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Buying
Appraisals & Market Value
Q: How do you determine how much a home is worth?
Q: Are there standard ways to determine how much a home is worth?
Q: What is the difference between list price and sales price?
Q: What about appraised value and market value?
Closing Costs
Q: What are closing costs?
Q: Is it possible to save on closing costs?
Q: Is there anything I should know about closing day?
Co-ops
Q: What are co-ops?
Q: What are the benefits of having a co-op?
Condominiums/Townhouses
Q: What is a condominium?
Q: Why buy a condo?
Q: How do you choose a good condo?
Q: Are condos good investments?
Q: How do townhouses differ from condominiums?
Q: What are the pros and cons of owning a townhouse?
Fixer-Uppers
Q: Where can you find fixer-uppers?
Q: Is buying one a good idea in "bad" areas?
Q: How do I determine the value of a distressed property?
Q: What guidelines should I use to find a contractor?
Q: What kind of return can I expect from home improvements?
Q: How can I finance work needed on a fixer-upper?
Q: Does the federal government offer home improvement programs?
Q: What about state and local governments?
Q: Are special tax breaks available for historic rehabilitation?
Foreclosures
Q: What causes a foreclosure?
Q: Where can I find foreclosure properties?
Q: What happens at a trustee sale?
Q: What are the disadvantages of buying foreclosures?
Q: How do I find government-repossessed properties?
Q: What are some of the guidelines for purchasing HUD foreclosures?
Q: What about guidelines for VA foreclosures?
Q: Why is location so important?
Getting Started
Q: What are the advantages of owning a home?
Q: What is the first step to buying a home?
Q: How much can I afford?
Q: Is it best to save for the ultimate dream home or begin with a less expensive starter home?
Q: How do you decide whether to add on to an existing home or purchase a new one?
Home Inspections
Q: What does a home inspector do?
Q: Should I hire a home inspector?
Q: How do I select a home inspector?
Q: Do I need to be at the inspection?
Insurance
Q: What does homeowners' insurance cover?
Q: What kind of home insurance should I get?
Q: What is condo and co-op insurance?
Q: What about title insurance?
Q: Is private mortgage insurance necessary?
Negotiating & Closing the Best Deal
Q: Is it possible to buy a home below market price?
Q: Are low-ball offers a good idea?
Q: Can you negotiate interest rates?
Q: What are some negotiating tips?
Q: What contingencies should appear in the offer?
Q: Does the seller take the furnishings once the home is sold?
Q: Do I need an attorney to buy a home?
New Homes & Vacation Homes
Q: Can you negotiate the price of a new home?
Q: Should I hire a home inspector for a new home?
Q: What else should I take into account when buying a new home?
Q: Do builders provide financing?
Q: Should I buy a vacation home?
Q: What about a vacation home as an investment?
Property Taxes
Q: Why do homeowners have to pay property taxes?
Q: How are individual tax bills figured?
Q: Can I contest my property taxes?
Q: What is an impound account?
Q: Are impound accounts required for all mortgage loans?
Q: Are property taxes deductible?
Tax Matters
Q: How can owning a home pay off at tax time?
Q: Are up-front fees and closing costs deductible?
Q: Are fees and assessments owed a homeowner's association deductible?
Q: Are there tax credits for first-time homebuyers?
Working with a REALTOR®
Q: What is the best way to find a REALTOR®?
Q: What can I expect from a good REALTOR®?
Q: Is there anything I should not tell my agent?
Q: What does a buyer's agent do?
Q: Can I use an agent to purchase a newly built home?
Q: Why do I need an agent if I can find a home by myself on the Internet?
Q: Are buyers protected against housing discrimination?
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