Buying a home involves more out-of-pocket than just the down payment. There are also closing costs to pay for items such as title policies, recording fees, inspections, courier charges, reserves to set up an impound account and fees that a lender charges.
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You can tell a lot about a neighborhood by driving through it. Manicured lawns and well-kept homes indicate pride of ownership. Junk cars parked on overgrown lawns and overturned mattresses at the curb are signs of decay. However, if you rely on these ind
Continue reading >>For the most part, you don't have to concern yourself with the difference between the three main kinds of loans (Conventional, FHA, and VA loan). It's your lender's job to try to pick the best loan for your needs and qualifications, not yours. But since
Continue reading >>You might be tempted to tell your agent everything, including the top price you will pay for a home. After all, your buyer's agent is supposed to be on your side and keep your information confidential. This reminds me of my mother's advice from a long tim
Continue reading >>It's likely that billionaire real estate tycoons such as New York's Donald Trump, Chicago's Sam Zell and Santa Barbara's Tom Barrack would collectively agree that nobody can time the real estate market, not even them. This may leave you wondering: If the
Continue reading >>Buyers always ask how much of an earnest money deposit is required. Typically, there is no set requirement. In California, contracts must contain consideration to be valid, but that amount can be as little as one dollar. Laws in your state may be differen
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