Sick of renting, but not ready to spend your Saturdays on a lawn mower? Often featuring desirable locations, minimal maintenance, and smaller price tags than single-family homes, it’s no wonder young homebuyers find condos attractive. But living in a condo can present some unique challenges. Ask yourself these questions to make sure a condo living is right for you. Continued

Mortgage crises or not, it’s still a great time to buy your first home. Be smart, however, and have a pre-approved mortgage in hand before going house hunting. Applying for (and getting approved for) a mortgage before you shop could save you time, money, and heartbreak. Here’s how. Continued

A down payment between 10 and 20% on your first home or condo is more important today than ever before. Following the sub-prime mortgage meltdown, lenders are more cautious with mortgage applications and borrowers have (hopefully) learned some lessons about risky home loans. Of course, socking away $20,000 or more isn’t easy, especially in your twenties. Here are five steps to take to save up your down payment in record time. Continued

The real estate market is dismal these days, which means bargains-a-plenty for first-time home buyers. Problem is: the real estate market is suffering because so many homeowners took out loans they can’t repay. In turn, mortgage lenders have tightened their purse strings, making qualifying for a home loan a challenge.

That’s not to say getting a mortgage today is impossible. Could you qualify for a mortgage? Here are the three numbers that hold the answer. Continued

Last week I wrote about my return to sharing an apartment after living alone. Moving in with unknown roommates or renting out a spare bedroom can be daunting, but can save a fistful of cash. Here are 10 tips to increase your chances of finding a shared apartment or home with a roommate you can actually live with. Continued

In just five years since college, I have experienced every living situation imaginable (read on for the list). Based upon my rental resume, one would think that once I found myself living alone, in a modest one bedroom, I would stay put. I didn’t. Continued

One thing is for sure: It is a difficult time to sell a house. Shouldn’t that mean it is a good time to buy a home? It should, but it doesn’t. Continued

Once you’re locked into a mortgage, it can seem like the only way you’ll ever reduce the amount you’ll pay in interest is to wait until rates are lower (or your credit is better) and refinance. But there is another way… Continued

Considering buying your first home? Prepare yourself for one of life’s most demanding experiences. Continued

Sinking home prices across most of the country are spelling opportunity for some prepared first-time home buyers out there, but for many other other young homeowners, the current housing slump means trouble. Continued