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Buying

302 questions found

I don't want to rent anymore

How do I buy a home? How much money do I really need because I am so sick of having a landlord and making monthly payments to her. I want to own something but I don't have anything saved.

Asked by Collette B | Amarillo, TX | 04-17-2026 | 26 Views | Buying | Updated 1 week ago

How do I find a real estate agent who specializes in helping first-time buyers?

I am completely new to the real estate market and feel a bit overwhelmed by the entire process. I want an agent who will be patient and walk me through every step without rushing me into a decision. What questions should I ask during an interview to make sure they are a good fit for a beginner?

Asked by David V | Kalamazoo, MI | 04-17-2026 | 19 Views | Buying | Updated 1 week ago

How far in advance should I start the home buying process before my lease ends?

My current apartment lease expires in about seven months, and I really want to transition into owning my own place rather than renewing. I haven't started touring homes yet, but I have been browsing listings online. I'm not sure how long the mortgage pre-approval, house hunting, and closing process actually takes in today's market.

Asked by Pamela U | columbus, GA | 04-16-2026 | 32 Views | Buying | Updated 1 week ago

How do I make sure I know everything about a house before buying?

we are hoping to move near to where we currently live, just need a bigger place. One of the things i HATE about where we are now is the misquitos. They are everywhere! As soon as spring starts they come out and no amount of spray or lawn treatment does anything. I think it's because of the creek behind the house, which we loved when we toured in the late fall and there wasn't a single bug. HOW COULD I HAVE KNOWN? Anyway, how am i to find those things out? I refuse to move again after this next move so I want it to be perfect.

Asked by Lisa F | Fayetteville, NC | 04-16-2026 | 20 Views | Buying | Updated 1 week ago

When do I need to start talking with real estate agents?

I rent right now but I'm looking to buy in the next year. My budget is low and I can't afford to have a real estate agent long term so should I wait to talk to them until I'm 100% ready?

Asked by Jenny B | Indianapolis, IN | 04-15-2026 | 16 Views | Buying | Updated 1 week ago

How can a first-time buyer compete with all-cash offers in a hot market?

We have been house hunting in Florida for three months and have put in offers on four different starter homes. Every single time, we get beat out by an investor paying all cash, even when we offer over the asking price. We are using a standard FHA loan and feel completely stuck. Are there any strategies or contingencies we can adjust to make our financed offer more attractive to sellers?

Asked by Brenton M | Tampa, FL | 04-14-2026 | 36 Views | Buying | Updated 2 weeks ago

What is the absolute minimum credit score needed to buy my first house?

I have been working hard to pay off my student loans and credit cards to get ready for homeownership. Every website I check gives me a slightly different answer about credit requirements. I want to make sure my score is high enough to get approved before I let a lender run a hard inquiry.

Asked by Brent K | Loveland, CO | 04-14-2026 | 24 Views | Buying | Updated 2 weeks ago

Is it better for a first-time buyer to use an FHA loan or a conventional loan?

I am trying to understand the different mortgage options available for someone buying their first property. I have heard FHA loans are more forgiving but come with permanent mortgage insurance. How do I decide which route makes the most sense for my family's situation?

Asked by Steph Matarazzo | 04-14-2026 | 50 Views | Buying | Updated 2 weeks ago

Are there specific programs for first-time homebuyers that help with the down payment?

My spouse and I are looking to buy our first house in the next six months. We have a stable income but are struggling to save up a full 20 percent for a down payment while paying rent. We heard there might be state or local grants available for first-time buyers. How do we find out if we qualify for any of these assistance programs?

Asked by Marcia Boon | Omaha | 04-14-2026 | 20 Views | Buying | Updated 2 weeks ago

Should we buy a fixer-upper as our first home to get into a better neighborhood?

We are pre-approved for our first mortgage but are getting priced out of the neighborhoods we really want in Portland. We noticed a few older homes that need significant cosmetic work, like new floors and kitchen updates, selling for much less. We are fairly handy and willing to put in sweat equity. Are there specific loan types for this, or is a fixer-upper too risky for a first-time buyer?

Asked by Steph Matarazzo | 04-14-2026 | 28 Views | Buying | Updated 2 weeks ago