Home buying

Featured resources

Home improvement, potentially related to renovation or home improvement concepts.

11-minute read

How to increase home value: 11 top tips

Making upgrades – even minor ones – to your home can raise its value by a significant amount. Explore ways to increase home value and finance the costs.

Two females looking into the paper work potentially for an apartment or house.

5-minute read

A buyer's home inspection checklist

Inspections verify the safety and integrity of a buyer’s future home. Here’s a buyer’s home inspection checklist with all the key information you’ll need.

Mother looking at baby being held by father in their cozy home.

6-minute read

What credit score do you need to buy a house?

The credit score you’ll need to buy a house depends on the type of mortgage you’re applying for. Learn which loans are best for certain credit ranges.

10-minute read

How much house can you afford?

Ever asked, “How much house can I afford?” Determine how much you can spend on a mortgage with help from the Rocket Mortgage home affordability calculator.

An image of a kitchen with modern appliances in wood style design.

9-minute read

Surprising factors that can affect a home appraisal

If you’re selling or refinancing your home, it will likely need an appraisal. Learn what factors affect a home appraisal and how to prevent a low appraisal value.

A man looking at his phone with somewhat surprised expressions.

4-minute read

What happens if you made an offer on a house but received no response?

Wondering why a seller hasn’t responded to your offer? Although they typically do so, sellers are not legally obligated to respond. Learn what to do next.

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.

Couple touring new home under construction.

5-minute read

Making an offer on a new-construction home

Want to negotiate the price of a new-construction home? Learn how to make an offer on a new home and get tips for negotiating the most favorable deal.

Couple looking at homes online on a tablet

8-minute read

Are home warranties worth it? What to consider

Are home warranties worth it? It depends on several factors. Learn about the pros and cons of getting a home warranty to determine whether you need one.

Relaxed brunette woman in sweats curled up reviewing financial paperwork binder on living room sofa.

4-minute read

Do you need renters insurance? Factors to consider

Wondering if you need renters insurance? Whether or not your landlord requires it, insurance can protect you and your possessions.

A young black couple moving into a new home, carrying boxes and belongings.

9-minute read

New home checklist: Everything to do before and after moving day

A checklist for moving into a new home can make for a smooth relocation. Learn everything you need to do when moving with this new home checklist.

Couple smiling at one another while looking at documents on open laptop.

6-minute read

How long does it take to close on a house?

Closing on a house typically takes 30 – 60 days, but delays can lengthen the timeline. Get the statistics and learn how you can speed up your closing.

Couple searching rental listings together on a phone.

4-minute read

Is now a good time to buy a house? What to know in 2024

Is now a good time to buy a house? Explore current market conditions and other factors to consider as you decide if now is a smart time to buy a house.

A couple involved in remodeling, possibly related to home improvement or renovations.

7-minute read

Building a house: A breakdown of how much it costs

Thinking of building your own home? The average cost to build a house in the U.S. is $317,786. Learn more about house-building prices and see your options.

A white fence with roses growing through, illustrating a picturesque fence adorned with roses.

4-minute read

Property lines: Everything you need to know

Property lines mark the end of one owner’s property and the beginning of their neighbor's land. Learn more about them and how to find yours.

A couple with a baby in a new home, symbolizing the joy of starting a family in a new place.

8-minute read

Will home prices ever go down?

Median home prices hit record highs in 2024, but will house prices ever go down? It’s unlikely anytime soon, barring unforeseen circumstances. Learn why.

A young Asian man looking stressed while using a laptop, possibly in a home or work setting.

4-minute read

Home title theft: What you should know and how to prevent it

Home title theft is when someone steals a homeowner’s identity and transfers the home title to their name. Figure out how to prevent title theft.

Two businesswomen shaking hands, representing a successful business agreement or partnership.

7-minute read

What to do after your home offer is accepted

Your offer was accepted, but now what? Let these 11 steps guide you through everything from depositing earnest money to getting the keys to your new home.

Get approved to buy a home

Rocket Mortgage® lets you get to house hunting sooner

Start my application