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Buying a Home
Introduction

By David Wolpe (TMF DBunk)

Owning a home is part of the American dream. From carrying the wife (or, if you're suitably muscled, your husband) over the threshold, to notches on the door jamb marking the children's growth spurts, to car washes in the driveway and shoveling snow in the winter, owning a home is part of the iconography of America.

Here we present everything you need to know to keep the experience of buying a home as pleasurable and informed as possible. We've divided the information into a few main areas:

All About the Money
How much do you need to buy a house? How much can you afford? How do you get your hands on the money? How can you save money and buy smart?

Find Your Home
We illuminate facets of actually shopping for your house. Should you use an agent, or do it yourself? Are your interests being well represented? What should you look for in a home -- or a neighborhood? What about condos and co-ops?

Make the Deal
Here's the art of the deal. How do you make an offer? Should you give the seller a time limit to respond? How much leeway is there in an asking price? What can go wrong? What should you look for in a home inspection?

Be a Smart Owner
What about upkeep once you move into your new manse? How about home additions and improvements? Our quick owner's manual will help you get the most from your house and your contractors.

Refinancing, Home Equity, and Insurance
Should you refinance, and when? Should you get a home equity loan? How about homeowners insurance?

Calculators, Worksheets, Tools
Finally, we've added some calculators and worksheets for your use, plus a glossary of terms. You can also take a peek at what your neighbors paid for their home, and peruse the houses that owners themselves are selling.

Your Questions Answered
As you read through this series of articles, please join us on the Fool Home message board, where there's always a Fool around to answer even the most off-the-wall question. After all, what is a house, if not walls off which to bounce things?

Next: All About the Money »

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