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How do I check for flood zones before I buy a house?

I found a great house near a creek, but I’m terrified of insurance costs. Is there a way to check if a house is in a high-risk flood zone before I spend money on an appraisal or inspection?

15 Answers

Is it dumb to buy a house without seeing it first?

Anyone ever bought a house "sight unseen" from out of state? Relocating for work and I can't fly out every weekend. Is it crazy to trust a FaceTime tour and a good inspector? What's the best way to protect myself so I don't move into a lemon?"

18 Answers

I want a fixer-upper - what are deal breaker, don't buy redflags for fixer uppers?

I'm not super handy or knowledgeable about this stuff but I think I can handle a fixer-upper that maybe just needs cosmetic and then I pay someone to do one or two of the bigger projects. I’m looking at cheaper houses that need work. I don't mind painting, but what are the issues that are too expensive to fix? Foundation? Mold? Knob and tube wiring? What should make me instantly cancel the contract?

11 Answers

Is buying a house with a friend bad idea?

I can’t afford a house on my own, so my best friend and I are thinking of buying a duplex together. Does this work? Is it a good option. How do we split the deed so if one of us wants out, we don't end up in a legal nightmare?

13 Answers

Is a 2-1 Rate Buydown actually a good deal or a gimmick?

My lender suggested a 2-1 buydown where the seller pays to lower my rate for the first two years. Is this better than just asking for a price reduction? What happens in year 3 if rates haven't dropped?

10 Answers

Can I keep my existing mortgage and use it on a new home?

Ready to upgrade to a bigger home but I bought my current one in 2021 and have an amazing rate. So i'm 5 years into a 30 year mortgage. Can I just transfer this mortgage to my next home? I don't want to lose the rate but I also need a bigger house. We bought this one in the panic of the pandemic.

8 Answers

Can I tap into my 401k for a down payment?

I’m about $20k short on my down payment. Is it a terrible idea to take a 401k loan? I know I have to pay it back, but does it count against my debt-to-income ratio when I apply for the mortgage?

7 Answers

When do I officially own my home?

We are under contract in a house and will close in 60ish days. We are moving across country and I want to start sending my mail to the new house but the current owners are still there are told us that we can't. I'm not sure what they will do with it if we do but we have no where else to send it as we are sort of couch surfing for the next few months. Can we force them to allow us to send our mail there? What are our rights since we are under contract?

14 Answers

Is there a way to know if someone is about to list for sale?

There is a home in my neighborhood that has been doing a lot of work. I know it is a single, older man who lives there and I'm guessing that he is planning to sell soon. Our neighborhood is very desirable and I know it will go fast so I want to see if I can get it before he lists it. Aside from approaching him, is there a way to see and let him know that someone is interested?

17 Answers