Buying & mortgage guides
Rent vs. buy, pre-approval, closing costs, HOA documents and first-time buyer programs, in plain English.
How to Save for a Down Payment While Renting
Realistic strategies for building a down payment fund while you rent: setting a goal, automating savings, cutting housing…
First-Time Homebuyer Programs: Where to Look for Help
An overview of federal loan programs, state housing finance agency assistance and local programs for first-time homebuyers, with…
Buying a Condo? How to Review HOA Documents
What to look for in condo and HOA documents before you buy: CC&Rs, bylaws, budgets, reserve studies, meeting…
Mortgage Preapproval: What It Is and How to Get It
How mortgage prequalification and preapproval differ, the documents lenders ask for, how to compare offers with Loan Estimates,…
Rent vs. Buy: How to Decide What Makes Sense for You
A balanced framework for deciding whether to keep renting or buy a home, covering total costs, time horizon,…
Understanding Closing Costs When You Buy a Home
What closing costs are, the common fees you may see on a Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure, and…
Buying a Condo or Apartment: The Steps from Budget to Keys
A clear walkthrough of the steps to buying a condo or co-op apartment: budgeting, preapproval, HOA review, offers,…