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Determine Your Flood Risk
The odds may seem like a million to one you'll ever experience serious flooding. But it happens more than you'd think. In ... |
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Direct Buy Escrow
If you buy a house directly from a seller, without brokers, have an attorney keep your deposit in and escrow account. Too ... |
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Discount Points
Discount points allow you to lower your interest rate. They are essentially prepaid interest, with each point equaling 1% of ... |
 
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Discussing Architectural Ideas for the Miami Condo
Bob Vila and project architect Michael Pierce brainstorm ideas for this small condo with a great view of Biscayne Bay. The ... |
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Down Payment
There are mortgage options now available that only require a down payment of 5% or less of the purchase price. But the larger ... |
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Earnest Money
Earnest money is money put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. It must be substantial enough to ... |
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Easement Access
If the sewer line or drain line for a home you are buying crosses another property, make sure there is a recorded easement ... |
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Energy Efficient Mortgage
The Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) allows a homebuyer to save future money on utility bills. This is done by financing the ... |
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Escrow Account
Established by your lender, an escrow account is a place to set aside a portion of your monthly mortgage payment to cover ... |
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Excluded from Neighborhoods
Immediately contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if you ever feel excluded from a neighborhood ... |
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Extra Inspections
If your home inspector discovers a serious problem, another more specific inspection may be recommended. It's a good idea to ... |
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Federal Housing Administration
Now an agency within HUD, the Federal Housing Administration was established in 1934 to advance opportunities for Americans to ... |
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FHA Timing
If you're refinancing an FHA loan, try to schedule the closing for as close to the end of the month as possible. Unlike ... |
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Final Walk-Through
This will likely be the first opportunity to examine the house without furniture, giving you a clear view of everything. Check ... |
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Financing an Energy-Efficient Home
The average homeowner spends close to $1,300 a year on utility bills. But an energy-efficient home—with such features as ... |
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Finding a Mortgage that Works
Finding your way around the home-buying maze can be a puzzling thing, especially for first-time buyers. Before you get started ... |
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First-Time Homebuyers
Lenders now offer several affordable mortgage options, which can help first-time homebuyers, overcome obstacles that made ... |
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Fixed Rate Mortgages
Payments remain the same for the life of the loan. Types: 15-year; 30-year. Advantages: Predictable, Housing cost remains ... |
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Fixed Rate Refinancing
If interest rates drop significantly, you may want to investigate refinancing. Most experts agree that if you plan to be in ... |
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Flipping: Remodeling for Resale
If you’re in the market to buy a house to rehabilitate for profit—also known as "flipping"—you’ll need to play it smart. Here ... |
