Do you have a fire extinguisher? If you don't, it's time to add it to your shopping list. Every homeowner should have one on each floor or area of their home and know how to use it. Fire extinguishers are life savers. Make sure to purchase one... (Read More)

Ever hear the terms REO, bank-owned, short sale or HUD home? And have you even wondered what the heck all those terms mean? Here are some definitions used to describe common types of distressed properties: Foreclosure: This refers to the process... (Read More)

Whether you're buying or selling a home, you're likely to encounter a host of mortgage terms and acronyms along the way. Find them a bit confusing? You're not alone! Real estate really has a language of its own. You'll feel a lot better on closing... (Read More)

Buying your first home? Here are three real estate professionals who will play a big role in your leap from renting to owning your own home: Mortgage loan officer. Before you look at a single home, you should get pre-approved for financing from a... (Read More)

The appraisal is an important part of the home buying process. But what happens if the appraisal comes up short of the agreed-upon selling price? Here's an example: A home is listed for sale for $350,000. It's a multiple bidding situation, so you... (Read More)

There’s more to your monthly mortgage payment than the amount you borrowed to purchase your home. When you’re calculating how much house you can afford, be sure to consider all of the components that typically make up your monthly home loan... (Read More)

In the market for a new home? Purchasing a home is definitely something we don't do every day. So it's easy to make mistakes, and when it comes to home buying, mistakes can be costly. Here are some of the most common errors made by first-time... (Read More)

The property disclosure report is an important document in any real estate transaction. In it, sellers must reveal any issues relating to a property that could negatively affect its value. That's why it's so important for home sellers to set... (Read More)

When buying a home, you have the option of selecting a fixed-rate home loan or one with an adjustable rate. ARMs are attractive to some home buyers today because the introductory rates — and monthly payments — often are lower than with... (Read More)