If you're in the market for your first home, there's a good chance you'll need to take out a mortgage. One of the most popular mortgage types (especially for first-time buyers) is known as a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan. What is an FHA Loan? Specifically, an FHA loan refers to one that is backed and insured by...

40% of all homebuyers report that buying a home is one of the most stressful events in their lives. There are many sources of stress, but the more prepared you are, the better you’ll be able to handle them. Here are some tips for handling the most common stresses of buying a home: Find the Right Real Estate...

If you’re interested in purchasing property, you might be wondering, “how long does it take to buy a house?” Home buying is a lengthy process even when everything goes smoothly, and can easily become longer and more complicated with every potential hiccup. To help you better prepare for the process and save time, here are some key tips...

When preparing for a new home purchase, it’s crucial to plan for the average closing costs for buyer hopefuls on a budget. Closing costs are made up of various service charges associated with the entire home buying process, including appraisals and title paperwork. Because closing costs can add up to thousands of dollars, it’s helpful to prepare for...

Image by InspiredImages from Pixabay When you plan on getting a mortgage, you have some choices. There are conventional, FHA, VA and other options. One term you'll likely hear is a conforming or a non-conforming loan. If you aren't sure what that means, you could end up confused about the kind of loan you're actually getting for your...

Image by pasja1000 from Pixabay Most homeowners have a mortgage against their house, and homebuyers who purchase existing homes usually secure a traditional mortgage before closing. When building a new house, however, you’re likely to need a construction loan before getting a home mortgage. Here’s a breakdown of each, including how they’re used in the new home building...

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay The perfect home is not the only thing you'll need to shop for when you want to become a homeowner. In order to get the best terms, the lowest monthly payment and a reasonable interest rate, start doing some homework now -- before you even attend your first open house. 1. Check Your...