Real Estate Lingo Explained

By Mary O'Neil

4B/2B — four bedrooms and two bathrooms. “Bedroom” usually means a sleeping area with a window and a closet, but the definition varies in different places. A “full bathroom” is a room with a toilet, a sink and a bathtub. A “three-quarter bathroom” has a toilet, a sink and a shower. A “half bathroom” or…

Building Your Wishlist

By Mary O'Neil

Creating a Wish List on paper will help you decide which home you should buy! There are many things to consider when thinking of your new home and making a wish list. You can create check boxes to help you weed out the less than satisfactory homes. Be sure to prioritize your list so that…

Why use a REALTOR?

By Mary O'Neil

Using a real estate agent is a very good idea. All the details involved in home buying, particularly the financial ones, can be mind-boggling. A good real estate professional can guide you through the entire process and make the experience much easier. A real estate broker will be well-acquainted with all the important things you’ll…

Buying with Confidence

By Mary O'Neil

Start by thinking about your situation. Are you ready to buy a home? How much can you afford in a monthly mortgage payment (see Question 4 for help)? How much space do you need? What areas of town do you like? After you answer these questions, make a “To Do” list and start doing casual…

Basic Buying Advice

By Mary O'Neil

Know Your Rights as a Homebuyer Before you start, there are many laws that protect you from scams, unnecessary expenses, and discrimination in the process of homebuying. Know your rights! Find out How Much Mortgage Can You Afford You can save yourself a lot of wheel-spinning if you take a minute to figure out how…

First Time Home Buyer

By Mary O'Neil

Buying your first home can be scary, but if you follow these tips, you will do just fine! Look at as many homes as possible to get a better feel for ones available in your price range. Keep track of what you like and dislike about each home that you visit by printing and using…