Plan carefully before you build. Take the time to understand your lot, the soil, and local regulations. Next select a plan that works for you and your site. Then look at ways to finance your dream home from conception through construction.

Altering Stock Home Plans Choose Your Lot Wisely
Learn how to price out plans and plan for extras. Get inside tips on financing plans. Weigh your options when it comes to home equity and sweat equity. Consider your home from every angle with our tips section on BobVila.com.

Builder Check

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Old Home vs New

Fixing Your Credit History

Selling Your Home & A New Kitchen

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A Guide To Single Family Home Mortgage InsuranceA Guide To Single Family Home Mortgage Insurance
This guide, created by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, explains mortgage options, fees, payments, insurance programs, and other helpful information on government-sponsored home ownership programs.
A Vacation Condo as a Second HomeA Vacation Condo as a Second Home
A condominium may be a smart purchase for a vacation home, since amenities like security, pools, and community rooms are all included in association fees. Beware of restrictions, however, especially if you're planning a major remodel.
Am I Covered?Am I Covered?
Common Insurance Questions Asked by Homeowners
Applying for a Mortgage OnlineApplying for a Mortgage Online
Apply in your bathrobe and slippers. Learn if you’ve been pre-approved within minutes. Online mortgages appeal to many who work via the Internet and understand its advantages—and limitations.
Avoiding Flood Damage: A Checklist for HomeownersAvoiding Flood Damage: A Checklist for Homeowners
Are you looking for ways to protect your home from flooding? There are many things you can do, depending on the flood hazard in your area, the characteristics of your property, and the zoning and building codes in your community. Some methods are fairly simple and inexpensive; others will require a professional contractor.
Buying a Home in an Historic DistrictBuying a Home in an Historic District
There are many advantages to buying a home in a designated historic district, including stability and resale values. Still, there’s much to learn before taking the plunge.
Considering a Condo PurchaseConsidering a Condo Purchase
A condominium may conjure up pleasant thoughts of a home without the hassles of grounds or exterior maintenance work, but there’s much to consider before entering into condo ownership.
Creating Affordable HousingCreating Affordable Housing
Despite statistics and economic realities that can seem daunting, there is still hope for those seeking a home of their own that is safe, decent, and affordable. Developers and municipalities working together can make affordable housing a reality.
Financing an Energy-Efficient HomeFinancing an Energy-Efficient Home
The average homeowner spends close to $1,300 a year on utility bills. But an energy-efficient home—with such features as proper insulation, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, and energy-efficient windows—can lower your utility bills by 10 to 50 percent.
Financing New Home ConstructionFinancing New Home Construction
It takes equity to build a new home, which is why more and more homebuilders are using their existing homes to finance new construction.
Finding a Mortgage that WorksFinding a Mortgage that Works
Finding your way around the home-buying maze can be a puzzling thing, especially for first-time buyers. Before you get started looking at properties, understand your financing and repayment options.
Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to RadonHome Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
Whether you are buying or selling, it's imporant to test the home for radon.
Home Buying 101Home Buying 101
This guide, created by The Department of Housing and Urban Development, discusses settlement costs, legal issues, and other helpful information to consider before you purchase a new home.
Home Warranties and Service PlansHome Warranties and Service Plans
It's after the warranties run out that problems start to hit for home systems and appliances. With home service plans you can insure your appliances for repair or replacement even when they're past their prime. Still, watch the fine print and make certain the coverage you're looking for is the coverage you'll receive.
How to Find Affordable HousingHow to Find Affordable Housing
Finding affordable housing takes energy, patience, and determination. The first step is to learn where to find help and how to qualify for home-ownership programs in your area.
Interest-Only MortgagesInterest-Only Mortgages
As housing prices have soared nationwide, affordable housing has been redefined by borrowers and lenders. New products, like the interest-only (I/O) option loan, are springing up in response to consumer demand.
Investing In Foreclosed Real EstateInvesting In Foreclosed Real Estate
With interest rates at a 30-year low and the stock market looking too perilous for small investors, many people are putting money in an asset they understand - real estate.
Looking for the Best MortgageLooking for the Best Mortgage
Shopping around for a home loan or mortgage will help you to get the best financing deal. Shopping, comparing, and negotiating may save you thousands of dollars.
Reduce Radon Levels - Hiring a ContractorReduce Radon Levels - Hiring a Contractor
Reducing radon levels in your home is serious business. Here are a few pointers on what to look for in when hiring a contractor to do the job.
Refinancing Your HomeRefinancing Your Home
Stored equity is like a piggy bank waiting to be opened. You may be surprised to find out how much your home is worth.
Sears American Dream CampaignSears American Dream Campaign
Strengthening communities, one home at a time.
Storm-Ready Home: Determine Your Flood RiskStorm-Ready Home: Determine Your Flood Risk
The odds may seem like a million to one you'll ever experience serious flooding. But it happens more than you'd think. In fact, 90% of all presidentially-declared natural disasters involve flooding.
Storm-Ready Home: Flood Insurance FactsStorm-Ready Home: Flood Insurance Facts
Flooding causes more than 90 percent of all disaster-related property damage in the United States but most homeowner policies do not cover flood damage. Because of this, homeowners need flood insurance—a special policy backed by the federal government, with cooperation from local communities and private insurance companies.
Storm-Ready Home: How to Purchase Flood InsuranceStorm-Ready Home: How to Purchase Flood Insurance
Flooding causes more than 90 percent of all disaster-related property damage in the United States but most homeowner policies do not cover flood damage. Because of this, homeowners need flood insurance -- a special policy backed by the federal government, with cooperation from local communities and private insurance companies.
Storm-Ready Home: Understanding Flood ZonesStorm-Ready Home: Understanding Flood Zones
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has placed more than 19,000 communities in the United States into a category of flood zones. Each community is able to participate in the agency's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), with premium rates determined by the risks of flooding. To indicate the risks in different parts of the country, FEMA has assigned a character from the alphabet to each zone.
The Right Insurance for Your HomeThe Right Insurance for Your Home
Your home is your most valuable asset, but a broken pipe, downed tree, or neighbor falling on the stairs could result in a financial fiasco if your insurance doesn’t cover it. Look closely at your homeowner’s policy to make sure your home’s covered for all it’s worth.
Twelve Ways To Save Money On Your Homeowners InsuranceTwelve Ways To Save Money On Your Homeowners Insurance
The price you pay for your homeowners insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars depending on a number of factors, including the company you buy your policy from.
Understanding Home Equity LoansUnderstanding Home Equity Loans
Maybe you’ve recently received a personalized mailing estimating the equity in your house and the cash now available to you. Home equity is a hot lending product and a great resource if you know the facts.
Understanding Mortgage PointsUnderstanding Mortgage Points
With the euphoria that surrounds buying a first home—or even refinancing one—consumers often concentrate just on the mortgage rates and fail to take into account all the numbers that come into play.

 
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