Home buying process

Learn what's in store at every stage of the home buying process

Realtor and client hugging in front of home.

Featured resources

Home buying checklist for first-time home buyers

Starting the process of buying your first home? Use our extensive first-time home buyer checklist to help you prepare and ensure you don't miss a step.

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.

Featured resources

Exterior of a red house, illustrating the exterior appearance of a red-colored house.

4-minute read

Price per square foot: Why it matters and how it's calculated

Price per square foot is a metric that helps you compare similarly priced properties on the market. In short, it measures how much bang you can get for your buc...

A land surveyor working in a field, illustrating a professional conducting a land survey.

6-minute read

How much does a land survey cost and how do I get one?

A land survey shows the shape and boundaries of a piece of property. Learn what it costs and what it can offer property owners.

Exterior view of an English-style red brick house with a garden and driveway.

7-minute read

Where should I live? 17 factors to consider

Choosing where you should live can feel overwhelming. This list of 17 questions to ask yourself will help you find where to move so you love where you live.

A man signing a home document with a broker, depicting a real estate transaction.

8-minute read

House title: What you need to know

A house title indicates who has legal ownership of a property and the rights to use it any way they see fit. Learn more about how a house title works.

Young couple sitting at a kitchen counter with a laptop, potentially discussing finances or real estate options.

6-minute read

Can you back out of a house offer? How to formally withdraw

Home buyers have many opportunities to back out of a deal. Learn about valid reasons to back out of buying a house before you make an offer.

A family sitting on the porch with their pet having enjoyable moment.

7-minute read

What is cash to close?

Understand how to calculate a “cash to close” total and which fees make up this important figure before closing on your house.