TERMS OF USE

Last Updated: April 2023

 Please read these Terms of Use carefully before continuing on with your use of the Services. By accessing and/or using the Services (including without limitation our websites and mobile applications) You are agreeing to these Terms of Use. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THESE TERMS, DO NOT ACCESS OR USE THE SERVICES. By registering with or accessing the Service you are acknowledging and accepting these Terms of Use (these "Terms"). Capitalized terms are defined below.THESE TERMS OF USE CONTAIN A MANDATORY INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION/JURY TRIAL WAIVER PROVISION THAT REQUIRES THE USE OF ARBITRATION ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS TO RESOLVE DISPUTES, RATHER THAN JURY TRIALS OR CLASS ACTIONS. BY AGREEING TO THESE TERMS OF USE AND THE ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER PROVISION, YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO BRING A LAWSUIT IN COURT.Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC (“We”) fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.Some words used in these Terms of Use have a specific definition. You can find these definitions at the end of these Terms of Use.

1. These Terms
This is a legally binding agreement. The terms "you" and "your" refer to an individual registering with or accessing the Service. You represent that you have the full right, power, and authority to enter into and perform these Terms without the consent of any third party.We may, in our sole discretion, amend these Terms from time to time upon notice. Your continued use of the Service after any such change constitutes your acceptance of the amended Agreement. If you do not agree to any portion of these Terms at any time, you must cease your access and use of the Service.

2. Use of the ServiceA. Accounts
You may register, maintain, and create an Account for the Service. You are responsible and liable for all activities conducted in connection with your Account, for maintaining the security of your username and password, and for the accuracy of all information relating thereto, including contact, technical and payment information, and your login credentials. You will promptly (i) update any Account information when it changes, and (ii) notify us of any unauthorized use of your Account, including any security or data breach. You may only connect to the Service through your Account and in accordance with our access procedures. You will not allow an Account to be shared or used by more than one individual. By providing us with your email address you consent to us sending you Service-related notices. You must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to use the Service.

B. Service Rules
You will use the Service strictly in accordance with these Terms, all Documentation, the Privacy Policy, and Applicable Law. You will not engage in any of the following activities:

(i) use the Service in violation of any third-party license or agreement;

(ii) use the Service to collect, process, or store bank account information, credit or debit card information, personally identifiable information pertaining to children under 13, or health or medical information (including 'Protected Health Information' as defined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996);

(iii) sublicense, sell, transfer, assign, distribute, republish, rent, lease or transmit in any form or by any means any part of the Service;

(iv) use, modify, copy, or create derivative works from the Service or Marks without the applicable owner's written permission, including without limitation using automated or manual means to access Content from the Service;(v) frame, mirror, embed or otherwise incorporate any portion of the Service in any other service or product;(vi) scrape or use any automated means to collect data from the Service or any website;

(vii) reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the Service, or use or access any part of the Service in connection with any other product or service using features, functions or graphics similar to any part of the Service;

(viii) remove, obscure, or alter any Intellectual Property Rights notice related to any part of the Service or Marks;

(ix) send or store unsolicited, infringing, harassing, obscene, threatening, harmful, defamatory, or otherwise unlawful Content;

(x) facilitate the transmission or use of any: (a) malicious code (including malware, viruses, worms, and Trojan horses); (b) traps, time bombs, or other code with a latent ability to disable or cripple software or services; or (c) code that would allow any party to interfere with or access any of portion of the Service;

(xi) interfere with, disrupt, or overburden the integrity or performance of the Service, or interfere with any other use of the Service;

(xii) attempt or assist others to attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Service or its related systems or networks; or(xiii) use the Service in any way not expressly authorized by these Terms.

C. Service Changes; Suspension
We may, without prior notice, change the Service, stop or suspend access to any or all of the Service,

or create usage limits for the Service. Your continued use of the Service after any change or limitation constitutes your acceptance thereof.

D. Monitoring; Records
We have the right, but not the obligation, to review and monitor your use of the Service at any time, with or without notice, including Communications, to ensure compliance with these Terms.

E. User Content and Behavior
Because we do not control Content, you acknowledge and agree that we are not responsible for any Content and we make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, currency, suitability, or quality of any Content. Your interactions with Users are solely between you and such Users and we are not responsible or liable with respect to any such interactions. If there is a dispute between you and any User, we are under no obligation to become involved. We reserve the right to change, condense or delete any content, information, or other materials on the Service (including your Content).

F. Your Representations You represent and warrant that you:

(i) are entitled to grant the rights and licenses to your Content under these Terms and none of your Content will infringe any party's Intellectual Property Rights or violate Applicable Law;


(ii) will not sublicense, sell, license, assign, or transfer to any party any information obtained through the Service or engage in any other commercial exploitation of the Service;

(iii) have the right and authority to enter into these Terms, and that by entering into or executing your obligations under these Terms, you will not be in breach or violation of the terms of any agreement with or obligation to any third party;


(iv) are a prospective purchaser or seller of real property in the geographic areas where we are licensed and operating with a bona fide interest in the purchase or sale of such real property;

(v) have not signed any agreement with a real estate broker or agent that would prevent you from using one of our offices as your sole and exclusive broker or agent, and you do not have a contract or agreement with any third party that would interfere with our representation of you;


(vi) will limit your search on the Service to properties within your anticipated purchase ability or price range and to the properties that meet your other criteria;

(vii) will not (a) contact the owner or seller of any property from information gained through the Service or (b) attempt to enter the property or speak with an owner or seller without an appointment set by us;

(viii) will abide by all copyright restrictions placed on the content of the Website including, but not limited to, any material or data compilations where we or others may hold the copyright;

(ix) agree that we may also represent other prospective buyers seeking to purchase properties that may meet your criteria;

(x) authorize us to review and provide copies of various documents in any of your transactions relating to the Service, including without limitation home inspection reports and closing papers;

G. Agent Users
Any User that holds any type of real-estate license, including, but not limited to a brokers, associate brokers or salespersons license other than Agents must immediately advise us before that User may access any password protected material including, without limitation, house listing data or other data compilations. We reserve the right to deny or terminate access to any real-estate agent who is not an Agent, except for the real-estate agent's limited purpose of accessing the Website for verifying compliance with MLS rules.

