First-time Homebuyers Information

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Home inspections give buyers peace of mind before closing on a home. Here’s a checklist and tips to help you prep for this process.

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about The essential home inspection checklist for homebuyers

Working with the right real estate agent can give you an enormous advantage as a homebuyer. See the best strategies for how to find a realtor, including key questions to...

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about How to find a realtor

The highest offer doesn’t always win, and there are ways to win against all-cash buyers. Here’s how to win a bidding war on a house to get the home you...

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about How to win a real estate bidding war in a competitive market

Discover the best places to live in New Jersey, what’s unique about the real estate market, how to find a New Jersey Realtor, plus 7 steps to buy a home.

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about How to stay sane when buying a home in NJ

If you’re thinking of buying a house out of state, this article has all the tips and tools you’ll need to complete your out-of-state home purchase remotely.

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about Buying a house out of state

Looking for a house that truly fits your needs? Don't rely on a gut feeling. Get tips from a Better Real Estate Agent on how to know if a house...

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about A realtor's guide on finding the perfect home

Each season has its pros and cons: We’ll help you identify your best time of the year to buy a house based on how you prioritize price, choice, and timing....

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about When is the best time of the year to buy a house?

We’ll show you how to budget for a mortgage payment so that you can break down your monthly payment, examine your monthly budget, and assess how much you can afford....

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about How to budget for your monthly mortgage payment

Go from planning to closing with the complete home buying checklist—most of which can now be completed online with the help of Better.

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about The Definitive Home Buying Checklist

Online mortgage calculators may not be as reliable as you think. Find out how to get a Better idea of how much house you can really afford.

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about So you’re wondering how much house you can afford

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’ll want to start preparing to take out a mortgage well before you apply. Here’s a guide to getting yourself ready.

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about First-time Homebuyer’s Guide: Preparing for your first mortgage

In his latest post, Better Mortgage Chief Economist explains why falling house prices can be a good thing for homebuyers — and why the rent-price ratio (aka rental yield) is...

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about What’s up with house prices and why rental yields matter

Buying a home with a significant other, family member, or close friend? Here’s how to decide whether or not to include them on the mortgage.

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about Should you add a co-borrower to your mortgage?

Struggling to get your dream home in a competitive market? These tips can help you make an offer that truly stands out to sellers.

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about 7 ways to make your offer stand out in a competitive market

Considering a 5% down payment for your mortgage? We're here to help demystify the low down payment mortgage.

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about When a 3-5% down payment isn't a risk

Learn what mortgage lenders are looking for when evaluating a loan application — and what first-time homebuyers can do to meet their requirements.

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about First-time Homebuyers Guide: How to think like a mortgage lender

There is a range of tax deductions homebuyers or homeowners can use to lower their tax bill. Learn which tax breaks apply to your and what tax forms to use.

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about How does buying a house affect taxes

When financing looks questionable, mortgage contingencies come into play. Find out how Better can provide assurances with funding.

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about Mortgage Contingency Explained: Importance for Buyers and Sellers

Yes, you can use money in a 401(k) account to buy a house. But should you? Learn whether it makes sense to use your 401(k) for a down payment and...

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about Can I use a 401(k) to buy a house?

Can you still buy a home if you have student loan debt? Turns out you have some options. Here’s what you should know about getting a mortgage.

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about Yes, you can buy a home—even with student loans!
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