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Helpful Tips and Videos
Start OnlineFirst-time homebuyers
Homebuyer tips
Homebuyer tips
First-time buyers share lessons to help you through the process.
Getting a mortgage
Getting a mortgage
Use these tips on how to prepare for the mortgage application process.
Terms to know
Terms to know
Here are some financial terms that you should know when buying a home.
Helping you get closer to home:
Ryan Serhant
Helping you get closer to home:
Ryan Serhant
Learn more from couples who skipped the "money talk" as they look for their first home. See how revealing their finances help each couple get closer to home.
Rent vs. buy
Buying vs. renting
Buying vs. renting
These tips can help you choose the right option for your needs.
Buying in California
Buying in California
Real guidance from homebuyers who've been there.
Buying in NYC
Buying in NYC
Get helpful guidance on how to prepare for the mortgage application process.
Buying another home
Buying as a retiree
Buying as a retiree
There are some important factors to consider when purchasing a home as a retiree.
Buying at an auction
Buying at an auction
Auction properties may offer savings, but they can also come with more risks.
Investment property
Investment property
Weigh the benefits and risks before buying an investment property.
Vacation home
Vacation home
Make sure a potential vacation home meets your personal and investment needs.
Property amenities
Property amenities
Don't underestimate the cost of property additions like landscaping and pools.
Relocating your home
Relocating your home
Look at factors like property taxes and cost of living before relocating.
Potential tax benefits
Mortgage interest rate
See some tips for lowering your mortgage interest rate.
How much house can I afford
What can you afford?
What can you afford?
It’s important to know how much you can afford before you start looking for a home.
Debt-to-income ratio
Debt-to-income ratio
This is a key number for determining what you can afford, see how to calculate it
Property taxes
Property taxes
Learn how property taxes can provide valuable improvements and services in the surrounding community.
What is PMI?
What is PMI?
You may have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) if you put less than 20% down.
Homeowners insurance
Homeowners insurance
Learn how homeowners insurance protects you and your home.
How much can you borrow?
Mortgage principal
Mortgage principal
Lean how the two key parts of your monthly mortgage payment -- principal and interest -- work.
Self-employed buyers
Self-employed buyers
If you're self-employed, you may have some extra steps when buying a home.
Mortgage amortization
Mortgage amortization
Keep these things in mind when it comes to paying down your mortgage.
Credit Score for a home loan
Improve your credit score
Improve your credit score
A strong credit score may help you get a mortgage -- see how you can improve yours.
Credit score
Credit score
Learn how lenders use your credit score, what impacts it and how you can improve it.
Real Estate Agents
Home inspector
Home inspector
See what a home inspector looks for during their review.
Real estate lawyer
Real estate lawyer
Learn the role of this key player in the homebuying process.
Mortgage Banker
Loan processors
Loan processors
Learn about the role of the loan processor during the application process.
Mortgage underwriter
Mortgage underwriter
See what a mortgage underwriter does and what they look for when reviewing your application.
Finding the right home
Existing vs. new
Existing vs. new
Before deciding between an existing home or a new build, know the risks and benefits of each.
Remodel vs. buy new
Remodel vs. buy new
Here's what to consider when choosing between updating an older home or buying a newly constructed one.
Mortgage Contingency
Changing homes
Changing homes
Timing is critical when you're buying a new home and selling your old one.
Mortgage contingency
Mortgage contingency
Contingencies can help buyers and sellers avoid potential issues that may arise.
Making an offer
Negotiating a price
Negotiating a price
Knowing how to handle homebuying negotiations can help both you and the seller walk away happy.
Making an offer
Making an offer
There are many factors to consider when deciding how much to offer to the seller.
Concessions
Concessions
See why buyer and seller concessions are an important part of the homebuying process.
Being outbid
Being outbid
Presenting a competitive offer may reduce your chances of being outbid.
Warranty & insurance
Warranty & insurance
Home warranties and homeowners insurance protect the buyer, but they aren't the same thing.
Earnest money
Earnest money
Earnest money
Show a seller you're serious with an earnest money deposit.
Short sale & foreclosed homes
Pursuing short sales
Pursuing short sales
Consider these pros and cons when pursuing a short sale.
Closing process and closing costs
Overview of the closing process
Overview of the closing process
Find out the inside info about the closing process.
Closing costs
Closing costs
Find out what closing costs are and why they're necessary.
Discount points
Ways to lower rates
Ways to lower rates
Paying discount points could lower your mortgage interest rate.
Discount points
Discount points
How discount points work and how buying them can help lower your interest rate.
Types of mortgages
ARM loans
ARM loans
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a home loan with an initial rate period and then the rate changes periodically.
FHA mortgages
Learn about the benefits of loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
VA loans
VA loans
Learn about VA Loans, a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
15 vs. 30-year
15 vs. 30-year
Consider these factors when choosing between a 15 vs. 30-year mortgage.
Application Process and documents
Overview of the application process
Overview of the application process
Know what to expect with the mortgage application process.
Finishing the application
Earnest money
Earnest money
Show a seller you're serious with an earnest money deposit.
Appraisal process
Appraisal process
Learn more about the appraiser's role, and what they look for.
Home Inspections
Final walk-through
Before you close, take time to look over the home you're about to buy.
Know the difference
Home appraisals and home inspections are two important, but different, steps in the homebuying process.
Steps before closing
Closing preparations
Closing preparations
Avoid these common surprises - prepare yourself before you close.
Title insurance
Title insurance
See how title insurance ensures you're the sole owner of the home.
Escrow accounts
Escrow accounts
Escrow accounts
Learn how escrow accounts work, and how they're used to pay your property taxes and homeowners insurance.
Property taxes
Property taxes
Learn how property taxes can provide valuable improvements and services in the surrounding community.