Featured resources

Image representing a house in flood zone, potentially relating to real estate or insurance discussions.

6-minute read

A guide to buying a house in a flood zone

If you’re considering buying a house in a flood zone, you should weigh pros, cons, and potential risks. Read on to learn more about moving into a flood zone.

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Rooftops in a neighborhood, portraying a community or residential area.

6-minute read

Restrictive covenants explained

Restrictive covenants are rules in the deed that limit how the homeowner can use their property. Learn more about these rules and how they may affect you.

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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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A modern apartment building in an urban area.

7-minute read

What is rent control and how does it work?

Rent control is a legal provision capping how much landlords can charge in rent for some rental units. Learn about rent control law and how rent control works.

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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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An aerial view of buildings surrounded by trees.

7-minute read

What is condemnation in real estate?

What is condemned property? Condemnation occurs when the government uses eminent domain to take property. Learn what condemnation can mean for homeowners.

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A row of townhouses, representing real estate properties.

6-minute read

Can you buy a house with no credit? Tips and loan options for those with no credit score

Wondering if you can buy a house with no credit? Read on to learn if it’s possible to buy a house without a credit score or established credit history.

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Young man talking to his older father.

7-minute read

Understanding right of survivorship: What you need to know

What is the right of survivorship? Learn how this legal principle affects joint property ownership and offers protection for surviving owners in this overview.

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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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A happy couple moving into their new place surrounded by boxes.

4-minute read

First-time home buyers classes: A guide

A first-time home buyers class can help you feel better-prepared for the home buying process. See what you can expect from a class for first-time home buyers.

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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 young woman packing boxes, daughter moving out of parents' home.

8-minute read

How to move out of your parents’ house in 18 steps

Ready to move out of your parents’ house, but not sure how? Follow our guide for tips on how you can become a financially responsible first-time homeowner.

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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 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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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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Couple looking over documents for house  with Realtor in front of property for sale.

9-minute read

13 common first-time home buyer mistakes and how to avoid them

First-time buyers often make mistakes when looking at homes, but this doesn’t have to be you. Learn how to avoid common first-time home buyer mistakes.

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