Real Estate

Articles on commercial real estate listings, property investing, agent and sales.

Geting Started

• How do I know if I'm ready to buy a home?
• How do I begin the process of buying a home?
• How does purchasing a home compare with renting?
• How does the lender decide the maximum loan amount that I can afford?
• How do I select the right real estate agent?

Finding Your Home

• How can I determine my housing needs before I begin the search?
• What should I look for when deciding on a community?
• How can I find out about local schools?
• How can I find out about community resources?
• Real estate price in different communities and neighborhoods
• How can I find information on the property tax liability?
• What other tax issues should I take into consideration?
• Is an older home a better value than a new one?
• What should I look for when walking through a home?
• How can I keep track of all the homes i see?
• How many homes should I consider before choosing one?

You've Found It

• What does a home inspector do and how does an inspection figure into the purchase of a home?
• Do I need to be there for the home inspection?
• Are other types of inspections required?
• How can I protect my family from lead in the home?
• Are power lines a health hazard?
• Do I need a lawyer to buy a home?
• Do I really need homeowner's insurance?

First Steps

• What steps could I take to lower my homeowner's insurance costs?
• Is the home located in a flood plain?
• What other issues should I consider before I buy my home?
• How do I make an offer?
• How do I determine the initial offer?
• What is earnest money? How much should I set aside?
• What are Home Warranties, and should I consider them?

General Financing Questions: The Basics

• What is a mortgage?
• What is a Loan To Value LTV Ration? How does it determine the size of the loan?
• What types of loans are available and what are the advantages of each?
• What are the advantages of 15 and 30 year loan terms?
• Can I pay off my loan ahead of schedule?
• Are there special mortgages for first-time homebuyers?
• How large of a down payment do i need?
• What is included in a monthly mortgage payment?
• What factors affect mortgage payments?
• How does the interest rate factor in securing a mortgage loan?
• What happens if interest rate decrease and I have a fixed rate loan?
• What are Discount Points?
• What is an Escrow Account? Do I need one?
• How do I choose the right lender for me?
• How can I find out information about my credit history?
• What if I find a mistake in my credit history?
• What is a credit bureau score and how do lenders use them?
• How can I improve my credit score?

Finding The Right Loan For You

• How do I choose the best loan program for me?
• What is the best way to compare loan terms between lenders?
• Are there any costs or fees associated with the loan origination process?
• What is RESPA?
• What is a good faith estimate, and how does it help me?
• What responsibilities do I have during the lending process?

Closing

• What happens after I have applied for a loan?
• What should I look out for during the final walk through?
• What make up closing costs?
• What can I expect to happen on closing day?
• What do I get at closing?

Mortgage Insurance

• What is Mortgage Insurance?
• How does mortgage insurance work? Is it like home or auto insurance?