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First-Time Buyer

Questions to Ask YourselfOwning a home, in short, rocks. The advantages are too many to list, including the chance to build equity, the tax deductibility of mortgage interest, and nailing down your own little piece of the American dream. You don't have to find the perfect home or the perfect market conditions for it to be worth your while.
Don't Raid the Couch Cushions and the Cookie JarWhen you're deciding how large a down payment you can afford, remember to leave yourself some padding. The home buying process is fraught with unexpected expenses.

Recipe for a MortgageWe'll be honest: this part of the home buying process can be the most exhausting and confusing of all. It's hard to sort through a fistful of good faith estimates (GFEs) from ten different banks and pick the prince from all the frogs.
You Gotta Shop AroundSpend some time comparing as many lenders as possible. Don't be afraid to negotiate for the best deal.
Get the Low Down on Uncle Sam's ProgramsLet your taxes work for you and take advantage of the many federal homebuying programs out there! Whether you want to make a low down payment, buy a fixer upper or go green, there's a program for you.

Love at First Sight?Houses are like spouses — some grow on you over time, some strike your heart like a thunderbolt. But true love is true love, so don't worry about how it happens. Look at available homes with open eyes and an open mind, and evaluate each one as thoroughly as possible.
Get My Agent on the PhoneA good real estate agent has access to lots of market information not available to the public, and can help strike a savvy deal that benefits both you and the seller — a win-win situation.

Make an Offer They Can't RefuseSo you've found The One. You compromised on the number of bathrooms but got oodles more storage space. Or whatever. Don't let a good thing slip away — here's the buying process made simple for you.
Inspections & InsuranceYou may think you looked the house over carefully, but a home inspector's job is to know whether a house meets code and is safe to inhabit.
Closing TimeIt may seem like a forbidding procedure, where you sign your life away on a bunch of papers you don't have time to read. But by the time closing rolls around, the hard part is truly over with.

How do I get the real scoop on homes I'm interested in?
Home inspections, seller disclosure requirements and the agent's experience will help. MORE...
What is a first-time buyer?
Lenders define a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned real estate during the past three years. MORE...
How do I find a good agent?
Networking and word-of-mouth are good places to start. MORE...

Should I Refinance?Interest rates have crept up, but refinancing may make sense for you.
Mortgage CalculatorPurchase price, interest rate, taxes and PMI determine your monthly payment.
Rent Vs. BuyFind out if owning a home will save you money.

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