Owning a home is a cherished part of the American dream. Buying that home also may be the largest financial investment you'll ever make.

That's why it's so important to get financially ready to buy and take care of a home, and to feel confident about stepping into the shoes of a homeowner.

• Financial Planning for a Home of Your Own Brochure (PDF | 1,286KB)

Planning

• Getting Ready
• Shopping for a Mortgage
• The Best House for Your Money
• I Bought a House — Now What?

Mortgages

• Shopping for a Mortgage
• When Does It Make Sense to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
• How to Refinance Your Mortgage
• Should You Pay Down Your Mortgage?
• Should I take money out of my IRA to pay off my mortgage?
• Are we better off refinancing to a 10-year fixed loan or using cash to pay off the mortgage?
• Should we pay off a big chunk of our mortgage or continue making monthly payments?
• Should I sell my property to pay down my mortgage?
• Should I refinance my mortgage?
• Should I use my IRA rollover to pay off my mortgage?
• How to Choose the Right Mortgage for You (Mp3)

Additional Resources

• How to Appeal Your Property Taxes & Why You Should Consider It
• Rent or Buy? What Should You Do?
• Considerations for Buying Real Estate as an Investment
• Facing a Home Foreclosure? Protect Yourself from Scams
• Be Smart about Renovations in a Down Home Market
• Planning Tax Smart Home Improvements
• The Economics of Renting vs. Buying
• Tips to Maximize Homeowner Coverage and Minimize Cost
• How to Maintain and Protect the Value of Your Home
• Homeowner’s Insurance Checklist
• Do's and Don'ts of Buying and Selling a Home
• Should I use the money from my rollover IRA to purchase my home?
• How can I convince our 401(k) plan administrator to let us withdraw money for the down payment on a house?
• Would it be better to rent the family home or sell it?
• How a Financial Planner Can Help You ... and How to Choose the Right One Brochure (PDF | 640KB)