Do I need a home inspection?Yes. Buying a home “as is” is a risky proposition. Major repairs on homes can amount to thousands of dollars. Plumbing, electrical and roof problems represent significant and complex systems that are expensive to fix.How do I...
Do you have to buy HUD homes through a realty agent?You can only purchase a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development property through a licensed real estate broker. HUD will pay the broker’s commission up to 6 percent of the sales price.Are foreclosures...
What are the pros and cons of adding on or buying new?Before making a choice between adding on to an existing home or buying a larger one, consider these questions:* How much money is available, either from cash reserves or through a home improvement loan, to remodel...
How can I save on closing costs?Studies show that the closing costs, which can average 2 to 3 percent of a total home purchase price, are often more costly than many buyers expect. But there are some ways to save:* Negotiate with the seller to pay all or part of the...
What is the return on new versus previously owned homes?Buying into a new-home community may seem riskier than purchasing a house in an established neighborhood, but any increase in home value depends upon the same factors: quality of the neighborhood, growth in the...
