Decide how much house you can afford. Our simple rules will make sure you don't spend more than you have and wind up regretting it. How to land the best loan. Our 5-step plan helps you find the cheapest possible mortgage and walks you through the application process.
8 smart moves to get the best mortgage. Here's what you can do right now to get the cheapest possible mortgage, whether you're buying or refinancing.
How to refinance in a recession. With mortgage rates at record lows, our 6 smart moves will lower your payments and use the savings to protect your home.
Be ready with the right down payment. With "no-down" deals almost impossible to get except with one type of government loan, buying a home requires some cash. At least 3.5%. Maybe 20% or more.
Save on closing costs. Our 5 smart moves will help you spot -- and reduce -- unnecessary fees, making your settlement less costly and aggravating.
FHA loans are great for buying or refinancing. If you have little or no money for a down payment, or iffy credit, this could be what you need.
VA loans are the best mortgages around. If you've served in the military, you can qualify for a good rate even with bad credit and no money for a down payment.
How to avoid foreclosure. Here's what to do whether you've got an unaffordable ARM or just lost your job and are out of money.
10 smart moves for buying a foreclosure. They typically cost 10% to 20% less than comparable homes if you get a good deal and avoid all the costly problems.
Make the most of foreclosure tours. They can be a surprisingly good way to see a wide range of repossessed homes in just a few hours.
How to take advantage of a short sale. These smart moves can help you buy a home at a bargain price without all the damage and repairs involved with foreclosures.
Preapproval is an important first step. Before you start looking for a home you approve of, you need to find a lender that approves of you. Here's a step-by-step guide.
How to find the best real estate agent. These 5 smart moves can help anyone buying a home hire the right agent, at the right price, with the right contract.
8 questions your good faith estimate should answer. Make sure you're getting the loan you've been promised and avoid nasty surprises.
How to avoid buying a problem condo. Moving into a building with lots of foreclosures and deadbeat owners can be a costly, irritating mistake.
State programs can help you buy a home. From lower-cost mortgages to cash for down payments, states generally offer some kind of help, especially for first-time buyers.
A state-by-state review of programs that aid home buyers. This listing will quickly link you to the help that's available in your state, county or town.
Rent-to-buy is a marketing gimmick. It's a way to lease hard-to-sell houses. There's little benefit to renters and little chance the house will ever be theirs.
Ace a mortgage application. We know all the questions you'll be asked.
Get your paperwork ready. Our checklist will make sure you remember everything.
Figure out which insurance policies you'll need. Some you'll have to buy. Others you'll have to decide whether to buy. Here's what to expect and the best choices you can make.
Turn down the optional life insurance. The specialized policies lenders push are not the best way to have the mortgage paid off if you die. We have a cheaper, better idea.
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