Ashley Cotter
Staff Writer
Ashley Cotter is a content writer at Redfin and Rocket Mortgage with more than five years of experience in digital marketing, content, and editorial strategy. She focuses on breaking down housing and mortgage topics so readers can make confident decisions when it comes to their own home journey. Her goal is to make real estate and lending feel more approachable, whether someone is buying their first home, comparing loan options, or navigating the fine print of homeownership.
Recent Articles
6-minute read
How to find investment properties in 2026
Looking for the best places to invest in real estate? The right purchase may be right around the corner when you know how to find investment properties.
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8-minute read
Do you need a REALTOR® to buy a house?
Do you need a REALTOR® to buy a house? Technically, no, but buyers attempting the process on their own might find the process more challenging without an ag...
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9-minute read
What is a refinance appraisal? How the process works
Learn what a refinance appraisal is, why lenders require it, what appraisers look for, and tips to help your appraisal refinance go smoothly.
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8-minute read
How to move out: A guide to leaving your parents’ house
Getting ready to move out of your parents’ house? Learn how to transition to renting, build credit and real-life experience, and save for future housing g...
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8-minute read
Online house auctions: What are they and how do they work?
An online home auction lets buyers bid on properties digitally. This is how online auctions work, plus the risks, benefits, and what to expect when bidding.<...
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10-minute read
What to consider when buying a vacation home
Buying a vacation home requires more than just capital. Discover what it takes to purchase and manage a vacation rental property that's your second home.
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5-minute read
How long does an appraisal take? The home appraisal timeline
How long does an appraisal take, and why? They can take anywhere from a few days to weeks, depending on timing, scheduling, and a home's complexity.
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8-minute read
What is a mortgage contingency?
A mortgage contingency in a purchase agreement allows you to back out of the home purchase if you can't secure financing. Learn more about how it works.
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12-minute read
17 states that offer property tax relief for seniors
Many states offer property tax relief for seniors. Find out which states have no property tax for seniors, plus what exemptions and relief programs are availabl...
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