Take Some of the Mystery Out of Buying a House Sight Unseen
Last fall, when planning a move from North Carolina to Stillwater, Oklahoma, for a new job that would start in January, Andreza Conti Patara and her husband, Marcelo Patara, decided…
Barbara Marquand
Barbara Marquand is a NerdWallet authority on insurance. She has written about personal finance for more than a decade, including the intricacies of auto, home, health, life and long-term care insurance. She now writes about mortgages and homeownership. Her work has appeared in MarketWatch, MSN Money, USA Today, The Washington Post and many others. Outside of work, Barb enjoys do-it-yourself projects and is saving for the next round of home improvements. Email: [email protected]
Posts by Barbara Marquand:
Home Inspection in North Carolina: How It Works and What It Costs
Even if a house seems like the home of your dreams, it’s still a good idea to get a reality check from a home inspector before the sale closes. What…
What Is a Short Sale?
A short sale in real estate is the sale of a home at a lower price than what’s owed on the mortgage. The transaction requires the lender’s approval and is…
What Is Earnest Money?
Earnest money is a good-faith deposit you make on a home to show the seller you’re serious about buying. The money is deposited after the seller has accepted your offer…
Is It a Good Time to Buy a House?
If you’re wondering whether it’s a good time to buy a house, ask this instead: Is it a good time in my life to buy a house? Current economic indicators…
Your Battle Plan for Buying a Home With a VA Loan
If you’ve served in the military, a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may be your ticket to home ownership. VA loans don’t require a minimum down…
Why It’s Time to Dump Home Buyer Love Letters
“We’re newlyweds and your house will be a perfect place to start our family!” “Our kids will love the backyard!” “We look forward to walking to church from your house!”…
How to Save Money for a House: Steps to Get Moving
Saving enough money to buy a house might seem like scaling Mount Everest, but don’t let that stop you from taking the first steps. Once you get moving, you might…
How First-Home Shoppers Can Keep a Cool Head in a Hot Market
Shopping for your first house is stressful enough, but when you’re finally ready to be a homeowner and the pickings are slim, the process can become a roller-coaster ride of…
Good Neighbor Next Door Program: How It Works
The Good Neighbor Next Door program might sound almost too good to be true: Teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians can buy homes for 50% off the…
