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how to: buy a home

Ready for a new nest? Whether you’re looking for your very first place, or it’s time for an upgrade, we’ve got guides on renting or buying a home that will help ease you through the process. Start with the basics -- condo, co-op, or house? Our home buying help will give you the pros and cons of every option. After deciding what you want, you’ll need to settle on where to live. Our tips on how to find a home will help you pick the right neighborhood and even tell you how to give it a test drive! If you’ve already narrowed in on a neighborhood, you’ll want a real estate agent, and we’ve got the questions you must ask before you hire one. Once you’re on the house hunt, our Q&A can help you through every step of buying a home. From dealing with agent fees, how much to bid, managing mortgages -- even when it’s smarter to rent. You’ll find home buying help for every sticky situation. In addition to tips on buying a house, we’ve also got advice on selling your old one. Take a peek at our advice on organizing an open house, the dos and don’ts of selling it yourself, and our handy selling your home checklist. Our tips on buying a house will take you right through to the end, from dealing with inspections to making an offer. Once you’re ready to make your move, check out our moving checklist and the first things you should do in your new space. Welcome home!

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Break the Ice With New Neighbors!

Nesties share tricks for getting in good with the people next door.

neighbors, puppy

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Get a puppy!

Stacy & Jim
“We didn’t meet anyone until we got a puppy! It really is amazing how willing people are to approach you when you’re walking a furry friend.”

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I'd love some advice since I've tried making nice with the folks that just moved in but they seem very distant and stand-offish!

by eunruh69 on Apr 14, 2009

Bring them some baked goods and a "would love to get to know you better!" card!

by Truelife135 on Dec 08, 2009

Instead of calling city hall for garbage pick-up times, etc., make a point of asking your neighbors. That way you are finding out what you need to know and meeting the neighbors too!

by ea_kieffer on Jan 05, 2010

Be friendly and polite, but give them their space.. they may just want to keep things casual and quick with their neighbours.

by DO-JO on Apr 05, 2010

Everything was running smoothly with our neighbours until we noticed one of them beats his wife and another couple called the police on us when we were being "too loud" on my husband´s 30th birthday!

by paurabago on Jul 05, 2010

i am also fed up with one of my psychotic neighbors.

by imabuzz on Sep 06, 2010

hi

by prieap on Apr 19, 2011

how cute

by prieap on May 19, 2011

I already have a puppy, and from what I heard the neighborhood is pretty friendly as is. When we were scoping it out a couple weeks ago the tow truck driver (our car broke down) told us about events that happen weekly during the summer. Everyone was really friendly that we've met so far.

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by annapolard25 on Aug 11, 2011

We only know one of our neighbors...in our town (Las Vegas) people really seem to keep to themselves.

by lzampini84 on Aug 24, 2011

Puppies are very adorable but they should be trained properly so that they become a good real estate adult dog when they grow up.

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We need to follow certain rules and regulations to avoid these kind of situations, thanks. short funny jokes

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