money Down

How to Buy a House with No Money Down

Do you dream of homeownership but can’t come up with the required down payment? Don’t worry. You may be eligible for a no money down mortgage. Some come with stipulations and others…

Popular Loans for Buying a Home

Popular Loans for Buying a Home

Finding a great deal on your home purchase requires that you understand the different types of home loans available. Here are popular mortgage products and who can use them. Conventional Loan: This…

What You Need to Know About Cosigning a Mortgage

What You Need to Know About Cosigning a Mortgage

If your credit, debt, or income is keeping you from buying a house, you may be tempted to have another person in a more stable financial position help with your loan application.…

How Much Income Do I Need to Buy a House?

How Much Income Do I Need to Buy a House?

Homeownership is not just for the ultra wealthy. While income is an important factor when buying a house, knowing exactly how much you need to earn is not as simple. Most people…

Should I Buy or Rent?

Should I Buy or Rent?

The biggest question those considering homeownership need to answer is simple: Should I buy or rent my home? Here is a look at the pros and cons of each. Buying Pros: Your…

Understanding an Appraisal Contingency

Understanding an Appraisal Contingency

When buying a new home, you have the chance to put in a number of contingencies to the purchase contract to protect you during the process. A contingency is a condition that…

Finding the Right Location to Buy a Home

Finding the Right Location to Buy a Home

They say that buying a home is all about location, location, location. But what if you do not know what location is right for you? Here are a few factors to consider…

Expenses First Time Home Buyers Need to Save For

Expenses First Time Home Buyers Need to Save For

If you are getting ready to purchase your first home, there are a few expenses that you need to prepare for before getting to the final closing table. Some are even required…

5 Strategies to Save for a Home

5 Strategies to Save for a Home

Buying a home is a big purchase, one that takes time to save up to afford. Many homebuyers use a mortgage to finance the majority of the cost but still need to…

How to Get Preapproved for a Mortgage

How to Get Preapproved for a Mortgage

Before you begin your new home search, talk to a lender about getting preapproved for a mortgage. This important step can save you time in negotiations and keep your search on target…

Understanding Cash to Close

Understanding Cash to Close

If you have received your Closing Disclosure from your lender, you are almost done with your home-buying journey. The Closing Disclosure, provided at least three full days before closing when you sign…

First-Time Homebuyer’s Checklist

First-Time Homebuyer’s Checklist

Ready to purchase your first home? Use this easy-to-follow checklist to navigate the path to home ownership. Determine Your Budget: It’s best to determine how much house you can afford early in…

A Step-by-Step Guide to Shopping for a New Home

A Step-by-Step Guide to Shopping for a New Home

Whether this is your first or tenth home purchase, shopping for a new home is an exciting time. It can also be a stressful and lengthy process. This guide can help you…

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