February 2007 - Tips & Tools - RealEstate.com's Town Square

Home Renovations That Pay

So you've decided to brave the dust and dirt and inconvenience — not to mention the expense — of a renovation project If it’s because you’ve always wanted a basement family room or extra bath and it will enhance your quality...

Published Thu, Feb 15 2007 3:47 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: renovation

New Home Construction

There are special considerations to keep in mind when buying new home construction. Buying new home construction is a little different than buying a resale home. Here are three important factors to keep in mind: 1. Find a reputable builder There are many...

Published Thu, Feb 15 2007 2:04 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: new home, new construction

Questions to Ask Your Lender About Lock-Ins

Confused about Lock-Ins? Ask your lender these questions to get the complete story. Lock-Ins and Fees Does the lender offer a lock-in of the interest rate and points? When will the lender let you lock in the interest rate and points? When you apply? When...

Published Thu, Feb 15 2007 2:51 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: fees

Home Equity Loans vs. Line of Credit

Understand the difference and decide which option is best for you. If you’re a homeowner, you can borrow against the value of your house through either a home equity line of credit (often called a HELOC or a line) or a home equity loan (often called...

Published Thu, Feb 15 2007 2:58 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: line of credit, home equity loan, HELOC

The Steps to Closing on Your Home

What you need to know about closing on a home At closing, you take possession -- and responsibility -- of your new home. However, there are many steps along the way. Here’s what to expect: Purchase Offer After you’ve looked around and found...

Published Thu, Feb 15 2007 3:13 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: home inspection, contract, HUD, closing costs, good faith deposit, contingencies, purchase offer

Finding the Right House Plan

Find the right house plan for you by using the following factors. Once you have decided to build your dream home using house plans, the next step is to find which plan works best for you. This is not always an easy task. With hundreds, if not thousands...

Published Thu, Feb 15 2007 2:07 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Custom, Spec, or Tract Home?

Understanding the difference between custom homes, spec homes and tract homes. Building a home is very exciting. There are several options available to you. You can build a custom home, a spec home, or a tract home. Understanding the difference can help...

Published Thu, Feb 15 2007 2:09 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: custom home, tract home, spec home

Choosing a New Home Community

Choosing a new home community is a decision that takes careful consideration. If you are planning on building a new home, selecting the right community can be almost as important as choosing the right home. Choosing a new home community needs to be considered...

Published Thu, Feb 15 2007 2:10 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: new home, resale value, new construction, walk-through

The Second Trust (Piggyback) Loan

Can I Avoid PMI? Even if you cannot afford a 20% down payment on your house, you may still be able to cross the threshold of your dream home. Many lenders will allow smaller down payments - as little as 5% in some cases. With smaller down payment loans...

Published Thu, Feb 15 2007 2:39 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: PMI, private mortgage insurance, piggyback loan

Qualifying for a Home Loan

When considering your mortgage, lenders look at a variety of factors, including your ability and willingness to repay the loan. Your ability to repay is verified by your current employment and total income. Your willingness to repay is closely related...

Published Thu, Feb 15 2007 2:41 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: down payment, mortgage, home loan

Setting the Mortgage Terms

What Options Are Available for Setting the Mortgage Terms? Lenders may offer different options in establishing the interest rate and points that you will be charged, such as: Locked-In Interest Rate with Locked-In Points You lock both the interest rates...

Published Thu, Feb 15 2007 2:50 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: rate lock, floating points, floating interest rate

Creating Personal Space in Your Home

Longing for a spot in your house to call your very own? Here's how to get it, no matter what size home you have. Creating your own personal space to retreat and enjoy favorite activities is important both for mental health and familial harmony. Even...

Published Thu, Feb 22 2007 11:18 AM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: kids, personal space

Go Green at Home and Save

Making your home more environmentally friendly can save you money and boost your resale value. It’s no wonder more Americans are going green at home. It can help protect the environment and leave more money in your pocket. Plus, you may be able...

Published Thu, Feb 22 2007 3:22 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: home, green

Remodel Your Home for Maximum Wow

Some home renovations increase the value of your home more than others. Here's how to get the biggest bang for your buck. Americans spend billions of dollars a year remodeling their homes. But real estate agents caution that not all projects deliver...

Published Thu, Feb 22 2007 3:23 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: home affordability calculator, remodeling

Great garage makeovers

Garages today are being transformed into spaces far more versatile than mere parking stalls. Garage makeovers are hot. An increasing number of the 65 million garages across the nation are undergoing some sort of renovation or upgrade. In 2005, Americans...

Published Thu, Feb 22 2007 3:24 PM by RE.com Tips & Tools

Filed under: garage, makeover

February 2007 - Tips & Tools

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