Featured resources

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

Are home warranties worth it? What to consider

Are home warranties worth it? Learn what these policies cover, the typical costs, all about service fees, when they may help, and how to choose a provider.

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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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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...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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5-minute read

A guide for buying home warranty plans

Home warranties help you cover the cost of repairing or replacing appliances and home systems for a premium. Here's how they can protect your home and assets.

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6-minute read

California property tax guide for homeowners

California has a lower effective property tax rate than many other states. Learn about how the California property tax system works and what you may owe.

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