HowToDoThings.com Recent Buying Articles

How To Buy a Foreclosure

coffeebuzz — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:54:51 -0600

How To Make an Offer on a House

jasonkeeley — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:34:12 -0500

How To Buy Your Dream Home

Toronto realtor — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:04:54 -0500

The process of buying a home is not an easy one. Choosing your dream home is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. So you have to prepare yourself for this process well and in advance. When buying a home, be sure to avoid some of the critical mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars. As a Toronto realtor I know they are crucial.

How To Get a Home Appraisal

ramb37 — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:20:26 -0500

How To Make an Offer on a Home

ramb37 — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:23:52 -0500

How To Locate Sex Offenders in a Neighborhood

Van — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:51:38 -0500

How To Bid on Hudson and Marshall Auction Properties

justsold — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:24:16 -0500

Hudson & Marshall has auctioned more than 8,000 foreclosures on a national basis during a two year time period. They are qualified to conduct auctions in every state in the nation and have done so in most. Their client list is quite impressive; it includes Bank of America, Bank of New York, Chase Bank, Freddie Mac, Wells Fargo Bank, CitiFinancial and so many more. Since they are the premiere auction house, below we have detailed the steps in bidding and buying at a Hudson & Marshall Auction.

I would strongly suggest that you hire an agent who is an expert in the auction process before you start. The banks pay the agent's commissions and it literally costs you nothing, but could save you thousands. As well as helping you research the properties, the agent can help you determine a maximum bid price for each property you are interested in and make sure you don't get caught up in the buyer's frenzy!

How To Buy a House

abarker — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:43:10 -0500

Purchasing a house is a lot more difficult than buying a taco. The key complication comes from the fact that we have to borrow money to buy real estate. Houses are expensive--you and your lender both want to make sure that you are getting a good deal.

How To Find Foreclosure Listings

Van — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:10:19 -0600

So you want to know how to discover information on foreclosures. Hey! It’s on TV and there is easy money to be made, according to the info-commercial. Well for the price of FREE, here is how you can find the information. First a few basic facts:

A home enters the foreclosure market when the previous owner no longer pays on their debt established in the promissory "note" and the new owner obtains possession (usually the lending or guaranteeing organization) and markets the home for sale.
A mortgage, the promise of the previous owner to "pay" or "not stay" secures the debt for the lender.
Both the note and mortgage are publicly recorded documents providing constructive notice.

Here's how to find foreclosure listings.

How To Make Moving with Children Easier

afriedl — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:01:54 -0600

The house is chosen, the paperwork is started and the bank visit is scheduled. In theory, your move from one house to another is going smoothly. However, the packing is taking longer than expected and now the children are upset about a new house. Where do you start? How can this possibly go smoothly? And will it be better once we're in the new place? Some simple things to consider can make moving much easier for children to handle. Older children can be easier to reason with and coerce into involvement. But what about younger kids?

How To Get Through Your Home Inspection Period and Keep Your Sanity

skiernanc21 — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:03:42 -0600

From the moment you come to an agreement to purchase a new home, the clock starts ticking on that big to-do list. This article will help you navigate through the inspection period successfully.

How To Survive Escrow Without Losing Your Mind

skiernanc21 — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:11:15 -0600

An escrow account is one that is created by a purchase contract. The escrow holder is a neutral third party which is the depository for all monies, instructions and documents involved in the transaction.

How To Find a Real Estate Agent

murry — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:41:34 -0600

In our current real estate market, arguably the best market for buyers and worst for sellers in several decades in most regions, agents who have stayed the course and remain active have to be a very resilient group. And you want one of them to help you buy or sell a home, right? Here are some of the best ways to find the perfect agent.

How To Choose the Right Style Home

Youshouldown — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:38:40 -0500

Homebuyers often confuse one style of home for another. When searching for your next home or trying to determine the style that matches your needs, it's important to know the different styles of homes available and on the market. Below is a breakdown of the many styles and their descriptions.

Bi-Level: A bi-level style home is typically a one-story floor plan that has been raised above ground level, where another level of living such as a basement or additional rooms resides. They are often considered ranches or split-level homes. In fact, when you enter the front door and have to climb stairs to get to the kitchen or main living space, you're typically in a bi-level style home.
Bungalow: A bungalow style home is a compact 1-1/2 story house that contains smaller rooms. There will typically be 2 or more bedrooms on the main floor, along with a bathroom and living space.

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How To Wholesale Single Family Houses for Profit

toby6s — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:14:40 -0500

You, too, can start living the life of financial freedom by starting your real estate investing career the quick and easy way: Wholesaling single family houses. It was said to me many years ago by one of my many real estate investing coaches that, "Any brain-dead moron can wholesale single family houses and make a boatload of money doing it." You know what? He was exactly right. I'll admit it; I was the brain-dead moron that he was referring to, and yes, I make a boatload of money doing it. Here's how:

How To Negotiate a Good Deal on a House

Roselind — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:36:21 -0500

Some people imagine that getting a "good deal" on a house involves stumbling onto an unsuspecting and desperate seller who is willing to give the house to the first willing taker. Dream on.

