Featured resources

An aerial view of land, indicating potential for development or investment in real estate.

8-minute read

The complete guide to buying land and building a house

Thinking of building a new home on a piece of raw land? Learn how to buy land and build a house the right way, which includes finding the right loan and lend...

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Small blue-gray mobile home with a front porch, potentially depicting a mobile or manufactured home design.

11-minute read

How to buy a manufactured home and land

Curious how to buy a manufactured home and land for it? Discover everything you need to know about this real estate purchase and what to expect from a lender...

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Home inspector on a roof performing an inspection.

5-minute read

A guide to home inspection costs in 2023

Home inspections typically cost $300 – $500, but the final cost depends on factors like the size of the home. Learn more about budgeting for a home inspec...

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

7-minute read

House title: What you need to know

A house title represents the legal documentation that grants property owners their ownership rights. Learn more about how house titles work.

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A couple discussing underwriting with a lawyer, possibly related to a mortgage process.

7-minute read

How long does underwriting take?

How long is the underwriting process? The process typically takes about 30 – 45 days on average. Learn more about the underwriting timeline.

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A spacious house with a sizable yard, perfect for outdoor activities and ample space for a large family.

5-minute read

How much above asking price should I offer?

In a competitive housing market, you may ask, “How much above asking price should I offer?” Read on to learn tips for preparing to offer over ask...

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A close-up of a stylish fixture of a kitchen or home decor element, showcasing its design and details, possibly used to enhance interior aesthetics.

6-minute read

What is fixture in real estate, and how is it determined?

Knowing what is and isn't a fixture in real estate can help you avoid disputes during a sale. Learn how a fixture is determined and about common gray areas.<...

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A couple having a discussion, potentially about new home prospects.

4-minute read

What is an escalation clause and when is the time to use one?

An escalation clause states a buyer is willing to raise their offer if a seller receives a higher offer. Read our guide on escalation clauses.

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A real estate agent showing women a property possibly for the purpose of sale or rent.

4-minute read

How long does an appraisal take? The home appraisal timeline

Home appraisals can take anywhere from a few days to a week depending on timing, scheduling and a home's complexity. Learn how long an appraisal takes and wh...

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Elegant white house with contrasting black and white trim.

5-minute read

How to claim the property tax deduction: A helpful guide

If you’re a homeowner, you can claim the property tax deduction up to $10,000 ($5,000 for married filing separately). Read this complete guide before y...

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

7-minute read

What is cash to close?

In order to close on your house, you will need to bring cash to close the mortgage deal. Learn what expenses are included in your cash-to-close amount and mo...

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A stock photo portraying a woman shaking hands with a man, potentially in a real estate or home buying context, possibly indicating agreement or partnership.

5-minute read

What does under contract mean in real estate?

A home is under contract when the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer to purchase the property. Read more about what under contract means in real estat...

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A couple in a backyard, potentially representing a couple spending time in a backyard setting.

6-minute read

What you should know before purchasing a house with deed restrictions

Deed restrictions can limit what property owners do on their land. Learn about deed-restricted communities and real estate, what they are and how they work.

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A woman in an office working on a loan application on a laptop.

5-minute read

A guide to conditional approvals for home buyers

A conditional approval means your lender expects to approve your mortgage once you meet certain conditions. Discover how conditional approval works.

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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

Typically, you can back out of a house offer after it’s accepted. See how home buyers can avoid financial loss when they back out of a home purchase ag...

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Two women shaking hands, potentially symbolizing a successful agreement or partnership.

5-minute read

Quitclaim deeds: A useful guide

Quitclaim deeds are simple legal documents that transfer a property’s title between two parties. Here’s how they work, when to use them, and how to ...

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An image portraying a newly built home, highlighting its modern design and clean exterior.

4-minute read

What is an active contingent listing in real estate?

Curious about what the phrase “active contingent” means in real estate? Read to learn more about this type of listing and what it means for you a...

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A woman working on a computer with papers scattered around.

5-minute read

Online house auctions: What are they and how do they work?

Want to buy a property through an online house auction? Learn more about this home buying strategy here and whether it’s a viable option for you.

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