Renting and housing
How a HUD-approved housing counselor can help you buy
Buying your first home means learning a whole new language. You’ll discover the joy of escrow, points, DTI, and PMI, to name just a few topics. However, you don't have to figure it out alone. HUD-approved housing counselors offer free or low-cost guidance to help you.
Read Renting and housingClosing costs: the money you need beyond the down payment
Plenty of first-time buyers save hard for a down payment, then get surprised when they get to closing and realize they need more money. We’re talking about closing costs, additional fees/expenses that come with getting a mortgage and transferring a home into your name. They can add up to thousands of dollars, so it pays to plan.
Read Renting and housingDown payment assistance: free and forgivable money for first-time buyers
Saving for a down payment is the biggest challenge most would-be homeowners face. What many people don't know is that thousands of programs across the country can help cover it, sometimes with money you never have to pay back.
Read Renting and housingFHA, VA, and USDA loans: home loans for buyers with less saved
Think you need 20% down to buy a home? Three government-backed loan programs may change your mind. FHA, VA, and USDA loans are designed for buyers with less in savings, as well as those with lower credit scores or modest incomes.
Read Renting and housingPre-qualified vs. pre-approved: what each means
Thinking about buying a home? You'll hear two terms a lot: pre-qualified and pre-approved. They sound pretty similar, and some lenders use them loosely, but they mean different things.
Read Renting and housingWhat credit score do you need to buy a house?
Your credit score is one of the first things a mortgage lender checks. It affects everything from whether you're approved to which loans you can get and even how much you'll pay in interest over the life of the loan. The good news is that the bar is lower than many people think.
Read Renting and housingAm I ready to buy a home? A checklist for would-be buyers
Owning a home is a goal for a lot of people, but how do you know when you’re really “ready?” Ready doesn’t necessarily mean that you need a perfect credit score or a pile of cash. Instead, you need a few things to line up: regular income, limited debt, some savings, and the right monthly payment.
Read Renting and housingWhat to do if you can't pay rent
If you're worried you won't be able to pay rent this month, don't wait. Taking action early gives you more options and can help you avoid bigger problems later.
Read Renting and housingYour rights during an eviction, explained
If you're facing eviction, you have legal rights — and knowing them can buy you time and options. Here's how the process works and where to find help.
Read Renting and housingHow to get help with a deposit
Coming up with a security deposit can feel impossible when money is tight. These programs and strategies can help cover move-in costs so you can get into a stable home.
Read Renting and housingHow to read a lease before you sign
A lease is a legal contract, and the fine print really does matter. Here is what to look for before you put your name on anything.
Read Renting and housingHow rent reporting can build credit
Your monthly rent payment could help you build a credit history. Rent reporting services make that possible — here's how they work.
Read Renting and housingWhat renters insurance covers
Renters insurance is an affordable way to protect your belongings and cover unexpected costs. It costs less than most people think and can save you a lot of stress.
Read Renting and housingMoving costs, and how to plan for them
Moving costs more than most people expect. Here's a plain-English breakdown of what you'll likely pay and how to plan ahead.
Read Renting and housingHow security deposits work
A security deposit is money you pay before you move in. Here is what it covers and how to get it back when you leave.
Read Renting and housingHow to rent with bad credit
A low credit score makes renting harder, but it does not make it impossible. Here are practical ways to improve your chances of getting approved for an apartment or rental home.
Read Renting and housingWhat landlords check before renting
Before a landlord hands you keys, they usually run a few checks. Knowing what they look at helps you prepare and avoid surprises.
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