Most buyers don't buy the first home they look at -- nor should they. Beginning a home search involves getting to know the local market and neighborhood, carefully evaluating each home's condition, and, when you've found the perfect house, offering an amount that's neither to high nor too low. Learn more here.
Home Buying Timeline: From Offer to Purchase Contract
Why buying a house is often a weeks-long process.
Contingencies to Include in Your House Purchase Contract
Inspections, financing, and other conditions you'd like to see met before you'll agree to close the deal and buy a house.
Co-op Purchase Contracts: What to Watch Out For
Unique considerations when preparing to sign a contract to buy a unit within a co-op.
New York Home Buyers: What Does It Mean to Be "In Contract" and What Happens to Your Deposit
Unusual real estate offer and contracting procedures in the state of New York.
How Much Should I Offer for a House: List Price, Higher, or Lower?
In the end, it's the real estate market—that is, the level of other buyers' interest in the house, and their view of how it compares to other available houses—that determines how much a house will sell for.
Does a Home Seller Have to Accept a Full-Price Offer?
What are home sellers obligated to do when buyers submit a full-price, contingency-free offer?
How Does Seller Financing Work in a Home Sale?
What goes in your offer and contract in instances where the seller, rather than a traditional lender, will provide financing.
How long do I have to withdraw an offer to buy a house?
If you have to backtrack, find out whether you're in contract and what that contract says.
Seller Pulled Out of Home Purchase Deal for No Reason: Now What?
Your real estate contract sets the terms for when a seller can legally back out of the deal, but a lawsuit might be necessary to enforce it.
What Form Should I Use to Make a Home Purchase Offer?
In most U.S. states, a standard house-buying form is used for setting forth your offered price, conditions, closing date, and more.