Our finance section offers answers:
- What does it cost to buy and maintain an older house?
- What might it cost to remodel
- What would your payments be if you refinanced?
Finance
- Schedule of Normal Life
Ever wonder how long various systems last in an average home? So did researchers at Freddie Mac. - Estimated Remodeling and Repair Costs
What do a variety of common remodeling jobs actually cost? From Freddie Mac, here are helpful numbers. - A Glossary of Home Inspection Terms
Buying a House? From Freddie Mac, here is a glossary of terms your inspector may mention. - Older House Budgeting
How much should we budget for maintenance and repairs? - Quick Home Test Can Measure Radon
If you're buying a house, askfor a radon check the same as you would a termite inspection. - Comparative Mortgage Calculator
Use this mortgage calculator to compare payments for mortgages of different terms and interest rates. - How old are America's houses?
Our January 2000 poll asks OHW visitors the age of their houses. Here's how the results compare with U.S. housing in general - Life expectancy
How long should the components and systems in your home last? - HUD Rehabilitation Part 1
Government program provides loans for handyman-specials and fixer-uppers - HUD Rehabilitation Part 2
Eligible improvements range from new appliances to structural work - HUD Rehabilitation Part 3
Requirements, restrictions on government-backed home rehabilitation loans - Property auctions
Don't be "mis-guided" by promises of deals too good to be true - Home equity scams
You could end up losing your money -- and your home - Home equity loans
What you need to know about using your home to secure a loan - Private mortgage insurance
You may be able to cancel your PMI and save hundreds of dollars annually - Steps to Avoid Foreclosure on Your Home
Foreclosure filings in the U.S. have risen as homeowners struggle with adjustable rate mortgage resets. Here's what you need to know to avoid a foreclosure on your home. - Closing on Your Mortgage Loan
Make sure you understand what will happen at your mortgage loan closing to avoid any unpleasant surprises. - Buying an Old Home with a Subprime Mortgage
The shakeout in the subprime mortgage industry is making it tougher for people with low credit scores to qualify for mortgage loans. - Three Smart Renovations
Choose the right home renovation projects to boost the value of your house and get the most return on your money. - Historic Homes and Tax Breaks
If you own an historic home you could qualify for a federal tax break. But make sure you understand all the rules related to these tax programs. - How to Avoid Mortgage Fraud
Reports of mortgage fraud in the U.S. have grown six fold in the past five years. Here's what you need to know to avoid being scammed. - A Title I Loans and Home Improvement Projects
If you're strapped for cash to pay for your home improvement project, a government-backed Title I loan may help you finance those new window... - Don't Overspend When Fixing Your Wet Basement
If your home has a wet basement, it's important to do a thorough inspection to pinpoint the cause and avoid overspending to fix it. - Should You Pay Points on Your Mortgage?
How do you know when to pay points to get a better interest rate on your mortgage loan? There are some key issues to consider when making this important decision. - Insuring Your Historic Home
Insurance policies for historic homes cost more, but may be worth it for when considering replacement costs for one-of-a kind and hard-to-replace features. - What to Look for When Comparing Mortgage Loans
Make sure you compare several home loan products before choosing a lender. Here's what you need to know when choosing the right mortgage loan. - When Money's Tight, Expand Your DIY Skills
If you've slammed the brakes on home remodeling until the economy rebounds, consider taking a home repairs class or embarking on a do it yourself project. - Dealing with Lead, Asbestos, and Radon in Old Homes
If you purchase a historic home, you could find yourself dealing with toxic substances at some point.
