Home buying process

Featured resources

A man looking at a contract or document, potentially in a business or legal context.

6-minute read

Breaking a lease to buy a house: Can (and should) you do it?

Breaking a lease to buy a house can be tricky. Learn how to get out of a lease, how much it might cost you, the pros and cons, and weigh the alternatives.

An account advisor showing papers to a client, indicating a professional interaction or financial consultation.

7-minute read

How often do contingent offers fall through? What you should know

Learn about the different types of contingencies in real estate contracts and explore the common reasons these deals sometimes don’t make it to closing...

Image showing a young businesswoman contemplating while sitting in front of an open laptop.

5-minute read

What credit score do mortgage lenders use?

Mortgage lenders use several credit scores to qualify borrowers and determine the interest rate they offer. Learn more before you start the home buying journey.

Couple reviewing documents on laptop, possibly home related.

8-minute read

A guide to gifts of equity: What taxes to expect, how to write a gift letter and more

Curious about gifts of equity or already considering giving one? Learn about the process plus the pros and cons of giving the gift of home equity.

An easement road leading to a house in the distance, indicating a legal right of way or access to a property.

5-minute read

Right of way vs. easement: What’s the difference?

A right of way easement allows you to use a pathway on a neighboring property. Other easements also give property access. Learn what the differences are here.

A couple looking at a laptop together, potentially engaging in activities such as browsing or working online as a team.

7-minute read

What does “coming soon” mean on real estate listings?

Some real estate agents will list a home as “coming soon” before it hits the market. Learn about “coming soon” real estate listings and ...

A young couple with an agent in a living room, potentially discussing a property.

8-minute read

How long does it take to sell a house?

How long it takes to sell a house varies depending on market conditions, your asking price, how long your home’s been on the market, and its overall condi...

Image depicting the duration before selling, likely discussing the time frame or considerations before selling a property.

7-minute read

Selling a house after a year: How soon can I sell?

You’re thinking about selling your home after a year or maybe less. Are there disadvantages? Consider the taxes, costs, and penalties before you sell.<...

A woman writing a letter while sitting on a bed.

6-minute read

Letter to home seller from buyer: What to include

Writing a letter to a home seller can help when making an offer on a home. Learn which details can make your offer appealing, and how it can benefit you.

Couple with daughter smiling among boxes inside newly moved into home.

4-minute read

What is a kick-out clause and should you include one?

A kick-out clause allows sellers who’ve accepted an offer to continue showing their home. Learn about other features of a kick-out clause in real estat...

Buying a house for sale by the owner, symbolizing a direct purchase from a homeowner.

9-minute read

FSBO meaning: Buying a house that’s for sale by owner

Buying a house that's listed as for sale by owner (FSBO) is different from buying through a real estate agent. Discover the process of buying a FSBO home.

A woman signing a contract, suggesting engagement in a real estate agreement or mortgage-related documentation.

10-minute read

What is a real estate purchase agreement, and why is it important?

A real estate purchase agreement is a contract covering the details of a real estate transaction. Learn more about purchase agreements and their key componen...

A bustling city street lined with houses and trees, capturing the essence of urban living.

3-minute read

Utility easements, explained

A utility easement is what allows public utilities like sewage, electricity, water and more to exist. Learn about how utility easements can impact homeowners.

A family in front of a porch, depicting a home setting and family-oriented lifestyle.

4-minute read

Can I look at a house without mortgage preapproval?

While you can tour homes without it, mortgage preapproval makes it easier to find a real estate agent and it can persuade sellers to take your offer seriously.

A couple leaving their house probably leaving for their jobs.

7-minute read

A guide to the home inspection contingency

A home inspection contingency allows buyers to respond to results within a specific time frame. Learn how to successfully navigate and reply to an inspection.

Two people discussing something while drinking coffee.

6-minute read

What to expect from non-arm’s length transactions

Non-arm’s length transactions involve buying property from someone you know. These transactions have unique tax and legal implications you need to be awar...

An illustration showing a hand holding a credit card for payment.

9-minute read

The lowest credit score to buy a house: How bad credit affects loan options

Considering buying a home with bad credit? Discover the lowest credit score to buy a house, learn about home loans for bad credit, and find credit score tips.

A couple showing a key in front of a house possibly indicating they bought their new home.

6-minute read

What is the right of first refusal in real estate and how does it work?

In real estate, right of first refusal reserves your place at the front of the line to make an offer on, buy, or pass on purchasing a specific property.