Before you apply for a home loan, you'll want to take a snapshot of your personal finances to find out exactly where you stand. A financial snapshot helps you calculate your debt to income ratio, which gives you a closer look at your overall financial situation.

If you're gearing up to buy a home, get your checkbook ready. You'll have to pay some extra expenses associated with your home loan. These expenses are called closing costs, and they can vary widely depending on a number of factors.

Because your home is probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make, you’ll want to take measures to safeguard that valuable investment. The best way to protect your home investment is through homeowners insurance.

Unless you plan to pay cash for your home, you will need to obtain a mortgage to finance it.  With so many different loan options and countless lenders out there, shopping around for mortgages can be a confusing, stressful and frustrating process.  Here are a few steps you can take to make sure you land the perfect home loan.

Home inspections will vary depending on the type of property you are purchasing. A large historic home, for example, will require a more specialized inspection than a small condominium. However, the following are the basic elements that a home inspector will check. You can also use this list to help you evaluate properties you might purchase. 

When sellers need to sell their home for less than they owe on their mortgage, they’re shooting for a short sale. Short sale homes can sometimes be bargains, but only if you do your homework, stay patient, and remain unemotional during the sometimes lengthy and difficult short sale process. Here are six tips for protecting yourself emotionally and financially when bidding on a short sale.