Homeownership

Learn key tips for a smooth homeownership experience

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Featured resources

Parents with two young children lounging on the bed and laughing.

8-minute read

Life estate: What is it and how does it work?

A life estate can help transfer a home to an heir while letting you live there for life. Learn what a life estate is, how it works, and key pros and cons.

A modern neutral-colored living room with large windows and stylish furniture.

5-minute read

What to know about condo associations: Your guide to rules, fees, and insurance

A condo association (sometimes called a condo homeowners association) manages shared spaces, rules, and fees. Learn how they work and what buyers should know.

4-minute read

Understanding right of survivorship: What you need to know

Learn how right of survivorship transfers a home to a surviving co-owner, as well as how joint tenancy and community property with the right of survivorship com...

An aerial view of buildings surrounded by trees.

6-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.

8-minute read

Can you avoid capital gains by paying off your mortgage? How home sale taxes really work

There are a number of strategies to avoid or reduce capital gains tax on a home sale. Learn more about exclusions, exceptions, and basis rules.

A condo complex with HOA, indicating community living and homeowners' association in real estate.

9-minute read

Homeowners association (HOA): What it means and how it works

A homeowners association (HOA) manages community rules, fees and amenities in a planned neighborhood or complex. Our guide goes over how HOAs work.