You'll find lots of free articles to guide you towards homeownership. There's tips on becoming a first-time homebuyer, buying new construction, financing your new home and much more. For more information, check out the latest and greatest books for home buyers..

General Tips

• New Jersey Real Estate Relationships

  If you plan to utilize the services of a real estate professional, these five pages are extremely important to you. Be sure to read them carefully before selecting a real estate professional.

• Planning a Cost-Effective Move

  If your plans include a major move, do some advance legwork to save yourself frustration, and possibly money.

• Why Fixer Houses Are A Great Strategy

• Choose Agent Carefully Before Buying House

• Radon Review: Are You at Risk?

• Don't Get Greased by Underground Oil Tanks

• For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection

  Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, so you should be sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. (2 pages - pdf)

• Are You Moving?

  Protect Yourself From Moving Fraud (6 pages - pdf)

• Ready to Move?

  Tips for a Successful Interstate Move (2 pages - pdf)

• Drinking Water From Household Wells

  Provides general information about drinking water from home wells. It describes types of activities in your area that can create threats to your water supply. It also describes problems to look for and offers maintenance suggestions.(24 pages - pdf)

First Time Homebuyers

• Things to Consider Before Buying a Home

• A Simple Guide For First Time Home Buyers

• The HUD Home Buying Guide

  Since 1934, HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has helped millions of Americans unlock the door to homeownership and have a home of their own in many communities throughout the U.S., at attractive prices and economical terms. (8 pages - pdf)

• How to Buy a Home with a Low Down Payment

  A consumer’s guide to owning a home with less than three percent down. (12 pages - pdf)

New Construction

• 12 Reasons To Purchase A New Home Instead of a Pre-Owned Home!

• Tips for Buying An Unbuilt Home

• Arbitration Can Help after New Home Closings

Advanced Tips

• Locating Lucrative Investment Property Requires Finding Motivated Sellers

  With real estate outperforming most other investment vehicles, it’s not surprising that an increasing number of buyers are pursuing investment properties.

• Buyer Beware: Research Vital for Real Estate Auction Purchases

  Buying a property at a public foreclosure auction is not for the faint at heart. It usually requires patience, persistence and a fair amount of cash, since most state foreclosure laws stipulate that the winning bidder pay all or part of the winning bid on the spot.

• Negotiating Bank-Owned Real Estate Bargains

  As housing costs continue to soar, more and more people are looking into the option of buying foreclosure properties. Some opt to look for properties in the early stages of default; others frequent auctions or sheriff’s sales. But if you don’t have the nerve to approach homeowners in default or the cash in-hand to bid at foreclosure auctions, buying a bank-owned property may be the best way for you to tap the hidden market of foreclosure real estate.

• Understanding the Ins and Outs of Purchasing a For-Sale-By-Owner Property

  In an era of ever-escalating home prices, the option of purchasing a For-Sale-by-Owner (FSBO) property seems attractive for cash-strapped homebuyers.

• Understanding and Navigating Your Way Through the Foreclosures Process

  Foreclosure properties can be a terrific investment, or give home buyers a much more affordable option than traditional properties in this time of escalating prices. But, before you jump in assuming this is “real-estate for dummies” or the next get-rich-quick scheme, think again! 

Financing

• Your Guide to Financing a Home

  View a large collection of articles to help you make good financing decisions.