H. Property Data Restrictions
In addition to other restrictions herein, for the avoidance of doubt, all property data provided on the Service is for your personal, sole and private, non-commercial use and not available for redistribution, retransmission or copying. You may not sell or use such data for any purpose, other than the purpose of attempting to evaluate properties or properties for sale or purchase. You acknowledge that the MLS data on the Service is owned by the respective MLS, and you acknowledge the validity of the MLS's copyright to such data.

3. Licenses

A. License to You
Subject to these Terms, we grant you a non-exclusive, non-sublicenseable, nontransferable, limited

right, solely during the term of the Agreement, to access and use the Service solely for your non- commercial purposes related to searching for real estate for personal use.

B. License to Us
You grant to the us a non-exclusive, sublicensable, transferable, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, develop, transmit, distribute, modify, reproduce, publicly display, and create derivative works of any of your Content to provide, develop, maintain, support, and improve the Service and the Affiliated Entities services.

C. Maps
The Service may feature Microsoft Bing Maps and Google Maps. Use of Microsoft Bing Maps is subject to the Bing Maps Terms of Use and use of Google Maps is subject to the Google Maps Terms of Use and Privacy Notice. Such services are not under the control of Affiliated Entities. Please review the terms of use or privacy policies of these services for rights and restrictions.

4. Ownership Rights

A. Our Ownership Rights
As between you and us, (i) we solely and exclusively own and will continue to own all right, title and interest in and to the Service and Marks; (ii) you will do nothing inconsistent with such ownership, including by challenging title or registering or attempting to register Marks or any similar trademarks; (iii) no title to or ownership in the Service or Marks, or any associated Intellectual Property Rights embodied therein, is transferred by implication to you under these Terms; and (iv) any use of Marks by you that is permitted under these Terms will inure to the benefit of and be on behalf of the applicable owner. You will promptly notify us of any use of the Service or Marks by any party that is not authorized by these Terms. If you provide us or any affiliate with Feedback, you assign to such entity all right, title and interest in and to such Feedback, including all Intellectual Property Rights therein, waiving all claims thereto, including claims of payment and credit.

B. Your Ownership Rights
As between you and us, and subject to Sections 3(B) and 4(A) above, you own all right, title and interest in and to your Content.

5. Data
You agree that the Affiliated Entities, including us, may collect, store, use, and distribute information in accordance with the Privacy Notice, including in respect of your information and data. You will comply with the Privacy Notice. Without limiting the rights contained in the Privacy Notice, You understand and agree that we may use both the data you input into as well as usage data (such as search criteria) to provide and improve our real estate services.

6. Compliance
We do not provide compliance services.You agree that the Service is provided for your convenience only, and not for purposes of enabling you to meet your obligations under Applicable Law and third-party agreements. You are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with such obligations.

7. Payment
If any amounts are due hereunder, you will pay us in accordance with statements issued by us or otherwise as agreed within the Service. Pricing for any portion of the Service is subject to change upon our notice. Pricing excludes, and you will pay, all taxes, but neither party will pay income taxes of the other party. For any amount you fail to pay by its due date, we may charge you a late penalty on the amount overdue each day it is overdue until it is paid, equal to the lesser of (a) the maximum legally permissible interest rate, and (b) an interest rate of five percent (5%), which reflects the cost of our efforts to collect your payment. You will pay amounts through the means determined by us, including without limitation through a payment service provided by us or a PSP. If a PSP is used, you may also be required to register with the PSP, agree to the PSP's terms of service and privacy policies, and go through a vetting process at the request of the PSP. Please note we are not a party to the PSP's terms of service and privacy policies and we have no obligations or liability to you under any such terms or policies.

8. NO WARRANTIES
THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY. USE OF THE SERVICE HEREUNDER IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE AFFILIATED ENTITIES DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY , FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON- INFRINGEMENT, AS WELL AS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY ARISING FROM COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, NO AFFILIATED ENTITY, INCLUDING US, AND EACH OF THEIR LICENSORS AND SUPPLIERS DO NOT WARRANT THAT ANY PORTION OF THE SERVICE, CONTENT THEREIN OR MLS FEED IS ACCURATE, RELIABLE OR CORRECT; THAT THE SERVICE WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR COMPLY WITH LAWS APPLICABLE TO YOU; THAT ANY PORTION OF THE SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME OR LOCATION, UNINTERRUPTED, BACKED UP, SECURE, OR FREE FROM BREACH OR INTERCEPTION OF DATA OR YOUR CONFIDENTIALITY INFORMATION; THAT ANY DEFECTS OR ERRORS WILL BE CORRECTED; OR THAT THE SERVICE IS FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. ANY CONTENT DOWNLOADED OR OTHERWISE OBTAINED THROUGH THE SERVICE IS DOWNLOADED AT YOUR OWN RISK. NEITHER US NOR ANY AFFILIATED ENTITY WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY PRODUCT, SERVICE, LINK OR ADVERTISEMENT OFFERED BY ANY THIRD PARTY THROUGH THE SERVICE OR ANY LINKED WEBSITE OR SERVICE, AND NEITHER US NOR ANY AFFILIATED ENTITY WILL BE A PARTY TO OR IN ANY WAY MONITOR ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN YOU AND ANY SUCH THIRD PARTY.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
IN NO EVENT WILL ANY AFFILIATED ENTITY, INCLUDING US, OR ANY OF THEIR EMPLOYEES, LICENSORS, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, OR DIRECTORS, BE LIABLE FOR COSTS OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS, LOSS OF REVENUES, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA, ERRORS, OMISSIONS, MISCALCULATIONS, MISREPRESENTATIONS OF VALUE, OR FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER DAMAGES. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY APPLIES WHETHER THE ALLEGED LIABILITY IS BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER BASIS, EVEN IF ANY AFFILIATED ENTITY, INCLUDING US, HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. THIS LIMITATION ON LIABILITY DOES NOT APPLY TO PERSONAL INJURY. OUR LIABILITY TO YOU FOR USE OF AND/OR ACCESSING THE SERVICES OR WEBSITES SHALL IN NO EVENT EXCEED THE GREATER OF THE FEES, IF ANY, YOU HAVE PAID FOR THE SERVICES OR TEN(10)DOLLARS. THEREFORE GOING LIMITATION OF LIABILITY WILL APPLY TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW IN THE APPLICABLE JURISDICTION.

