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…

Understand Your Credit

By Mary O'Neil

If you have ever applied for a charge card, student loan, or other kinds of credit, you probably have a credit report (or credit profile). Credit reporting agencies collect and organize information about you and your repayment history, and make it available to those who are considering granting you credit. Landlords, employers, government licensing agencies,…

How Much Home Can You Afford?

By Mary O'Neil

Home loans can be available from several types of lenders–thrift institutions, mortgage companies, commercial banks, and credit unions. Various lenders may quote you different prices, so you should contact several lenders to make sure you’re getting the best price. You can also get a home loan through a mortgage broker. Brokers set up transactions rather…