It's no wonder that psychologists rank buying a home high on the list of stress-producing events. Not only is it the biggest purchase most people make in a lifetime, but also it forces a wholesale examination of goals, commitments and lifestyle. Market conditions -- including too many or too few homes to look at, rising or falling prices and competitive bidding for the nicest homes -- can make you wonder if you'll ever find the right house at the right price.
Take Our Quiz: How Smart of a Home Buyer Are You?
People buy homes for lots of different reasons, and the steps and strategies they should follow will vary accordingly. To get started in this buyer's guide, select the option that best describes your situation:
First-Time Buyer
If you're starting from ground zero, there's a lot to think about. Are you really ready to buy? Here are the risks and rewards to consider.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Moving Up
Your family and income have grown and it's time to trade up. If you fall into this category, the big question is: Should you buy first or sell first?
Downsizing
The kids are gone and its time to exchange your large family home for something smaller.
-
Want to Earn $1 Million More Over Your Lifetime? Do ThisIt's simple: Go to college or a trade school. It's an investment that will pay huge dividends for the rest of your life. And the benefits go far beyond money.
-
What Impact Does Politics Have on Insurance?Some governors choose their state's insurance commissioner, while other states elect theirs, and that person has power over insurance issues, including rates.
-
Commercial Real Estate Outlook 2024: The Kiplinger LetterThe Kiplinger Letter In 2024, expect hybrid and work-from-home trends, tighter budgets, rising rents and the demand for data centers to continue.
-
Delinquent CRE Loans Are on the Rise: The Kiplinger LetterThe Kiplinger Letter Banks are expanding their efforts to restructure CRE loans to avoid losses from the commercial real estate sector.
-
As Mortgage Rates Rise, Renting Is Now Cheaper Than Buying for Many: The Kiplinger Letter
The Kiplinger Letter A jump in mortgage rates has caused housing affordability to slump and priced many first-time home buyers out of the market.
-
Rental Market Will Slow Through 2023: The Kiplinger LetterThe Kiplinger Letter Expected growth in the rental market is likely to remain slow for the rest of the year amid a slow housing market and cooling economy.
-
Selling Your Home? Set the Right Pricereal estate If you're selling your home, setting the right price is crucial. Don't overprice or you'll scare away prospective buyers.
-
WFH Impact on Commercial Real Estate Market: Kiplinger Economic ForecastsEconomic Forecasts Commercial real estate continues to struggle. Office vacancies hit 18.9% in the second quarter of 2023.
-
Greenland, U.S. Plans to Boost Tourist Economy: Kiplinger Economic ForecastsEconomic Forecasts A U.S. congressional effort could see some Canadian visitors get longer stays, meanwhile, Greenland bids to be the next vacation hotspot.
-
China’s Economy Weakened by Low House Prices and Falling Exports: Kiplinger Economic ForecastsEconomic Forecasts China’s economy lost momentum in May due in part to fewer exports and declining housing prices, but the country’s fast fashion retailers are booming.
