Buying a home can be one of your most significant investments in life. Home Buying Articles and Advice provides detailed information to assist you in making an intelligent and informed decision.

Benefits of Owning Your Own Home

• The Best Investment
• Income Tax Savings
• Stable Monthly Housing Costs
• Forced Savings
• Freedom and Individuality
• More Space

• Don't Move Money Around
• The Effect of Changing Jobs
• No Major Purchases of Any Kind

• When Income Grows and You Want to Buy "Stuff"
• Debt-to-Income Ratios and Car Payments
• How Buying a Car Reduces Your Purchase Price

• Recession and Expansion
• Supply and Demand
• Should You Try to "Time the Market"?

• Determining Your Offer Price
• Comparable Sales in the Public Record
• Comparable Sales in the Multiple Listing Service
• Comparable Sales - Pending Transactions
• Other Factors Influencing Your Offer Price

• How Property Condition Affects Your Offer
• How Home Improvements Affect Your Offer
• How Market Conditions Affect Your Offer
• How Seller Motivation Affects Your Offer
• The Final Decision on Your Offer Price

• Introduction and Overview
• Contingencies in a Purchase Offer
• Earnest Money Deposit
• The Closing Date
• Transfer of Possession

• Disclosures From the Seller
• Condition of the Property Upon Transfer
• Inspections You Should Require
• Final Walk-Through Inspection

• Down Payment
• Interest Rates
• Closing Costs and Financing Incentives
• Seller Financing
• Cash Offers
• Other Financing Details in Your Offer

• Extra Costs for the Seller
• VA and FHA Appraisals

• You and the Seller Must Agree
• Escrow and Settlement
• Title Insurance
• Termite and Pest Inspection