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Buying a home

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or you want to refinance, it's important to give your finances extra consideration to help position you to pursue your goal.
Keep in mind:
  • Calculate your mortgage principal and interest payments
  • Look carefully at all real estate taxes
  • Estimate your homeowners insurance costs based on the home seller's current bill
Browse resources
Watch
Learn what a mortgage is, how one works, and how payments are applied to your principal.
Video: How does a mortgage work?
Video: Fixed vs. adjustable rate mortgages
One of your first homebuying decisions will be whether to look for a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage.
Video: Planning for extra costs when buying a home
Learn about the extra costs associated with buying a house besides your mortgage payment.
Video: How much home can you comfortably afford?
Before you fall in love with a house, make sure you can cover the costs for everything you'll need to pay for.
Read
In a real estate sale, knowing how to negotiate can be critical.
Tips to help you weigh the potential costs, benefits and risks.
This infographic will help you think through the pros and cons.
Answering these seven questions can help you figure out whether it's the right move for you to make now.
Explore
Calculator
Use this tool to estimate monthly mortgage payments and rate options.
Calculator
This tool can help you estimate your total closing expenses.
Related forms
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Merrill Guided Investing with an advisor
All the benefits of Merrill Guided Investing with an advisor who will discuss your priorities and provide advice and guidance to help you pursue your goals
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Important disclosures

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.
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