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?