Home Buying 101

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Home Buying 101 HOA Fees Explained If you’re interested in condos, townhomes, or certain neighborhoods, you may come across HOA fees. They’re common, but not always well understood—especially for first-time buyers. What is an HOA? A homeowners association (HOA) manages shared spaces and amenities within a community. The fee you pay supports that upkeep. What do the fees cover? This varies […]
Home Buying 101 What is a Mortgage Rate? Buying a home introduces a whole new set of terms, and one you’ll hear right away is “mortgage rate.” It plays a major role in what your monthly payment will look like, so understanding the basics can really help first-time buyers plan ahead. What is a mortgage rate? Your mortgage rate is the interest a […]
Home Buying 101 Appraisals Explained You’ve found the perfect home and your offer is accepted—but before closing, your lender will likely require an appraisal. What is an appraisal? An appraisal is an unbiased estimate of a property’s fair market value, completed by a licensed professional. It ensures the price you’re paying matches the home’s actual worth. Why lenders require it […]
Home Buying 101 Down Payment Myths—What You Really Need to Know Many first-time buyers hesitate to start the process because they believe they need a 20% down payment. The truth? That’s just a myth. Do you really need 20% down? No. While a 20% down payment avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI), it’s not required. Common loan types with lower down payment options: Conventional loans: As low […]
Home Buying 101 Contingencies—What Do They Mean? When buying your first home, you’ll hear about contingencies. They can sound complicated, but really, they’re just safety nets built into your purchase agreement. What are contingencies? Contingencies are conditions that must be met for a home purchase to move forward. If the conditions aren’t met, buyers often have the right to walk away without […]
Home Buying 101 What Is a Home Inspection? Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Before finalizing your purchase, one key step helps protect your investment: the home inspection. What is it? A home inspection is a professional review of the property’s condition. An inspector checks the major systems and structure of the home, helping you understand […]
Home Buying 101 Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification—Why It Matters One of the first steps in the home buying journey is talking to a lender. But you’ll quickly hear two terms that sound alike: pre-qualification and pre-approval. Pre-qualification This is a quick, basic review of your finances based on the information you provide. It gives you an idea of what you might be able to […]
Home Buying 101 What Are Closing Costs? A Simple Breakdown Most first-time buyers budget for a down payment, but many are surprised by something called closing costs. What are closing costs? Closing costs are the fees and expenses—beyond the price of the home—that you pay when finalizing the purchase. What’s included? Closing costs often cover: Lender fees (loan origination, underwriting) Appraisal and inspection fees Title […]
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Home Buying 101 What is Earnest Money? A First-Time Buyer’s Guide Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel like you’re learning a brand-new language. One term you’ll likely hear early in the process is “earnest money.” What does it mean? Earnest money is a deposit a buyer puts down to show they’re serious about purchasing a home. Think of it as a […]
Home Buying 101 Realtor vs. Real Estate Agent — What’s the Difference? If you’re starting your home search, you’ve probably heard the terms “real estate agent” and “Realtor” used interchangeably. While they sound similar, there’s an important difference. Real estate agent A real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps people buy, sell, or rent homes. They’ve completed state-required coursework and passed a licensing exam. Realtor […]
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