Reader Question: I want to start looking for a home, but several people suggested agents won’t take me seriously without a pre-approval letter. I understand the pre-approval must be updated every 30 days, and a credit check hurts my credit score. How do I avoid being punished for planning ahead and beginning my search far […]

Reader Question: We are expecting an offer on our home this week. It is our first time selling a home, but over the years we have heard a few horror stories about move-out day. Do you have any advice about how to prevent move-out day problems? Rick and Angie B. Monty’s Answer: This is the […]

Reader Question: We are outgrowing our apartment and going to investigate buying a home. We want to do this without the help of our parents and friends, but we have no idea where to start. We want to do it right. How should we get started? Michael and Anna L. Monty’s Answer: Home seekers that […]

Reader Question: We looked at a home that we are considering making an offer for. When our friends at dinner asked us about the house, there were questions that came up we couldn’t answer. We then realized that we were focused on the floor plan and how our furniture and decorating accessories could fit, and […]

Reader Question: We want to ask about homeownership. After witnessing the run-up in real estate values in the not-to-distant past and the aftermath of the financial meltdown, we read conflicting information about where real estate values, and the economy are going, and whether or not a home is a good investment. Is owning a home […]