Buying a home is often the biggest single purchase you’ll ever make. But it isn’t just choosing a home to buy that’s complicated. You’ve got to think through neighborhood issues, size issues, and cost issues. Buying a home can also include legal issues, construction or building concerns, and have serious tax implications. Financing your home purchase is another big topic of interest for most home buyers. From this topic page, you’ll be able to find articles and videos that help you understand how to balance what you want in a home with what you can afford to spend. You’ll also be able to refine your search about buying a home by using the topic cloud on the right navigation.
Unable To Sell Your Home?
By GlinkAndTamkin| 2006-10-25T00:00:00-05:00 October 25th, 2006|
As the market shifts around the country, more sellers are getting caught in the slowing market -- where some homes are taking longer to sell or don't sell at all. If you sign a contract to sell a home but fail to close on the purchase, the seller may be able to enforce the terms of the contract. If the contract allows the seller to sue you for damages, you could lose more than just the earnest money.
Is Now A Good Time To Buy A House?
By Ilyce Glink| 2006-09-08T00:00:00-05:00 September 8th, 2006|
How do you know if "now" is a good time to buy a home? If you combine higher housing inventories with longer list times and historically low interest rates, itâ's a strong hand for home buyers with at least some down payment cash in the bank and good credit. But take your time. In a buyer's market (where more sellers have listed homes than there are buyers to purchase them), buyers typically have plenty of time to compare prices, amenities, neighborhood, commute and other features.
Five Home Buying Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make
By Ilyce Glink| 2006-09-01T00:00:00-05:00 September 1st, 2006|
For the first time in years, it's a buyer's market, but it isn't hard for buyers to get caught up traps that can trip up even the most diligent of buyers. One home buying mistake is guessing how much you can afford to spend. Knowing what you can spend before you shop for a home is a lynchpin of successful home buying.
Building New Home With Boyfriend
By Ilyce Glink| 2006-08-07T00:00:00-05:00 August 7th, 2006|
A woman and her boyfriend want to build a home on a piece of inherited land and is wondering if the title of the land carries over to the new home. The title for the land can remain in the woman's name but the boyfriend will be better protected by adding his name to both. The couple also needs to think about how the title will affect the ownership of the home should anything happen to them or their relationship.
Fixer-Upper May Be Vintage Home With Repair
By Ilyce Glink| 2006-08-04T00:00:00-05:00 August 4th, 2006|
When you're buying a home you may look at older vintage homes that need repair. These vintage homes may be fixer-uppers but it take the right kind of home buyer to renovate them. For people who appreciate vintage homes, it may be a shock to see a vintage exterior with completely modern interior.
Terminating the Sale of a Home
By Ilyce Glink| 2006-07-22T00:00:00-05:00 July 22nd, 2006|
A buyer made an offer on a home but had trouble getting the seller to agree to repairs. He issued a termination letter but is unsure of his obligations on this deal. Unless the agent is an attorney, she is not qualified to tell you whether you are legally required to move forward with this deal. Buyers should consult a real estate attorney for questions about contracts and legal obligations.
Buying Property Within The Family
By Ilyce Glink| 2006-07-08T00:00:00-05:00 July 8th, 2006|
A grandchild wants to buy her grandmother's condo, but wants to avoid capital gains for everyone involved. Buying it at an affordable price sounds good, but might not work depending on how much the property has appreciated in value. There may be legal consequences to selling the home at a very reduced price.
Time Limit On Buyer Offer
By Ilyce Glink| 2006-06-28T00:00:00-05:00 June 28th, 2006|
If you haven't heard back from your seller within 2 days of making the offer, you should rescind the offer in writing. You can always resubmit the offer with a time limit attached. This will serve to put pressure on the seller by letting him or her know that the offer will expire. This will also limit the seller's ability to "shop" your off to other potential buyers.
Buying Real Estate: Decision Points
By Ilyce Glink| 2006-06-10T00:00:00-05:00 June 10th, 2006|
With the real estate market in a slowdown, and interest rates on the rise, what had been a relatively simple decision over the past dozen years or so has become more complicated. What should you consider when you're buying your next home? When you're buying a home you should consider where you are in your life, where the property is located, whether there are amenities nearby and also whether you want to buy a stand alone property.
Fixer-Upper As Primary Residence
By Ilyce Glink| 2006-05-01T00:00:00-05:00 May 1st, 2006|
Is it worth it to buy a fixer-upper townhouse as a primary residence? Will you recapture financially the time and effort you put into repairing a fixer-upper? A fixer-upper may be a good primary residence option for first time home buyers, who may not be able to afford the best home right away. Learn what factors to consider before buying a fixer-upper as a primary residence.