10. Indemnification
You will indemnify, defend and hold us, including any Affiliated Entity, harmless from and against any and all Claims to the extent arising out of or in connection with your (i) breach of these Terms; (ii) conduct involving fraud, negligence, omissions, or willful misconduct; and (iii) misuse of the Content or any other misuse of the Service.

11. Third Parties
We may, in our sole discretion, (a) delegate or subcontract the performance of any portion of the Service to third party service providers, and (b) make available one or more Third Party Products to you in connection with the Service. Third-Party Products may be separately licensed to you by their respective providers. If you access a Third-Party Product from the Service, you do so at your own risk, and the User understands that these Terms and the Privacy Notice do not apply to your use of such sites. You expressly relieve us from any and all liability arising from your use of any Third-Party Product, and we make no representations or warranties of any kind in respect thereof. PLEASE ALSO VISIT THIRD PARTY WEBSITES TO REVIEW THEIR TERMS OF USE. ADDITIONALLY, THERE MAY BE LINKS TO THIRD PARTY SITES WHICH ARE NOT UNDER OUR CONTROL AND WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENTS OF ANY LINKED SITE.

12. Confidentiality
Recipient may use Disclosing Party's Confidential Information solely to perform Recipient's obligations or exercise its rights hereunder. Recipient will not knowingly disclose, or permit to be disclosed, Disclosing Party's Confidential Information to any third party without Disclosing Party's prior written consent, except that Recipient may disclose Disclosing Party's Confidential Information solely to Recipient's employees and/or subcontractors who have a need to know and who are bound in writing to keep such information confidential pursuant to confidentiality agreements containing nondisclosure obligations substantially similar to those in these Terms. Recipient agrees to exercise due care in protecting Disclosing Party's Confidential Information from unauthorized use and disclosure, and in any case will not use less than industry standard security measures and the degree of care a reasonable person would use. The foregoing will not apply to any information that: (i) is in the public domain through no fault of Recipient; (ii) was properly known to Recipient, without restriction, prior to disclosure by Disclosing Party; (iii) was properly disclosed to Recipient, without restriction, by another person with the legal authority to do so; (iv) Recipient independently develops without use of Disclosing Party's Confidential Information; (v) is expressly permitted to be disclosed pursuant to the terms of these Terms; or (vi) is required to be disclosed pursuant to a judicial or legislative order or proceeding; provided that, where possible, Recipient provides to Disclosing Party prior notice of the intended disclosure and an opportunity to respond or object thereto. Our Confidential Information includes these Terms, our pricing, our Intellectual Property Rights, and the Service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our obligations under this section are subject to the disclaimers set forth in Section 8 above.

Our obligations with respect to your Confidential Information under these Terms are subject to the Privacy Notice. Please review our Privacy Notice.

13. Termination
These Terms will continue in full effect unless and until your Account or these Terms is terminated as described herein. We may terminate these Terms for convenience upon notice. Upon termination of the Agreement, the rights and licenses granted to you hereunder will immediately terminate. Upon termination of these Terms, you grant to us a non-exclusive, non-sublicenseable, non-transferable, irrevocable, and perpetual license to use the data and information collected by the Service under your Account during the term of these Terms, and to use such data and information in accordance with the Privacy Notice.

14. Third Party Beneficiary
You expressly acknowledge and agree that we have the right (and will be deemed to have accepted the right) to enforce these Terms against you as a third-party beneficiary thereof, and that we will have the full benefits of these Terms. These Terms do not and are not intended to confer any rights or remedies upon any person other than the parties and as otherwise expressly stated herein.

15. Assignment
These Terms, and any rights and licenses granted hereunder, may not be transferred or assigned by

you without our prior written consent, but may be assigned by us without restriction. Any attempted transfer or assignment in violation hereof will be nil and void.

16. General

A. Nature of Relationship
The relationship of the parties under these Terms will be that of independent contractors. Neither these Terms as a whole or any part of these Terms will render either party the agent, representative, servant, or employee of the other party. Neither party has the power, express or implied, to bind the other party in any manner or to make representations on behalf of the other party regarding any matter. Except as stated in the Agreement, we will in no way be restricted from using or commercializing all or any portion of the Service or performing or receiving any services from any third-party including services the same as or similar to the Service provided or received in connection with these Terms.

B. MODIFICATION
We may modify any of these terms and conditions at any time, in our sole discretion, by posting the updated Terms. The changes will become effective no sooner than 30 days after posting, please check the Terms from time to time for updates. YOUR CONTINUED USE OF AND/ACCESS OF THE SERVICES OR THE WEBSITES FOLLOWING A CHANGE WILL CONSTITUTE YOUR ACCEPTANACE OF THE CHANGE.

C. AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE DISPUTES
PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY - IT MAY SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING YOUR RIGHT TO FILE A LAWSUIT IN COURT AND TO HAVE A JURY HEAR YOUR CLAIMS. ARBITRATION IS A WAIVER OF THE RIGHT TO BRING SUIT IN COURT.

THIS SECTION CONTAINS PROCEDURES FOR MANDATORY BINDING ARBITRATION AND A CLASS ACTION WAIVER. IF YOU ARE A U.S. RESIDENT, YOU ALSO AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING MANDATORY ARBITRATION PROVISIONS:

WE BOTH AGREE TO ARBITRATE:

You and all Affiliated Entities agree to resolve any claims relating to these Terms through final and binding arbitration, except that, to the extent you have in any manner violated or threatened to violate our intellectual property rights (for example, trademark, trade secret, copyright, or patent rights). Under such circumstances, any Affiliated Entities may bring a lawsuit solely for injunctive relief to stop unauthorized use or abuse of the Site, or intellectual property infringement (for example, trademark, trade secret, copyright, or patent rights) without first engaging in arbitration or the informal dispute resolution process described above.

WHAT IS ARBITRATION: Arbitration is more informal than a lawsuit in court and seeks to resolve disputes more quickly. Instead of a judge or a jury, the case will be decided by a neutral arbitrator who has the power to award the same damages and relief that a court can. Thus, you agree that you are waiving your right to sue or go to court to secure relief, and instead agree to the arbitration process as stated in this provision. If any provision of this arbitration agreement is found unenforceable, the unenforceable provision shall be severed, and the remaining arbitration terms shall be enforced.

ARBITRATION PROCEDURES: The Federal Arbitration Act governs the interpretation and enforcement of this dispute resolution provision. Arbitration shall be initiated through JAMS. Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms shall be referred to and finally determined by arbitration in accordance with the JAMS Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures.If there is a conflict between JAMS Rules and the rules set forth in this Agreement to Arbitrate, the rules set forth in this Agreement to Arbitrate will govern. The JAMS Rules and instructions for how to initiate an arbitration are available from JAMS at http://www.jamsadr.com or 1-800-352-5267. To initiate arbitration, you or we must do the following things:

• (1) Write a demand for Arbitration. The demand must include a description of the Claim and the amount of damages sought to be recovered. You can find a copy of a Demand for Arbitration at www.jamsadr.com.

• (2) Send three copies of the Demand for Arbitration, plus the appropriate filing fee to your local JAMS office.

• (3) Send one copy of the Demand for Arbitration to the other party.

Payment of all filing, administration and arbitrator fees will be governed by the JAMS Rules, except that for claims of less than $1,000, you will be obligated to pay $25 and we will pay all other administrative costs and fees. In addition, for claims of less than $1,000, we will reimburse you for the $25 fee if the arbitrator rules in your favor. Arbitration under this agreement shall be held in the United States county where you live or work, New Jersey, or any other location we mutually agree to, subject to New Jersey law. The arbitration may award on an individual basis the same damages and relief as a court (including injunctive relief). Any judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

AUTHORITY OF ARBITRATOR: The arbitrator will decide the rights and liabilities, if any, of you and us, and the dispute will not be consolidated with any other matters or joined with any other cases or parties. The arbitrator shall have the authority to grant motions dispositive of all or part of any claim. The arbitrator shall have the authority to award monetary damages and to grant any non-monetary remedy or relief available to an individual under applicable law, the Arbitration Rules, and the Terms. The arbitrator shall issue a written award and statement of decision describing the essential findings and conclusions on which the award is based, including the calculation of any damages awarded. The arbitrator has the same authority to award relief on an individual basis that a judge in a court of law would have. The award of the arbitrator is final and binding upon you and us. The arbitrator's decision may be entered as a judgment in a court of competent jurisdiction.

NO CLASS ACTIONS: You may only resolve disputes with us on an individual basis and may not bring a claim as a plaintiff or a class member in a class, consolidated, or representative action. Class arbitrations, class actions, private attorney general actions, and consolidation with other arbitrations are not allowed.

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY RIGHTS TO GO TO COURT AND HAVE A TRIAL IN FRONT OF A JUDGE OR A JURY, instead electing that all claims and disputes shall be resolved by arbitration. Arbitration procedures are typically more limited, more efficient and less costly than rules applicable in court and are subject to very limited review by a court. In the event any litigation should arise between you and the Affiliated Entities in any state or federal court in a suit to vacate or enforce an arbitration award or otherwise, BOTH PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE ALL RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL, instead electing that the dispute be resolved by a judge. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT YOU MAY CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY IN DECIDING TO ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE.

 OPT-OUT OF AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE: You can decline this agreement to arbitrate by emailing us at [email protected] and providing the requested information as follows: (1)Your Name; (2) the URL of Terms of Use and Agreement to Arbitrate Disputes; (3) Your Address; (4) Your Phone Number; (5) and clear statement that you wish to opt out of this arbitration provision in the Terms of Use. The Opt-Out Notice must be emailed no later than 30 days after the date you first accept the Terms of Use by using the website.

Choice of Law/Forum Selection In any circumstances where the Agreement to Arbitrate Disputes permits the parties to litigate in court, these Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, excluding its conflict of law rules. You further expressly consent and agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey or in state court in Morris County, New Jersey.

