Buyers' negotiating tactics and strategies

August 19, 2011

Buying a home in a slow market

Anecdotal evidence suggests that we're moving into a summer slowdown. It's not unusual for the home-sale market to slow in July and August, when many real estate agents and buyers are on vacation. The market often picks up again after Labor Day, and October can be a good month for home sales.

9:20 AM CDT, May 18, 2011

When a mortgage puts buyer at a disadvantage

For homebuyers who need to finance their purchase using a mortgage, a cash buyer can be their worst enemy.

1:38 PM CST, November 23, 2010

Homebuyers get creative to close the deal

— When Efrain Hernandez couldn't seal a deal before the first-time home buyer tax credit expired this year, he lost faith that he would ever own a house in this real estate climate.

January 7, 2011

Beware buying a home from a divorcing couple

Marriage breakups can be tense. And when divorcing couples sell their homes, it's buyer, agent and everyone else beware.

Avoid a money pit

In the 1986 movie, "The Money Pit," Tom Hanks and Shelley Long find themselves in their dream house until it starts falling apart. The bathtub falls from the ceiling, the chimney falls into the house and eventually the frame collapses.

January 9, 2009

BUYING TIPS

Keeping the upper hand in housing deal

In some ways, it's both the best of times and the most challenging of times for home buyers. Many properties are on the market for amazingly low prices, like the clearance merchandise now overloading the shelves of retail chains. Moreover, mortgage rates are exceptionally low.

January 16, 2009

SELLING TIPS

In tough times, flexibility with buyers is key

In a tough economy, conspicuous consumption is out and deal-hunting is in. Whether they're buying a Toyota Corolla or a Lexus, consumers are demanding rock-bottom prices. This is especially true in real estate.

May 18, 2008

FINANCING

Even in this climate, there's no rule like an old rule

Whether you're a buyer, seller or borrower, chances are you're confused.

August 17, 2007

FINANCING

Builders rolling out incentives for buyers

With the housing market looking increasingly frail, home builders and real estate agents are going to new extremes to attract buyers, dangling lavish incentives and slashing prices.

April 6, 2008

How to ensure the bid is right

You love the fireplace, the hardwood floors, even the slightly dated kitchen.

May 10, 2007

OWNING AND RENTING

How to get a deal in a buyer's market

Are you planning to buy a home in an area that happens to have a glut of "For Sale" signs? If so, you may be in luck, says Sid Davis, author of "A Survival Guide for Buying a Home."