Housing

Part of the Personal lane.

Topics in Housing

Renting

  • How to Budget for Renting in a New City
  • How to Read a Lease Before You Sign
  • How to Get Your Security Deposit Back
  • How to Negotiate Rent at Renewal
  • How to Know When Renting Beats Buying

Buying a Home

  • How to Know If You're Actually Ready to Buy a Home
  • How to Save for a Down Payment in 24 Months
  • How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
  • How to Budget for Closing Costs
  • How to Choose Between FHA, Conventional, and VA Loans

Mortgages

  • How to Compare Mortgage Rates Across Lenders
  • How to Know When Refinancing Actually Saves You Money
  • How to Pay Off Your Mortgage in 15 Years Instead of 30
  • How to Decide Between 15-Year and 30-Year Fixed
  • How to Recast a Mortgage After a Big Principal Payment

Equity & Home Finance

  • How to Open a HELOC Without Getting Burned
  • How to Use Home Equity for a Renovation
  • How to Know When to Sell and Upgrade
  • How to Appeal Your Property Tax Bill
  • How to Budget for Homeowners Insurance and PMI