D. Notices

All notices and other communications to be given to any party hereunder will be sufficient for all purposes hereunder if in writing, properly addressed as set forth below in this section and delivered (a) by hand or courier (delivery of notice deemed to occur upon delivery), (b) if sent electronically on the date delivered to the authorized email address, (c) by overnight delivery service (delivery of notice deemed to occur upon delivery and written confirmation thereof by such service), (d) by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, with appropriate postage prepaid (delivery of notice deemed to occur upon signature of the receipt by the recipient), or (e) if from us to you, posted to your Account on the date posted. If to us, notices may be sent to [email protected]. If to you, your email and mailing address as identified in our records.

E. Headings; Interpretation
Section headings used in these Terms are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting these Terms. As used herein, "including" means "including without limitation."

F. Severability
The provisions of the Terms are intended to be interpreted in a manner which makes them valid, legal, and enforceable. In the event any provision of the Terms is found to be partially or wholly invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such provision shall be modified or restricted to the extent and in the manner necessary to render it valid, legal, and enforceable. It is expressly understood and agreed between the parties that such modification or restriction may be accomplished unilaterally by us, or alternatively, by disposition of an arbitrator or a court of law. If such provision cannot under any circumstances be so modified or restricted, it shall be excised from the Terms without affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of any of the remaining provisions.

G. Waiver
A waiver of any provision of these Terms must be made in writing to be effective, and our waiver of a

breach of any provision or right contained in these Terms will not constitute a continuing waiver or waive any subsequent breach or right.

H. Force Majeure
Except with respect to your payment obligations, neither party will be liable for failures or delays in the performance of its obligations hereunder due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including, in respect of the provision of the Service, failures or delays caused by our service providers, any act of God, sabotage or terrorist attacks, inclement weather, accidental damage, vandalism, failure or shortage or power supplies, flood, drought, lightning or fire, strike, lock-out, trade dispute or labor disturbance, or any act or omission of government or other competent authorities, including those related to communicable diseases, epidemics, pandemics or other dangers to public health.

I. Entire Agreement
These Terms, and documents incorporated herein, comprises the entire agreement between us and

you and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, discussions, or agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties regarding its subject matter.

J. Survival
Sections 1, 2(E), 2(F), 2(G), 2(I), 3(B), 4-17 will survive any termination or expiration of these Terms.

Definitions.

"Account" means the account provided by us that you to manage and access the Service."Affiliated Entities" means, collectively, us, and our parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, and, where applicable, our and their service providers and licensors.


• "Agent" means a real estate-broker, salesperson, agent, associate broker, or similar state licensed real-estate professional licensed with one of our franchisees."App" means a mobile application that may be provided as part of the Service."Applicable Law" means any statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation, or requirement of a governmental entity that applies to a party or its business.


• "Claim" means, collectively, claims, costs, damages, losses, liabilities, Fines, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs).


• "Communications" means parts of the Service that includes electronic communications services, and document storage and management services, all as provided by us (or, at your selection, by a third party through a Third-Party Product) for your use.


• "Confidential Information" means any information that (i) a party ("Disclosing Party") discloses to the other party ("Recipient"), either directly or indirectly, in writing or orally or by inspection of tangible objects, and (ii) identified as confidential at the time of its disclosure or that should reasonably be understood to be confidential in nature.


• "Content" means any content, data or information provided by a party for inclusion in the Service or uploaded to, transmitted or submitted by a party through the Service, including Communications.


• "Documentation" means the technical and operational documentation made available to you by us regarding any portion of the Service."Feedback" means ideas, suggestions, or recommendations on the Service provided by you."Fine" means any and all fines, penalties, refunds, charges, debits, deductions, legal fees and costs incurred by or other sums payable to any party.


• "Intellectual Property Rights" means all patent rights, copyright rights, mask work rights, moral rights, rights of publicity, rights of privacy, trademark, trade dress and service mark rights, goodwill, trade secret rights, and other intellectual property rights as may now exist or hereafter come into existence, and all applications therefore and registrations, renewals and extensions thereof, under the laws of any state, country, territory, or other jurisdiction.


• "Marks" means an Affiliated Entity's proprietary trademarks, trade names, and service marks, including registrations and applications for registrations thereof and all renewals, modifications and extensions thereof."MLS Feed" means a local listing service ("MLS") feed(s) provided through the Service."Privacy Notice" means the Privacy Notice for a Website or App and other portions of the Service, as provided and modified by us from time to time in our discretion.

• "PSP" means a third-party payment service provider selected by us.

• "Service" means our hosted service (including Websites and Apps), software, Documentation, and any services made available to you by us hereunder, all as may be modified by us from time to time in our discretion.


• "Third Party Products" means the third-party applications and/or services, if any, which may be offered, made available or integrated by us to you for use as part of, or in connection with the Service.

"User" means users of the Service.

"We," "our," and "us" means Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

"Website" means a website that may be provided by us as part of the Service.

"You" and "your" means the individual entering into these Terms with us.

PRIVACY POLICY

How to Choose the Right Home Loan for Your First Home in Tempe, AZ

How to Choose the Right Home Loan for Your First Home in Tempe, AZ

October 09, 2026•20 min read

Buying your first home in Tempe is exciting, but once you start looking into mortgages, the whole process can feel a little overwhelming. You might find a house you love, start picturing where your furniture will go, and then realize you still have some pretty big decisions to make about financing. How much should you put down? Is a fixed-rate mortgage the best choice? Would an FHA loan make more sense? And how do you know whether the monthly payment you qualify for is one you can comfortably afford?

These are the kinds of questions every first-time buyer should ask before getting too far into the home search.

Choosing the right home loan is about more than getting approved for a mortgage. It is about finding financing that fits your income, savings, plans, and the kind of life you want to have after you move in. Tempe has a mix of condos, townhomes, older single-family homes, and newer properties, so the right loan for one buyer may not be the best fit for someone else.

