Home buying process

Featured resources

Two story brick home with historic craftsmanship.

10-minute read

Checklist for buying your first house

The process of buying a home can be complicated, especially for first-time buyers. Make it simpler with this house buying checklist.

A service repairman, possibly indicating home maintenance or repair services.

10-minute read

What is a reasonable repair request to ask for after a home inspection?

Are you thinking about buying a home? Learn what is a reasonable repair request you can ask for after a home inspection and how to negotiate with the seller.

Woman in empty new construction home holding phone and clipboard.

5-minute read

Your guide to blue tape walk-throughs

The blue tape walk-through of your newly constructed home is an important step before you move in. Learn more about what it entails and what to check for.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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...

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 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...