Even before starting your home buying journey, you’re probably already aware that the numbers aren’t just about the home’s purchase price and your down payment. There are dozens of smaller fees, expenses, credits, and adjustments in the real estate transaction that you need to account for. 

This is where the term “cash to close” comes into play. Cash to close is the amount you need to bring on closing day to finalize the sale, and is a crucial aspect of the home-buying process.

We’ve compiled these easy and affordable upgrades that can bring style and boost functionality in your space without breaking the bank. They’re also easy enough for anyone to pull off, even if your DIY skills are a bit rusty. Assuming you’re done with deep cleaning and depersonalizing, these inexpensive updates will make your bathroom feel more like a relaxing spa retreat, offering daily comfort that prospective buyers will surely appreciate.

For many aspiring homeowners, trying to save enough money to cover the down payment and closing costs is their biggest hurdle to homeownership. It may feel like an overwhelming task, a goal that takes a considerable amount of time and effort to accomplish.

If you’re a prospective buyer who’s trying to figure out the best places to store your money when you’re saving for a down payment on a mortgage, we explore some great options you may want to consider.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s not only love that fills the air, but a renewed sense of commitment among couples. From lovely surprises to grand gestures, the romantic holiday serves as a catalyst for them to take the next step in their relationships, such as buying a home together.

Aiming to have a cleaner and calmer home this year? You’re still on the right track for a fresh start. Before life gets busier and mess slowly creeps back in, we’ve rounded up small but impactful habits to start now, and which you can actually stick to for the long term.

Listing your home at the beginning of the year can give you a competitive edge, get ahead of the market, and attract serious buyers—all of which can potentially lead to a faster, smoother sale.

It’s exciting knowing that you’re starting a fresh life in your new abode. But that exhilarating feeling can quickly be replaced with dread once you realize that the moving truck has left the driveway, and you’ll need to face the daunting task of unpacking your belongings.

When selling a home, it’s not uncommon for your buyer to ask for more time before closing. This request to extend the closing date might be due to financing, inspection, paperwork delays, or life changes, among other reasons. It’s frustrating, yes, and may leave you wondering what it means for your plans and your timeline.

When selling a home, it’s not uncommon for your buyer to ask for more time before closing. This request to extend the closing date might be due to financing, inspection, paperwork delays, or life changes, among other reasons. It’s frustrating, yes, and may leave you wondering what it means for your plans and your timeline. 

However, it’s not uncommon for a home sale to face some sort of delay. If a buyer needs to extend closing, make sure you view it as a practical request and not as a dealbreaker. After all, it’s highly likely that the buyer would also want to close as early as possible.

From structural defects to pest infestations, certain warning signs detailed in the inspection report can reveal underlying risks that every buyer should take seriously. Here are the top five red flags you should watch out for.

Here are some of the best low-cost projects you can tackle this season to make your home feel brand new.

Photos, videos, and virtual tours—these are all great ways to showcase your house to buyers when selling. However, there’s nothing like physically stepping into the home and seeing the condition of the space with your own eyes.

Savvy home buyers know that some of the most important things to check are the ones you don’t admire at first glance, such as the age of the roof, the stability of the foundation, or, in this case, the condition of the home’s HVAC system. 

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a critical component that is often overlooked, but it can directly impact your monthly energy bills, air quality, and comfort in the home. And the reality is that it’s one of the most expensive things to replace. If it breaks as soon as you move in, brace yourself not only for an uncomfortable stay but also for a steep out-of-pocket cost.

POV: You’re a homeowner thinking about downsizing, upsizing, or relocating to a new area. Your biggest dilemma now? It’s probably this: whether to sell your current home before buying a new one, or buy first and then sell.

Whether you’ll be working on small upgrades to simply refresh your space this summer, or diving into a major remodel before listing your home for sale, remember that preparation is key. It’s important to take a step back and plan before kicking off your long-planned renovation.

Asking the right questions is crucial, especially when plunging into homeownership. There’s always been a long checklist of questions for you to know and understand every part of the real estate transaction. But how about “soul searching” questions you should be asking yourself first? Many times, these questions are often overlooked simply because they can make you feel uncomfortable.

Regardless of what they’re called, an accessory dwelling unit, also known as an ADU, is an additional living quarters on single-family lots that is independent of the primary dwelling unit, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The separate living spaces are equipped with kitchen and bathroom facilities, and can be either attached or detached from the main residence.

Foundation problems are dangerous since they can lead to significant issues throughout the rest of the home, including structural damage, mold, water damage, and even pest problems.

In this blog, we list five tips to keep your kids involved and informed about the home purchase. They may not fully understand its many aspects, but making your children feel included and valued can help ease the transition and get them excited about relocating.

First impressions matter, especially in real estate. It’s particularly crucial in spring, which is considered the busiest selling period in many housing markets. Many potential buyers start looking for homes, and your goal is to entice them on the outside so they’d be willing to look on the inside. When buyers pull up to your home’s curb or see photos of your home online, you want them to be excited by what they see, so your home’s exterior needs to look as welcoming and inviting as possible.

It’s tempting to rush into writing an offer and seal the deal before another buyer gets their hand on it. But not so fast! Before making an offer on a home, you need to do your research to ensure that you get the best deal possible and avoid potential headaches down the road. 

Here are some guide questions to help you make an educated and appropriate offer that the seller will gladly accept.

Your home isn’t simply one of your biggest investments. More than just a physical shelter, it’s a space where precious memories are made. But as much as you love your home, there will always come a time when you feel like it’s time to move.

Buying a home is no easy feat. You usually have to put money down equal to a percentage of the final purchase price, or your down payment. Having this upfront cash on hand may not be easy for everyone. In fact, it’s one of the major hurdles when buying a home. This is why down payment assistance programs are available to qualifying home buyers.

If you feel like decluttering is such a chore, it might be because you haven’t found a method that works well for you. Understand that there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” decluttering solution. Tidying up your space will always depend on your time, energy, or interest, so you don’t have to follow only one rule. Here we’ve rounded up five of the most popular and expert decluttering approaches to owning less, hopefully to make the task a little easier for you.

Planning to buy a home in 2025? With only a few days left ‘til the new year, it may seem like an extremely distant and daunting goal. But the good news is that you still have the whole year ahead of you, which means you can take it step by step. Getting started today is already a huge feat, so here’s a comprehensive guide that you can use to navigate through this journey toward your homeownership dreams.

Planning to buy a home in 2025? With only a few days left ‘til the new year, it may seem like an extremely distant and daunting goal. But the good news is that you still have the whole year ahead of you, which means you can take it step by step. Getting started today is already a huge feat, so here’s a comprehensive guide that you can use to navigate through this journey toward your homeownership dreams.

If you’re interested in a home near a school, you should understand how it might affect your day-to-day living situation. With school in session 180 days a year, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages before deciding. To help with your homework, here are some pros and cons to consider before buying a home near a school.