Let's break this down in a practical way, so you can understand your options, know what to ask a lender, and move toward buying your first home with a little more confidence.


Start With Your Budget, Not the House Price

It is tempting to start browsing homes online and figure out the financing later. Most buyers do it at some point because looking at homes is the fun part. But before you get attached to a particular property, take a little time to work out what you can comfortably spend each month.

A lender can tell you how much you may qualify to borrow, but that number does not automatically tell you how much you should borrow. Your lender is looking at your income, debts, credit history, and other financial details. You also need to think about your everyday expenses, savings goals, travel plans, car payments, and the occasional unexpected bill.

For example, you might qualify for a mortgage payment that takes up a large part of your monthly income. That does not mean you will enjoy living with that payment, especially if you also want money left over for eating out, weekend activities, or saving for the future.

When you work out your budget, look beyond the principal and interest on the mortgage. Your actual monthly housing cost may include property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and homeowners association dues if the property has an HOA. If you buy a condo or townhome, those association fees can make a noticeable difference in what you pay each month.

It also helps to remember that owning a home comes with maintenance costs. Even a home that looks great during a showing can need a new water heater, an air-conditioning repair, or other work after you move in. In Tempe, where the summer heat puts plenty of demands on cooling systems, it is worth leaving room in your budget for those expenses.

The goal is to find a monthly payment that lets you enjoy your home without feeling stretched every time another bill arrives.


Understand the Main Types of Home Loans

Once you have a realistic budget, you can start comparing mortgage options. You do not need to understand every lending term before speaking with a lender, but knowing the basics will make those conversations much easier.

Conventional Loans: A Flexible Option for Many Buyers

A conventional loan is a mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by a federal government agency. These loans are offered by banks, mortgage companies, credit unions, and other lenders, and they come with different down payment and qualification requirements.

Some conventional programs allow eligible buyers to put down as little as 3%, which can make buying a home possible without spending years saving for a 20% down payment. Your credit profile, income, debt, property type, and the specific loan program will affect your eligibility and terms.

One thing to understand is private mortgage insurance, commonly called PMI. If you take out a conventional mortgage with a down payment below 20%, PMI is generally required, although the exact rules depend on the loan structure. This insurance protects the lender, not you, and it adds to your monthly housing cost.

The good news is that PMI on many conventional loans can eventually be removed when you meet the applicable requirements. Ask your lender how it works for the particular mortgage you are considering.

A conventional loan may be worth exploring if you have a solid credit history, steady income, and some savings available for your down payment and closing costs.

FHA Loans: Worth Considering if Your Savings Are Limited

An FHA loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration and is designed to make home financing accessible to more borrowers. Eligible buyers may qualify with a down payment as low as 3.5%, depending on their credit profile and other requirements.

This can be helpful if you are buying your first home in Tempe and have not had years to build up a large savings account. You may be able to purchase a home sooner instead of waiting until you have enough money for a larger down payment.

However, a smaller down payment does not mean the loan is automatically cheaper. FHA loans generally include mortgage insurance costs, and the amount and duration of that insurance depend on factors such as the loan term and original loan-to-value ratio. You should compare those costs with the PMI and other expenses associated with a conventional loan.

Property eligibility also matters. If you are looking at a condo near Arizona State University or elsewhere in Tempe, ask your lender whether the property meets the requirements for the loan program. Not every condo project qualifies for every type of financing.

An FHA loan can be a good fit for some first-time buyers, but compare the full cost before deciding.

VA Loans: An Option for Eligible Veterans and Service Members

If you are an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or qualifying surviving spouse, a VA-backed loan is worth discussing with a lender who understands the program.

Many eligible borrowers can purchase a home with no down payment, and VA loans generally do not require monthly mortgage insurance. Those features can make a meaningful difference when you are trying to keep your upfront costs and monthly payment manageable.

There may still be closing costs, and some borrowers pay a VA funding fee unless they qualify for an exemption. Lender requirements and property standards also apply, so it is worth reviewing the details before making a decision.

If you qualify, compare a VA loan with any other mortgage option you are considering. Do not assume that a conventional loan is automatically better just because you have heard more about it.

USDA Loans: Check the Property and Income Rules

USDA loans can offer eligible buyers a no-down-payment option, but the property must meet the program's location requirements, and the borrower must meet applicable income and other eligibility rules.

Because Tempe is an urban area, you should not assume that a home there will qualify. If you are considering a property outside the city or in a nearby community, ask a participating lender to check the specific address against the program's current eligibility rules.

For most buyers focused on central Tempe, conventional, FHA, and VA financing are more natural starting points. Still, it is helpful to know that other programs exist.


Fixed-Rate or Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?

The type of loan you choose matters, but so does the way its interest rate works.

A fixed-rate mortgage keeps the same interest rate throughout the agreed loan term. With a typical fixed-rate loan, your scheduled principal and interest payment stays the same, which makes it easier to plan your monthly budget. Your total housing payment can still change if property taxes, homeowners insurance, or other costs increase.

This predictability is one reason many first-time buyers prefer fixed-rate financing. You know what to expect from the principal and interest portion of your mortgage, and you do not have to plan around a scheduled interest-rate adjustment.

An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, works differently. It usually begins with an initial period during which the interest rate stays fixed, then adjusts according to the loan's terms. Depending on market rates and the adjustment rules, your payment could increase after that initial period.

An ARM may be worth considering if you understand the terms, can afford a possible payment increase, and have a clear reason for choosing it. For instance, you might expect to move before the first adjustment. Even then, plans can change, and selling or refinancing is never guaranteed to work out on your preferred timeline.

Before choosing an ARM, ask when the first adjustment happens, how frequently the rate can change, what limits apply to increases, and what your payment could look like if rates rise.

