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.
Personal Finances: Preparing To Buy A Home
By Ilyce Glink| 2001-04-23T00:00:00-05:00 April 23rd, 2001|
Potential home buyers need to get their personal finances in order when preparing to buy a home. To get their personal finances into home-buying shape, potential home buyers need to save money and pay bills on time. If your personal finances are not in order, it will be more difficult to buy a home.
Solving The Affordability Crisis One Home At A Time (Part 2)
By Ilyce Glink| 2001-04-09T00:00:00-05:00 April 9th, 2001|
Manufactured homes have been around for a long time. Prior to the mid-1970s, they were referred to as mobile homes, which were single-wide trailers on wheels. More than 80 percent of residents who live in manufactured or modular homes rate their satisfaction with the product as "high." But the best part about manufactured housing is the price.
Choosing The Right Options For New Construction
By Ilyce Glink| 2001-03-12T00:00:00-06:00 March 12th, 2001|
When you buy a new house today, you'll have an endless array of decisions to make, starting with what color you want your walls painted to what color and design of cabinets you want installed in the kitchen. While each upgrade may cost just a few hundred dollars, developers say many home buyers go overboard, and add 10 to 30 percent to the purchase price of their home. If you're purchasing a $300,000 home, you could quickly get the price to $400,000, simply through the options and upgrades you choose.
Buying A Home For Your Needs
By Ilyce Glink| 2001-03-05T00:00:00-06:00 March 5th, 2001|
Home buyers should think about what they need from their home for the next 5 to 7 years -- the typical amount of time homeowners stay in a house. By doing your homework ahead of time, you should be able to make a savvier home buying or building decision, and possibly save yourself thousands of dollars in the process.
Home Buyer Stuck With Old Owner’s Stuff
By Ilyce Glink| 2001-03-01T00:00:00-06:00 March 1st, 2001|
A home buyer agrees to help the previous owner move their things. Seven months later, the owner is still dealing with storage and moving. This homeowner needs to take a strong stance and give a deadline in writing for the removal of all possessions.
Agent Refuses To Write Up Low Offer
By Ilyce Glink| 2017-04-20T15:07:19-05:00 February 28th, 2001|
A home buyer offers a low bid after finding asbestos in the home, but the seller's real estate agent refuses to write up the offer. The seller's real estate agent is legally obligated to present all offers to the seller. The buyer can file a complaint against this real estate agent with the state's real estate commission, which licenses real estate agents.
Land Contract A Bad Idea
By Ilyce Glink| 2001-02-28T00:00:00-06:00 February 28th, 2001|
For buyers, there is no benefit to buying property through an installment plan. Because the seller is still the owner, the buyer is at great risk and could be kicked out at any time. Buying a home from the seller with a mortgage will ensure the home belongs to the buyer free and clear.
Schools And Neighborhood Determine Home Appreciation
By Ilyce Glink| 2001-02-26T00:00:00-06:00 February 26th, 2001|
When you're looking to buy a home you should look at the schools in the neighborhood. A good school district is a factor that can overcome negative ones such as crime or drugs. Aside from word of mouth, it's a good idea to visit the schools in the school district to get a sense of their quality. When you're looking to buy in a certain neighborhood be sure to take schools into account.
Buying Home For Day Care Business
By Ilyce Glink| 2001-02-16T00:00:00-06:00 February 16th, 2001|
A stay-at-home-mom is interested in buying a new home that she could start a daycare business in. Ilyce explains the bank will need two years self-employment history.
Renting In A Tight Market
By Ilyce Glink| 2000-04-25T00:00:00-05:00 April 25th, 2000|
Chicago is turning into a tight market for renters. Buildings are being converted into condos and no new apartments are being built. As prices rise, is it still a good idea to rent? It can be, if you don't want something long term or you can't get a home loan.