signing the papers for your new home, a guide to the homebuying process

real estate mortgage closing costs homeownership property house condo townhouse agent loan officer title company escrow date settlement contract offer negotiation diligence home inspection appraisal preapproval payment documents signature keys ownership financial planning budgeting credit score debttoincome ratio equity value taxes insurance maintenance repairs renovations improvements investment building housing market interest rates trends buying tips firsttime homebuyer guide selling