Buying Land and Building a House: Pipe Dream or Possible?
It's a popular idea: Buy land in the country and build your dream house. What are the practical steps, and is it even possible?
May 7, 2025 14 MIN
It's a popular idea: Buy land in the country and build your dream house. What are the practical steps, and is it even possible?
A down payment shouldn't be determined simply by how much you have (or don't have) saved. A seasoned loan officer describes how he advises his clients.
Title insurance can feel like an overpriced, unnecessary add-on at closing—but in a housing market full of hidden risks, it might just be your best protection against a costly legal headache. While not everyone needs it, this one-time policy can serve as a safety net if an unexpected claim ever threatens your ownership.
Lender credits can help pay closing costs, but the help isn’t free. The buyer still pays closing costs in the form of a higher monthly payment throughout the life of the loan.
Closing cost assistance from the seller and other parties can be a big help when closing a home purchase. How much can you receive?
Homeowners should decide, based on their unique situation, whether now is the right time to refinance. The best refinances save thousands of dollars, but a new loan can help in other ways, too.
Can a Reconsideration of Value (ROV) help increase your home's value for a mortgage?
Even brand-new homes can hide serious flaws, which is why many experts recommend a professional inspection before closing—even if the property appears perfect. While an inspection may add costs and delay your timeline, it can help uncover critical issues early, give you leverage with the builder, and provide peace of mind.
An expiring appraisal can put a damper on your home purchase or refinance. Here's how long they last before you need a new one.
Paying off debt at closing can help you qualify for a loan even if your current DTI is too high. You just have to commit to paying down at least enough debt to move your DTI into the approval zone.
An attorney opinion letter can save a homebuyer $1,000 in closing costs according to Fannie Mae. But what are the risks?
We ran the numbers and found that a car payment can reduce homebuying power significantly. How much can you afford if you make a big car purchase?
We dug into the numbers to find out what someone needs to make to potentially qualify to buy a $300,000 home.
USDA loan pre-approval provides an accurate idea of the loan size you may qualify for and gives you a competitive advantage when making offers on homes.
Thinking about refinancing your mortgage? This guide breaks down the potential benefits, drawbacks, and alternatives so you can decide whether refinancing is the right move for your financial goals.
Lowering your interest rate from 7% to 6% will reduce your principal and interest payments by 9.88%, saving the typical US homebuyer around $250 per month.
Paying title insurance usually falls on the homebuyer, but this can vary by location. Title insurance fees are a third-party closing cost you can shop around for — and negotiate with the seller on who foots the bill.
Buying your first home in 2025 takes more than just saving for a down payment — it takes smart planning, a strong team, and a clear understanding of your options. These tips will help you navigate your first home purchase with more confidence and avoid costly missteps along the way.