For many first-time buyers, a fixed-rate mortgage offers a simpler starting point. The important thing is to compare the actual loan offers rather than assuming one type is always best.


How Much Should You Put Down on Your First Home?

Your down payment can affect your loan amount, monthly payment, mortgage insurance, and how much money you have left after closing. It is worth giving this decision some thought instead of automatically putting down as much as possible.

A larger down payment generally means you borrow less, which can reduce your principal and interest payment. Depending on the loan, it may also help you avoid or reduce mortgage insurance costs.

But there is a tradeoff. If putting 20% down empties your savings account, you may find yourself in a difficult position when the first major home repair comes along. You still need money for moving expenses, furniture, utility deposits, and the everyday costs of getting settled.

A smaller down payment can help you keep more cash available, although it may mean a larger monthly payment and additional insurance costs. Neither approach is automatically right for everyone.

Think about how much money you want to have left after closing. If you can put down 5% and still maintain a comfortable emergency fund, that may make more sense than stretching to put down 10% or 20%. On the other hand, if you have substantial savings and a larger down payment makes your monthly payment more manageable, it may be worth considering.

Ask your lender to run a few scenarios using different down payment amounts. Compare the monthly payment, mortgage insurance, interest rate, closing costs, and cash you would have remaining. Seeing the numbers side by side can make the decision much clearer.


Look Into First-Time Homebuyer Assistance in Arizona

If saving for a down payment is the biggest obstacle between you and homeownership, do not assume you have to handle the entire cost on your own.

Arizona has homebuyer assistance programs that may help eligible buyers with upfront expenses. The Arizona Department of Housing provides information about programs such as HOME Plus and Arizona Is Home. Program availability, funding, income limits, purchase-price limits, and other requirements can change, so check the current rules before counting on any assistance.

You can start with the Arizona Department of Housing and ask a participating lender which programs are currently available for your situation.

Some assistance programs work alongside an eligible mortgage and may provide help with down payment or closing costs. The details vary, and assistance may come with conditions, repayment obligations, or requirements for the buyer to remain in the home for a certain period.

That last part deserves attention. A program that offers upfront help might have a different long-term cost or set of rules than another program. Ask whether the assistance is a grant, a forgivable loan, a deferred-payment loan, or another type of financial arrangement.

It is also worth asking whether using assistance changes the interest rate or fees on your mortgage. A little help with closing costs can be valuable, but you want to understand the full arrangement before signing anything.

If you think you may qualify, start asking questions early. You do not want to find a home you love and then discover that you needed to complete a particular step before making an offer.


Get Preapproved Before You Start Making Offers

Mortgage preapproval is one of the most useful steps you can take before shopping seriously for a home.

During preapproval, a lender reviews information about your income, debts, credit, assets, and other parts of your financial situation to estimate how much you may be able to borrow. The lender may ask for pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and other documents, depending on your circumstances.

Preapproval is not a final loan approval, and it does not guarantee that a particular property will qualify for financing. The lender still needs to review the property and complete the required checks before the mortgage can close.

Even so, having a preapproval can help you narrow your search to homes that are more likely to fit your budget. It also gives you a better idea of what documents you need and whether there are any financial issues to address before you make an offer.

When you speak with a lender, be honest about your plans. If you are self-employed, recently changed jobs, receive income from more than one source, or have other circumstances that might affect your application, explain that upfront. It is much easier to work through questions early than to discover a problem when you are already under contract.

Try to avoid making major financial changes while your mortgage is being processed. Taking out a new car loan, opening several credit accounts, or moving large sums of money without clear documentation can complicate underwriting. If you are unsure whether a financial decision could affect your approval, talk to your loan officer before making it.


Compare Lenders Instead of Accepting the First Offer

Finding a lender you feel comfortable with is important, but you should still compare offers before making your final decision.

Different lenders may offer different interest rates, origination charges, lender credits, and closing costs. Even when two lenders offer the same type of mortgage, the overall cost can vary.

Request Loan Estimates from multiple lenders and compare the same kind of loan with the same basic features. That way, you can see whether one offer is genuinely less expensive or whether the numbers look better because the loan terms are different.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends reviewing the Loan Estimate carefully, including the interest rate, estimated monthly payment, mortgage insurance, closing costs, and estimated cash needed to close. You can use its Loan Estimate guide to understand the different sections.

Pay attention to the interest rate, but do not stop there. A lender advertising a lower rate might charge more upfront, while another may offer lender credits that reduce your closing costs in exchange for a different rate. Depending on how long you expect to keep the mortgage, one arrangement may make more financial sense than the other.

You should also consider how clearly the lender explains your options. Buying your first home comes with plenty of unfamiliar terms, and you deserve answers that make sense. If someone rushes you through the paperwork or cannot explain why a particular loan is right for you, it is reasonable to keep shopping.

A little extra time comparing offers can help you avoid committing to a mortgage that costs more than necessary.


Do Not Forget the Costs Beyond the Mortgage

One of the biggest surprises for first-time buyers is how many expenses come with purchasing and owning a home beyond the down payment.

Closing costs can include lender fees, appraisal charges, title and settlement services, recording fees, prepaid homeowners insurance, and other expenses depending on the transaction. The exact amount varies, so ask your lender for an estimate early and update it as you get closer to closing.

Then there are the ongoing costs. Property taxes and insurance are part of the picture, but you may also need to budget for HOA dues, utilities, routine maintenance, and repairs. If you buy a condo or townhome, review the association's fees and rules carefully. Ask what the dues cover and whether there are any known or potential special assessments.

This matters when comparing different types of homes in Tempe. A condo with a lower purchase price might have higher monthly association fees than a single-family home, and those fees affect how much housing you can comfortably afford.

