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Knowledge Base

10 Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

What are your qualifications? Are you a member of the American Association of Home Inspectors? Do you have a current license? Inspectors are not required to be licensed in every state. How many inspections of properties such as this d...

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10 Questions to Ask Your Condo Board

Before you buy, contact the condo board with the following questions. In the process, you'll learn how responsive and organized its members are. What percentage of units is owner-occupied? What percentage is tenant-occupied? Generally, the...

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10 Questions to Ask Your Lender

Be sure you find a loan that fits your needs with these comprehensive questions. What are the most popular mortgage loans you offer? Which type of mortgage plan do you think would be best for us? Why? Are your rates, terms, fees, and...

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10 Steps to Home Ownership

Systematic steps to help you buy your home The home-buying process doesn't need to be scary. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through the process and answer your questions on what you should expect from your REALTOR, where to look for lo...

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10 Steps to Prepare for Homeownership

Decide how much home you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income. Develop a wish list of what you'd like your home to have. Then prioritize the features on your list. ...

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10 Things a Lender Needs From You

W-2 forms or business tax return forms if youre self-employed for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan. Copies of one or more months of pay stubs from every person signing the loan. Copies of two to four m...

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10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying

Find a real estate professional who's simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the practitioner you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality. Remem...

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10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Be picky, but don't be unrealistic. There is no perfect home. Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you. Get your finances in order. Review ...

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10 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs

Raise your deductible. If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower. Buy your homeowners and auto policies from the same company. You'll usually qualify for a discount. But make sure that the s...

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10 Ways to Make Your Home Salable

Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage. Wash your windows and screens t...

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