1. The Deed Is the Physical Document That Transfers Ownership A deed is the actual, signed piece of paper that moves ownership from the seller to you.��️ It lists your name (and co-buyers, if any) It includes a legal description of the property It must be recorded with the county or city to be official Think of the deed as your receipt […]
1. With a Condo, You Own the Unit Buying a condo (short for condominium) means you: Own your individual unit outright (just like a house) Share ownership of the building’s common areas (like the gym, hallways, pool) with other unit owners Receive a property deed Can often rent out or sell your unit freely This gives you
What Are the Different Types of Homes You Can Buy 1. A Contingency Offer Comes With Built-In Conditions A contingency in a real estate contract says: “We’ll buy this home, if these things happen.” Common contingencies include: Home inspection: Gives you a chance to walk away if the home has major issues Financing: Protects you if your
1. HOAs Help Maintain Standards An HOA exists to protect the look, feel, and value of the community. They enforce rules around landscaping, home color choices, parking, fence height, and more. It might sound strict, but the goal is to keep the neighborhood clean, safe, and appealing. If you like structure and consistency, this can
1. Title Insurance Covers Hidden Risks in a Home’s History When you buy a home, you’re not just buying the walls and roof—you’re also taking ownership of the property’s legal history. Title insurance protects you and your lender from: Undiscovered liens from past owners Ownership disputes or missing heirs Errors in public records or forged documentsIn short, it ensures the
The Truth About Private Mortgage Insurance (and How to Make It Work for You) PMI Sounds Scary—But It Might Be Your Ticket In If you’ve heard of PMI and thought, “Ugh, one more fee?”—you’re not alone. Private Mortgage Insurance can feel like a mystery charge when you’re already juggling numbers. But here’s the truth: it
1. The Final Walk-Through Confirms the Home Is Ready The final walk-through is your last chance to inspect the property before closing. Typically scheduled 24–48 hours before you sign the final paperwork, this visit ensures the home is still in the agreed-upon condition. It’s your opportunity to confirm: The property is clean and empty Appliances and
1. Property Taxes Fund Local Services Property taxes are local taxes based on the value of your home and land. They help fund essential public services like: Schools Roads and infrastructure Police and fire departments Parks and librariesEven though you’re paying them, these taxes benefit your entire community—and that’s why they’re required annually. Understanding property taxes is
Worried You Need 20% Down? Here’s the Real Deal. If you’ve heard that you have to put 20% down to buy a home, you’re not alone—and you’re also not quite right. The idea of needing a huge pile of cash stops a lot of people from even trying. But the truth is, there are flexible,
1. A Home Warranty Covers Systems That Wear Out Over Time Unlike homeowner’s insurance, which covers things like fire or weather damage, a home warranty covers functional items inside your home. That includes: Heating and cooling systems (HVAC) Plumbing and electrical systems Major appliances like your fridge, oven, or dishwasher If one of these breaks
1. Real Estate Agents Are Licensed Guides A real estate agent is licensed to help buyers and sellers navigate real estate transactions. They can show homes, write offers, negotiate, and support you every step of the way. However, agents must work under a licensed broker, who oversees the legal and ethical side of every deal.