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Buying a home is a major step in people’s lives. Being a homeowner makes us feel part of a community, like real adults with real commitments. The other side of it is that we often feel confused and alone, worried about being beholden to a bank for 30 years.

People all over the world buy property every day, and yet you really have no idea what is entailed, beyond going to open houses, draining your bank account, and signing tons of papers.

But fret not! Help is here. To help make the byzantine real estate world a bit more clear, below are a series of guides to help you through each stage of the process.

[Editor's note: these articles are a work in progress and will get linked as they're completed. Be sure to check back!]

> Before You Buy

Are you sure you’re ready to buy? Carefully weigh your options.
Prerequisites. What you must, must, MUST do before stepping foot in an open house.
Why all homebuyers should take a class.
Types of property. Should you be looking or a condo, house, duplex, multi-family, or some other concoction?
Cast of Characters. Who’s who in the real estate world.
How to find a great realtor.
The best buyer’s real estate search tools.
Figure out how much you can afford (it’s not as simple as it seems!).
Types of loans. All the ways you can get a few hundred thou!
Tax breaks & other buyer incentives. The government will give you money to buy a house (sweet!).

> Purchasing Your Home

Negotiating the best possible price.
How to deal with cold feet.
What you need to know about closing and escrow. If the part that comes after your offer is accepted seems a bit fuzzy, be sure to read this.
Last-minute nightmares. Things that can pop up unexpectedly, and how to prepare yourself.
Inspection or No Inspection?
What to look for on your walk-through.

> After You Close