Buying a home is a complicated process. It’s usually the biggest financial transaction of a person’s life, and often involves taking out a mortgage to pay for the new digs.

Owning a home isn’t always a happily-ever-after story. On any given day, you might deal with a leaky roof, a weedy lawn or a bad neighbor. Homeowners associations can help with these inconveniences.

It’s one of the highlights of buying a home. Go ahead, pore over all the photos. Picture how you’ll arrange your furniture. But you should also call your real estate agent and schedule a walk-through.

Depending on what you decide to do with the house, here are key financial issues you must consider.

Or maybe it’s time to sell, and you want a leg up in a competitive market. Now you can entice potential buyers with a 3D rendering of your home before they step inside for a showing.

If there are people looking to and able to buy, why won’t builders build?

It may seem like a good idea at the time, but...

If your home isn't on the MLS service, you might as well be leaving money on the table.

It's probably a good idea to check the water heater a third time before you sign. And the foundation. And the wiring. And the roof....

If you’ve ever thought about buying a home be a good time to start. In all likelihood, it will be a sound investment for your future. strictly for use as a rental property.

Choosing a mortgage broker might seem like a no-brainer if you go with whoever quotes you the lowest rates and fees. On the surface, that seems like a win-win strategy. But the lowest rates and fees can’t make up for poor service or a lack of transparency.

Debt isn't necessarily a bad thing. Not paying off that debt, however....

Some settlement agents have adopted paperless closings, but the industry has been slow to change. More than likely, a printer will be spitting out a pile of warm paper on your behalf.

Like a learner's permit, a pre-qual letter will get you on the road to homeownership, but there are going to be some limitations on how you can get from Point A to Point B. With a preapproval letter, you’re in the fast lane.

An escrow account is money held by a third party until all legally required conditions have been met. That trusted third party might be a real estate title company, an attorney’s office or an escrow agent. Once conditions are met, the money is distributed to the recipient(s).

The first homebuying document you may see — in what will ultimately be a high pile of paperwork — is typically an official loan application form. Even if you complete the loan application process online, the required information and presentation are essentially the same.

You can be your own worst enemy when it comes to getting that preapproval. Don't make these mistakes.

Home warranties, also called home service contracts, are nothing new, but more real estate agents have recommended them in recent years as the housing market has been flooded with foreclosures and short sales — properties that were often neglected or poorly maintained.

Not everybody is lucky enough to realize the dream of home ownership. Find out why.

There's so much more to a home than just the listing price. Don't be caught off guard.