Featured resources

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 condition.

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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.

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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.

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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 estate.

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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.

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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 components.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 aware of.

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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.

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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.

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Home inspector standing in front of a window, possibly inspecting a property with a clipboard in hand.

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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A modern ranch-style home, potentially depicting a contemporary residential property.

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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A woman with glasses using her laptop with some worry.

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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Couple snuggling and eating pizza on floor of new home surrounded by unopened moving boxes.

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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A woman working from home with a Shiba Inu dog next to her, indicating a remote work setup in a comfortable environment.

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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An older couple enjoying lunch together, potentially depicting retirement or leisure time at home.

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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