Housing

There are different mortgage types and each has its own credit score requirements. Your credit score will affect not only loan approval, but also the interest rate you’ll pay on your mortgage.

You’ve found the perfect apartment. Before you commit to that rental lease, be certain you know what you’re getting into. What to know before you sign.

When it comes to buying your first home, you should always try to buy less house than you can afford. Chances are, you don’t need as much space as you think you do. Here’s my experience.

Don’t forget to calculate property taxes when considering a home purchase; they are an extra cost that most people forget about when buying a home, and they often run you more than you’d think.

Buyers, sellers, and even real estate professionals get nervous about real estate closings. But they’re part of the process of transferring your home from one person to another.

Banks might approve mortgage payments up to 35% of your pretax income. Uber-conservative financial gurus advise limiting payments to less than 25% of your after-tax income. My middle-ground approach is to keep mortgage payments below 28% of your pretax income.

FHA loans are now more accessible for those without great credit or money for a down payment. But do the relaxed standards make up for all the extra costs?

Should you get a starter house right now — or should you wait until you can afford your “forever house”? Here are the pros and cons of each choice.