Homebuying Made Easy

A no-nonsense guide for those taking the plunge.

Here's what goes into setting your interest rate—and how you can secure the lowest rate possible.

In which we bust some myths and spread some knowledge.

Ownership isn’t the only difference between the two scenarios.

From browsing Zillow to closing on your dream home, we've got you covered!

Because “dream home” is in the eye of the beholder.

Is a condo right for you? What are the benefits and drawbacks?

A home loan is an agreed-upon sum of money loaned to the borrower from the lender, for the purpose of buying a livable property. 

A pre-approval helps set you up for home buying success.

An in-depth roadmap for the first-time homebuyer.

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Landlord insurance is a policy that covers property owners renting out their homes, condos, or apartments. </span>

Private mortgage insurance (aka PMI) is required when a homebuyer pays a downpayment of 20% or less on their mortgage.

Also known as a ‘closed-end mortgage’, this is a type of home loan that must be paid back within the agreed-upon conditions negotiated during the mortgage agreement.

An escrow is a legal agreement in which a third party holds funds, paperwork, or other assets on behalf of two other parties during a property transaction.

Loan-to-value ratio is a calculation of how much you are trying to borrow for a mortgage in relation to the appraised value of a property.

<span style="font-weight: 400;">A broker fee is a sum of money which a broker charges tenants in return for assistance in finding their future rental home.

A homeowner insurance binder provides temporary proof of your homeowners insurance, until you receive your actual policy.

A mortgage lock, aka lock-in-period, is a period of time where the interest rate you’ve been offered on your mortgage won’t change.</span>

Sometimes referred to as ‘mortgage points’, are fees paid to a lender that can help lower the cost of your monthly mortgage payment.

In real estate, a deed of trust is a legal document that states a property will be held by a neutral third party until any loan is paid off.

The loan principal is the original amount of money you borrow from a lender when you take out a loan.</span>

A due-on-sale clause is a stipulation in your mortgage contract that requires you to pay off the remaining balance of the loan if you sell your property.

<span style="font-weight: 400;">A loan estimate is a three-page document you receive from your lender after applying for a mortgage, which breaks down the costs.

An annual percentage rate, aka APR, is the yearly interest rate and extra costs you pay on a loan.

Private Mortgage Insurance (aka PMI, or just Mortgage Insurance) protects a lender if a borrower defaults on their loan.

Homeowners association fees (HOA fees) are monthly expenses paid by members of a residential community (like a condo) to maintain the shared space.

A home appraisal is an estimation of your home’s value, determined by a licensed, professional appraiser.

We'll be honest, it sounds more fun than it is.

Title insurance protects you against any errors in record for who is listed as a registered owner of your home.

Closing costs is a real estate term describing the additional expenses a buyer might pay over and above the purchase price of the property.

In homeowners insurance, real property refers to land, and any structures attached to it like your fence, garage, garden, including your house.

A homeowners association (HOA) is an organization of residents from a community seeking to keep common areas in order and maintain a certain quality of living.

Let's take a close look at an HO6 policy.

After saving diligently during lockdown, this couple took the plunge.

What is refinancing, and why should you care?

From New York to LA: This couple found bliss in Playa Vista.

First-time homeowners renovate a fixer upper in leafy Norwalk, CT.

First-time homeowners find a gem in an up-and-coming Houston neighborhood.

Once you've waved goodbye to the moving company, but before you pop that champagne, there are still a few things to take care of.

How to buy a condo, without the stress.

Tips sourced straight from first-time homebuyers.

How to save up for a house, according to the experts.

We've rounded up stereotypes about millennial home buying trends to set things straight.

Packing up and moving isn’t easy. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you pack like a pro—so less goes wrong on moving day.

Moving is nerve-wracking. Make sure you get the right insurance for the big day and make the process stress-free.

Here’s what homeowners should know about the ins and outs of the most common HOA rules.

You're almost a homeowner—but first, it's time for an inspection