Home sales are normally negotiated between two informed parties who are going to act in their own best interests. In balanced markets, the seller will have other interested buyers to choose from. Here are some strategies to help you negotiate a good deal on a house in the real world.

How To Buy a Tenancy-in-Common (TIC)

Grace170 — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 07:19:00 -0600

A tenancy-in-common (TIC) is a legal scenario where several owners buy a building together which has not been divided into condos. This arrangement can be a confusing one for those new to the system, and even gives the old pros difficulty at times because of its complicated nature. Here are some tips on how to buy a tenancy-in-common.

The Pros. First, examine the pros that a TIC will bring you. In this arrangement, you, as an individual owner, have the right to sell your interest or part of the building if you'd like. Also, if the building produces income, one owner may complete a tax-deferred exchange into another "like-kind" income-producing property. This allows the owner to avoid capital gains on the first property. All in all, if you are outpriced in the market and cannot afford a property on your own, this is one of a few solutions.

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How To Decide Whether to Downsize

Staff468 — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 15:27:00 -0600

The kids have flown the coop and you're left with more house than you can manage: You are officially an empty nester (though there ought to be a better term for it, don't you think?!). If you're considering moving from a family size home to something more modest, here are a few things to help you decide if it's time to downsize:

Do you have an entire floor that you don't use? Do you live in a three-story house but primarily use only one of the floors? This is one of the biggest clues that it's time to go smaller. Even if those floors are full of stuff, remember that downsizing is the perfect excuse for your kids to finally get their junk out of the house. Items you want to hold onto can always go into a storage locker at a much more affordable price.

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How To Find a Real Estate Newsletter

Grace170 — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 03:45:00 -0500

If you are looking to get into the real estate market, or simply to increase your knowledge about this industry it is wise to invest, or search out a real estate newsletter. Newsletters can come in a variety of ways (electronic, flyer, etc.) and have varying degrees of quality. Here are some tips on real estate newsletters.

How To Buy Historic Homes

Grace170 — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 07:12:00 -0500

One of the hottest trends in real estate has become the restoration of historic homes. The United States, with its rich history, has a wonderfully textured architectural past. From New England to the west coast, the United States has a host of historic homes demonstrating the great and ever-changing architectural trends of the past. If you are in the market to buy a historic home, here are some things to consider.

What is a Historic Home? A historic home has some significant historic relevance as reflected in its architecture. The National Registry of Historic Homes has an extensive list of homes that are "historic," but each state, town, or city has specific rules and regulations pertaining to the ownership and sale of such properties. See the National Registry of Historic Places for information on the National Registry.

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How To Buy Property Abroad

Grace170 — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 09:52:00 -0500

You've just returned from a romantic week in Paris and already you are thinking of when you might be able to return to your newfound paradise. The idea of purchasing a condo in a nook of this European city only grows more tempting as you spend more time back in the states-"the real world." Buying property abroad can be an exiting venture, however, before you let your emotions control your purse, consider a few things.

How To Buy a Mobile Home

Julie317 — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 04:03:00 -0500

Buying a mobile home can be easier in many ways, when compared to buying a non-mobile home. Namely, receiving financing for a mobile home can often be easier, since there are less hoops to jump through, and the cost of the actual home is usually less. It is also a great way to get the home that you want and the location that you want, without having to compromise on either.

The biggest downfall of buying a mobile home is that there are significantly fewer companies out there who finance specifically to the mobile home market. The steps below will assist you in taking the proper steps to finance and buy a mobile home of your own.

How To Get Homeowner's Insurance Quotes

Brad276 — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 19:39:00 -0500

The purchase of a home is the largest investment most people will ever make. You will need to obtain a Homeowner's insurance policy to protect your investment, as well as to comply with the conditions of your mortgage. All major insurance carriers will offer a quote free of charge. You should never have to pay for a Homeowner's insurance quote!

When contacting the insurance company for a quote on Homeowner's insurance, you will need to provide some information. It is recommended that you make sure you have all of the following information handy.

How To Buy Your Second Home

Grace170 — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 11:18:00 -0500

You are getting sick of the New England winter weather and are seeking refuge in a vacation home down South. You are an avid skier looking to make a secondary purchase in Colorado's snowy mountains. Or maybe you are looking to buy another home in your town for rental purposes. Whatever the case, buying a second home can be an exciting prospect as long as you are prepared for the financial commitment and all the other nuances attached to dual ownership.

Vacation home or rental property? Decide whether you can afford to have a second home as a place where you (and possibly your family or friends) can gather when it is convenient, or whether you are interested in renting it out for part of the year for income. Many people find that supplementing their income with rent is a great way of making mortgage payments.

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How To Buy a Home After Bankruptcy

Grace170 — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 06:12:00 -0500

You've hit rock bottom; bankruptcy. You are working your way back up to financial stability, but you are unsure about how your financial situation will affect your ability to be a homeowner once again. Although a recent bankruptcy certainly plays a factor in obtaining a mortgage and closing on a house, it can be done.