The lifestyle you want matters, too. If you enjoy being close to parks, walking trails, local restaurants, and outdoor activities, think about how the neighborhood fits into your daily routine and your budget. Spending some time exploring Tempe's parks, walking paths, and outdoor spaces can help you get a better feel for the area and decide which neighborhoods offer the kind of lifestyle you want without stretching your finances too far.

There is no need to have every future expense figured out down to the last dollar. You just want a realistic picture of what owning the home will cost once the excitement of closing day has passed.


Choose a Loan That Fits the Way You Want to Live

It is easy to focus so much on getting approved that you forget to think about what happens after you get the keys.

Maybe you want a small home close to work so you can spend less time driving. Perhaps you would rather buy a townhome with less yard maintenance, or you might want a single-family home with space to grow into over the next several years.

Those preferences can affect your financing decision. A lower-priced property may leave more room in your monthly budget for travel, savings, or future expenses. A more expensive home may offer the space you want, but it could also mean giving up some financial flexibility.

If you are comparing condos and townhomes, remember that the loan is only one part of the decision. The property's association fees, insurance arrangements, condition, and eligibility for your chosen mortgage program can all affect the final numbers.

And if your first home is meant to be a stepping stone rather than a place you plan to stay for decades, think about how long you realistically expect to live there. You cannot predict the future, but you can avoid choosing a mortgage that only works if everything goes exactly according to plan.

Deciding whether Tempe is the right place for you involves more than finding a home you can afford. Think about housing costs, your daily commute, the feel of different neighborhoods, and how close you'll be to the places and activities you enjoy. Taking time to weigh the benefits and potential challenges of living in Tempe can help you choose a home and location that fit your budget and the lifestyle you want.

The right mortgage should support the life you want, rather than forcing you to reorganize your entire life around a monthly payment.


Common Home Loan Mistakes First-Time Buyers Should Avoid

A few mistakes can make the mortgage process more expensive or stressful than it needs to be, and most are avoidable if you slow down and ask the right questions.

One common mistake is choosing a loan based entirely on the advertised interest rate. The rate matters, but you also need to consider fees, mortgage insurance, closing costs, and how the payment could change over time.

Tempe has a variety of homes and neighborhoods, so take time to think about what fits your budget and how you see your life changing over the next few years. A condo might be a good fit if you want less maintenance, while a townhome or single-family home could offer more space or privacy, depending on your needs. If your family is growing or your current living situation is starting to feel cramped, think about how staying in a home that no longer meets your needs could affect your finances and daily routine. Looking at the long-term costs of keeping a home that no longer suits your family's needs can help you decide whether buying a different type of property would make more sense for your future.

It is also easy to underestimate the money you will need after closing. Spending every available dollar to get into a home can leave you vulnerable when repairs or unexpected expenses arise. Try to preserve an emergency fund if your financial situation allows it.

Finally, do not treat preapproval as permission to spend the maximum amount a lender offers. A mortgage that fits the lender's calculations may still leave you with less breathing room than you want.

Take your time, compare your options, and make sure you understand the loan before you commit. You do not need to become a mortgage expert overnight. You just need to ask enough questions to make a decision you feel good about.


Your First Home in Tempe Should Feel Like a Good Financial Move

Choosing the right home loan is one of the biggest decisions you will make during your first home purchase, but it does not have to be the most confusing part.

Start with a monthly payment you can comfortably afford, learn how conventional, FHA, VA, and other eligible loan programs work, and find out whether you qualify for down payment assistance. Once you have a better idea of your options, compare lenders and look at the complete cost of each loan instead of focusing on a single number.

Give yourself room to think about the home you are buying, too. The best mortgage on paper will not feel like a good deal if the payment leaves you struggling to cover ordinary expenses or makes it difficult to save for the future.

Tempe has a variety of homes and neighborhoods, so take time to think about what fits your budget and how you see your life changing over the next few years. A condo might be a good fit if you want less maintenance, while a townhome or single-family home could offer more space or privacy, depending on your needs. Consider the ongoing costs, HOA fees, and maintenance responsibilities of each option so you can choose a home that works for you now and still makes sense as your priorities change.

You do not have to make every decision at once. Talk with a few lenders, ask them to explain the numbers, and give yourself enough time to compare your options before committing.

When you find a home loan that fits your budget and your plans, buying your first home becomes a much more manageable process. And when you finally get those keys, you can enjoy the moment knowing you have thought carefully about what comes next.


Final Thoughts

Buying your first home in Tempe is a big step, and figuring out the right mortgage is a decision worth taking your time with. You might feel pressure to save a bigger down payment, find the perfect interest rate, or get into a home before prices change, but you don't have to rush into a loan that doesn't feel right for your finances.

Start by understanding what you can comfortably afford each month, then compare your loan options and ask questions until the numbers make sense. A conventional loan might be the right fit for you, while an FHA loan or an assistance program could make homeownership more accessible. What matters is finding an option that works for your situation, not choosing the same mortgage someone else used.

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Nancy Wittenberg

Nancy Wittenberg is a trusted REALTOR® serving Chandler, Gilbert, and the East Valley of Arizona. She helps buyers and sellers navigate the local housing market with clear guidance, honest advice, and strong advocacy. Her signature Buyer Care Plan™ walks clients step by step from the first consultation through closing and beyond, helping buyers feel confident and informed at every stage. For homeowners preparing to sell, Nancy acts as a Strategic Market Guide, helping sellers manage pricing strategy, buyer psychology, and negotiations that determine how a home sale actually unfolds. Nancy holds designations including GRI, ABR®, and SRS, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and client advocacy in the East Valley real estate market. If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Chandler, Gilbert, or the East Valley, reach out to Nancy for a conversation, not a pitch.

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