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Sidney Richardson

Former staff writer

Sidney Richardson is a former writer for Rocket. She specializes in real estate, homeownership and personal finance content. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in advertising from Oakland University.

Expertise

Real Estate

Personal Finance

Recent Articles

A small, unique bedroom, showcasing interior design for small-space living.

4-minute read

What qualifies as a bedroom? Know before you buy or sell

Not just any room in a home counts as a bedroom. Before you buy or sell, check out this guide to learn what qualifies as a bedroom in a house.

A white fence in front of a residential property.

5-minute read

Fencing and your property line: A neighbor's guide

If you want to build a fence on your property, there are rules you must follow. Here’s what you need to know before building a fence on a property line.

House with colorful trim and flower garden in front yard

6-minute read

How to find open houses near you: 6 tips

Ready to find your next home, but not sure where to start? Check out our guide to finding open houses in your area, plus tips on how to prepare for them.

A close-up of a stylish fixture of a kitchen or home decor element, showcasing its design and details, possibly used to enhance interior aesthetics.

6-minute read

What is fixture in real estate, and how is it determined?

Knowing what is and isn't a fixture in real estate can help you avoid disputes during a sale. Learn how a fixture is determined and about common gray areas.<...

9-minute read

Home equity loan vs. personal loan: What's the best option?

A personal loan is an unsecured loan, while a home equity loan is backed by your home equity. See the main differences between these two loan types.

An African American couple engaged in home renovation or remodeling.

7-minute read

ARV: Everything you need to know about after-repair value

The after-repair value (ARV) is used to determine the value of a home after it has undergone renovations. Read on to learn how to calculate the ARV yourself....

Modular home, an image illustrating a modular home structure.

3-minute read

What is a chattel mortgage and how does it work?

A chattel mortgage is an option for purchasing a manufactured home where the home secures the loan. See how chattel loans differ from traditional mortgages.<...

An older couple in kitchen indicating considerations for purchasing a retirement property.

6-minute read

Buying a retirement home: A complete guide

When buying a retirement home, you may want to consider the location, house type and your finances. Learn when to buy a retirement home and more with our gui...

A distressed white house with boarded up windows.

7-minute read

Should I move back to my hometown?

Moving back to your hometown can be less expensive and more convenient, but it’s not for everyone. Learn how to decide if you should move back to your ...