How to Get a Mortgage: Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide
Buying a house can seem overwhelming at first, but taking it step by step removes the stress — or most of it at least.
Erik J. Martin is a Chicago area-based freelance writer whose articles have been published by AARP The Magazine, The Motley Fool, The Costco Connection, USAA, US Chamber of Commerce, Bankrate, The Chicago Tribune and other publications. He often writes on topics related to real estate, personal finance, business, technology, health care and entertainment. Erik also hosts the Cineversary podcast and publishes several blogs, including martinspiration.com and cineversegroup.com.
Buying a house can seem overwhelming at first, but taking it step by step removes the stress — or most of it at least.
First time homebuyers mostly hear about upfront costs of buying, like down payment and closing costs. But what are the ongoing costs?
Review the homebuying process an how long each step might take.
Buying a new construction home comes with advantages, including moving into a virtually flawless property with few repair or maintenance worries. But it’s important to understand the process of buying a new build house and what to expect.
Shopping for a home but on a tight budget? Consider purchasing a distressed property via foreclosure or short sale. These options can yield great bargains and sometimes quick move-ins for savvy buyers.
Moving into a new home isn’t just about unpacking boxes: It’s also about ensuring that your utilities, services, and address updates are handled quickly and smoothly.
Need cash without taking on new debt? A home equity agreement could give you funds now in exchange for part of your home’s future value.
Preparing to move into your first or next home? It’s natural to be excited about your new domicile and getting settled in. But you’ve got a big decision ahead: How are you going to get all your stuff from here to there?