Featured resources

8-minute read
Is homeowners insurance required? What buyers need to know
Is a homeowners insurance policy required? Insurance is not legally required, but your lender will require you to carry a policy to protect its investment.
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9-minute read
What is hazard insurance? Coverage, costs, and mortgages
Learn what hazard insurance is, what it covers and excludes, why lenders require it, and how it affects your mortgage. Read the guide before you close.
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6-minute read
Disaster preparedness plan and checklist
A disaster preparedness plan can help keep you and your home safe. Make your family plan early and sign up for emergency alerts so you can act quickly.
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5-minute read
What is home appreciation and how is it calculated?
Learn how the value of your home or investment property may be increasing over time, resulting in equity while you own it and profits when you sell it.
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8-minute read
What to do after closing on a home
The paperwork has been signed and you’ve got the keys in hand. Now what? Here’s what to expect after closing on a home.
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4-minute read
Renovation and remodeling: The differences explained
Considering making some updates to your home? Learn the difference between a remodel vs. a renovation, including costs, timelines, and impact on home value.<...
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7-minute read
How much does it cost to renovate a house?
The amount it costs to remodel a house can vary depending on the scale of the project. Learn the average costs associated with various kinds of remodels.
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7-minute read
What home improvements are tax-deductible? IRS rules and eligible upgrades
Are home improvements tax-deductible? Learn what improvements you can deduct from your taxes, what counts as a capital improvement, and how the IRS decides.
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9-minute read
Capital improvements: When are your home renovations tax deductible?
If you’re thinking about renovating your house before selling, these upgrades may qualify as capital improvements. Learn more about their tax deductibilit...
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6-minute read
South Carolina property tax guide
South Carolina property taxes tend to be lower than those in most other states, but they still vary by county. You can pay your taxes via escrow to make it easi...
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8-minute read
Tax liens and deeds: Definitions and important differences
Tax deeds and tax liens both help recover unpaid property taxes, but they work differently. Learn how each works, key risks, and state rules before investing.
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5-minute read
Minnesota property tax guide
Minnesota property taxes are lower than those of most other states. You owe taxes twice per year, but you can escrow them and let your lender handle it.
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7-minute read
Tennessee property tax guide
Tennessee property taxes tend to be lower than those in most other states, but they can vary based on your county. You can pay your taxes via escrow to make it ...
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6-minute read
Virginia property tax guide
Virginia property tax rates vary by county and sometimes city. They generally fall in the middle compared to those of other states and are typically under 1%.
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9-minute read
What is adverse possession in real estate?
Adverse possession can give trespassers the legal right to claim ownership of your property. Learn more about the rules and ways to avoid adverse possession.
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5-minute read
How homestead exemptions work
Homestead exemption application requirements and processes vary by state but can reduce your property tax burden. Learn what to expect before you start.
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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.
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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.
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