Thanks to the internet, finding crime statistics is easier than ever. That’s good news for wary homebuyers who want to make sure they’re moving to a relatively safe area. It’s also a comfort to current...

Thanks to the internet, finding crime statistics is easier than ever. That’s good news for wary homebuyers who want to make sure they’re moving to a relatively safe area. It’s also a comfort to current...
Brick, stone, stucco, vinyl — the choices can be overwhelming when building a home from the ground up. What type of look are you trying to achieve? And does that aesthetic appeal meet your budget...
When building a new home, you must first decide if you want to hire a custom builder or a tract home builder. There are a lot of variables to consider, so let’s dig in. Tract...
Despite the mortgage-lending reforms that followed the 2008 economic crash, it’s your job as a consumer to be on guard against questionable lenders — especially if you have damaged credit and shaky finances. Here’s how...
While ownership of historic homes can be appealing, it’s definitely not for everyone. Historic homes have their own set of challenges and responsibilities. Here’s a look at the joys and frustrations of owning a piece...
If you buy a home built before 1978, there’s a possibility asbestos may lurk in the building materials. Houses built from the 1800s through the early 1950s used asbestos extensively before the material was phased...
Homeowners in a rural setting typically pump their water from wells and remove their household waste with a septic system. While pumping water is an easy concept to grasp, many potential home buyers have little...
What exactly is a lease-purchase option and how does it work? It’s a different breed of real estate transaction with pros and cons for both buyers and sellers. How a lease-purchase option works. Lease-purchase or...
Homes built before 1990 are considered “older” by today’s standards, and those built before 1920 are considered vintage or “heritage.” Owning an older home brings a whole set of challenges not found with newer homes,...
As a home buyer, you’ve come a long way. Your offer was accepted, the home has been inspected, the financing is complete, and you are about to close. There’s just one more crucial step: the...