Featured resources
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 condition.
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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.
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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.
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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 estate.
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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.
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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 components.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 aware of.
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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.
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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.
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6-minute read
What does a home inspector do?
A home inspector’s job is to review a property’s systems and structures to ensure they are safe and working correctly. Learn what a home inspector looks for.
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5-minute read
Lease option: Definition and how it works
A lease option lets tenants buy a rental property from the landlord at the end of the lease. Learn more about lease options and their benefits and drawbacks.
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6-minute read
The ATR/QM rule: What it is and what borrowers should know
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau developed the ATR/QM Rule as a protective measure for mortgage borrowers. Learn about this rule and how it works.
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12-minute read
How to buy a house: Your step-by-step guide to buying in 2025
Buying a house involves many steps, so we broke it down for you. Get educated and avoid obstacles by checking out our comprehensive guide on how to buy a house.
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4-minute read
What does caveat emptor mean?
Caveat emptor is Latin for “let the buyer beware.” In real estate, it’s similar to buying a home as-is. Learn about buying a home sold as caveat emptor.
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5-minute read
How to qualify for a mortgage after retirement
Buying a home after retirement? Learn how to organize your finances and assets to apply successfully for a mortgage – even if you are living on a fixed income.
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