In the market for a new home? Purchasing a home is definitely something we don't do every day. So it's easy to make mistakes, and when it comes to home buying, mistakes can be costly. Here are some of the most common errors made by first-time... (Read More)

The Veterans Administration home loans program was established to help active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their spouses achieve the dream of homeownership. However, not all military members qualify. The U.S. Department of Veterans... (Read More)

How prepared are you in the event of a fire in your home? Do you have an emergency escape plan? Do you have a fire extinguisher? What about your smoke detectors - have you checked them lately? Smoke detectors are one of the most overlooked safety... (Read More)

Whether it's your first, second or third home, you can't always afford all the space you want. Here's how to make any home feel more spacious: Choose colors wisely. Darker paint colors and tones can bring warmth to a room and make it feel cozy... (Read More)

You're in the market for a new home. While things like square footage and condition of a home are important, you'll also want to think about the bigger picture. You're not only choosing a home that's right for you — you're choosing a neighborhood... (Read More)

When financing a home, you have a lot of choices, including the term of your loan. It's estimated that 80 percent of all home buyers elect to take out 30-year fixed-rate home loans. It's a popular option because of the low monthly payments. Less... (Read More)

Did you know that the average size of a home in the United States in the early 1950s was less than 1,000 square feet? Today the average U.S. home has more than double that amount of space. For many home buyers, bigger is better. But does your... (Read More)

You're just about ready to make an offer on a home you'd like to purchase. You'll need to decide how much money you're going to offer for the property, of course. And you'll also need to figure out how much to offer in earnest money. The earnest... (Read More)

You've found the home of your dreams, the seller has accepted your offer and your loan application is being processed. When is the best time to "lock" your mortgage rate? And for how long should your lock be effective? If you're buying or building a... (Read More)