Holly Hooper

Recent Articles

A family happily looking at home improvements online, exploring renovation options or planning upgrades.

9-minute read

What can you use a home equity loan for?

A home equity loan can be a good option if you need a lump sum of cash. Discover what you can use a home equity loan for and how repayment works.

A man and a women looking at the laptop and smiling.

7-minute read

Should I pay off my mortgage or invest?

Deciding whether to pay off a mortgage or invest can be tricky. Get familiar with all of the potential financial risks and rewards before making this decisio...

St. Louis cityscape with the Gateway Arch being visible.

6-minute read

Average closing costs in Missouri

Missouri’s closing costs are higher than in several other states, based on the dollar amount. Learn what you can expect to pay when you close on your new ...

A woman boxing stuff possibly because of shifting to a new house or apartment.

4-minute read

Refinancing your house after divorce: What you need to know

Refinancing after a divorce may help you divide community property and remove your name from the mortgage. Learn more about the process.

Documents spread across a table alongside a coffee mug, portraying an organized or busy setting related to home paperwork or financial documentation.

4-minute read

What is fair market value (FMV) in real estate and how is it calculated?

The fair market value (FMV) of a home is defined primarily by how much someone would pay for it. Learn how...

A couple looking towards a house possibly the one they just bought and thinking of starting a new chapter in it.

7-minute read

Kit homes: What you should know before buying

Kit homes are mail-order homes delivered in parts and built right on your property. Explore the pros and cons of building one and how much it could cost you....

7-minute read

Cheapest ways to build a house: 12 tips for affordable home building

Building a home doesn’t have to break the bank. Explore these 12 ways to build a budget-friendly house, from a simpler layout to opting for cheaper materi...

A family in a living room, with an old man holding a clipboard, possibly discussing or organizing something.

11-minute read

What are seller concessions?

Seller concessions are a way for home buyers to bring down their closing costs. However, concessions must be negotiated. Learn more about this process before yo...

The image shows young female couple pointing at a home, possibly considering it for purchase.

7-minute read

Closing on a house: Your step-by-step guide

The closing process is the final step in the home buying journey. Learn about the different steps you can expect and ways to prepare for a smoother closing.