How To Get a Grant For First Time Home Buyers

Julie317 — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 02:22:00 -0500

Before you begin looking for a grant, it is important that you have secured a lender and that you have a good idea of what kind of home you can afford. A first time homebuyer grant will not pay for your entire home and, for many of these programs, you will need to have your lender help you apply. Once you have completed these first initial steps of the home buying process, you can then begin to seek grant funding to help you purchase your new home.

How To Buy Foreclosed Homes

Julie317 — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 11:02:00 -0500

Investing in real estate can be most rewarding when you find a house that cleans up well for far less than its market value. This is where looking for foreclosed home comes in. Foreclosed homes are often a great path to building your real estate business and making a rewarding profit. If you are new to investing in foreclosed homes, these six steps will help you learn the ropes of how to find successful properties.

How To Lease a Home with the Option to Buy

Grace170 — Wed, 31 May 2006 04:01:00 -0500

If you are in the process of making a move to a new town but are unsure if you want to buy or lease there may be a middle of the road approach for you to take: That is, "Leasing with an option to buy."

Lease with an option: What is it? This arrangement means that you are renting a unit with the option to purchase it at a future date. The price of the property is set when the lease-option is signed by both parties. A down payment of some amount is typically collected by the lessor for good faith. Monthly payments will sometimes be higher than the regular rent. The excess amount can be applied to the purchase price or is considered payment for the "right" or "option" to buy.

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How To Invest in Real Estate

Jane307 — Wed, 24 May 2006 15:21:00 -0500

Buying real estate does not need to be a complex, scary process. The key to success-and simplicity-is planning. Yes, it is one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make. But, it is one of the few things you will ever buy that will, with rare exceptions, steadily go up in value. Most people eventually view the purchase of a home as one of the best financial investments they have made in their lives. Let's get started.

Determine your wants and needs. This is one of the most difficult parts of the process. You need to take the time to determine what you and your family are trying to accomplish. Here are some questions to ask:

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How To Buy Investment Property

Jane307 — Wed, 24 May 2006 15:02:00 -0500

Before we go into any depth on this topic, I want you to understand that buying investment property is a complex business decision. You should study this subject in some depth before taking action, and you should seek professional help from your attorney, accountant, and real estate agent. That said, it is always good to have a plan in mind before you start looking for help.

How To Buy Real Estate When You Have Bad Credit

Grace170 — Mon, 15 May 2006 04:37:00 -0500

Buying property, to this day, is a central part of the American Dream. Whether you have your eye on a studio condominium or a three-family investment property, it is a big and exciting step in your life. Home ownership can be an intimidating process, especially if it is your first time. The process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few factors that can complicate issues-one of the main ones being a low credit score. A low credit score, a track record of collection accounts, or indications of late or errant payments can make it difficult to get an attractive loan-and in some instances, difficult to obtain a loan at all. Here are tips on how to buy real estate with poor credit.

Know your credit score. Your mortgage broker will use your social security number to obtain your credit score. It may not be as bad as you think.

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How To Buy Rental Property

Grace170 — Tue, 09 May 2006 04:55:00 -0500

If you are eager to become a landlord or you think that you have a good lead on an area of the city that would provide some great rental income, here are some tips on how to be successful in the realm of rental property. Investment real estate can be fruitful, but you must choose your property, your agent, and most importantly, your location carefully.

How To Buy Homes For Sale By Owner

Grace170 — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 05:00:00 -0500

Buying a "For Sale By Owner" house involves most of the steps of a conventional purchase, however, there are some differences. Here is what you need to do, and what you need to look out for.

Find a buyer's agent. Some For Sale By Owners will offer a commission to buyer's agents since they do not have to pay a seller's agent a commission. You do not have to pay for the service since the agent receives payment from the seller. The agent should be an expert in the region you are buying. This agent will make sure your interests are protected and will negotiate a fair price based on his or her expert knowledge.

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How To Buy a Home with Bad Credit

Grace170 — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 04:40:00 -0500

Buying a home can be an intimidating process for some. Factors that make purchasing a home easy include having a great real estate agent representing you, deciding on a talented lawyer, and of course, having a great loan. Many factors go into what your loan percent will be, a big one is your credit. If you have bad credit purchasing a house can be a challenge, but it can be done. Here is how:

First off, know your credit score. Your mortgage broker will use your social security number to obtain your credit. It may not be as bad as you think.
Clean up your record. Although paying back old debt and eliminating mistakes on your credit score will not impact you ability to purchase a home on the spot, it is a good idea for the future. Some brokers and Federal Programs will overlook credit issues if you provide an explanation or if the credit issue was not your fault.

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How To Buy a Home

Grace170 — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 05:23:00 -0500

Over the course of American history the make-up of this country has changed dramatically; political parties have adopted new platforms, new immigrant populations have entered and immersed themselves, and the values Americans share have shifted with the growth of technology and global interconnectedness. Still, one thing has remained central to American culture, that is, the dream of homeownership.

The American Dream has long been defined as the ability to collect wages to purchase land and to build a home. Though the housing market has seen changes over the decades, this goal, to most, has never faded into the background. Nowadays the business of buying a home is not as simple as gathering some cash and offering the seller your wad. The Real Estate Industry has become more complicated, but it should not intimidate you. If you are in the market for a home here are some special tips on how to secure the perfect house.