Homeownership

Featured resources

Retired couple in their kitchen looking at open laptop together and smiling.

5-minute read

Should you use your 401(k) to pay off your mortgage?

You can use your 401(k) to pay off a mortgage. Learn about the pros and cons of doing so, how to go about it as well as alternative options.

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.

Illustration of a home renovation project with tools, paint, and a blueprint.

5-minute read

Home remodel costs and estimation template

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.

Cabin house on rural land, representing rural or countryside living.

4-minute read

What is hazard insurance for homes: A homeowners guide

Hazard insurance protects your home from natural disasters. Learn what it is, what is covered under hazard insurance and how it’s different from homeowner...

A woman painting a home in green, illustrating a woman painting the exterior of a house in green color.

5-minute read

What is home appreciation and how is it calculated?

Home appreciation tracks how a property increases in value over time. Learn how appreciation works and how you can raise your home's value before selling.

White condos with small porches, depicting a residential complex or condominiums.

6-minute read

HOA special assessment: What it is and how to handle it

Moving to a neighborhood with an HOA? You should be prepared to pay some extra, unexpected feed. Here's what you need to know about special assessments.

A woman managing bills or finances, possibly organizing payments or budgeting.

9-minute read

House poor: What it means and how to avoid it

Being house poor means most of your income goes toward your mortgage. See how people become house poor and learn how to keep it from happening to you.

A white fence in front of a residential property.

5-minute read

Fencing and your property line: A neighbor's guide

If you want to build a fence on your property, there are rules you must follow. Here’s what you need to know before building a fence on a property line.

Young man smiling on the phone at a desk, possibly indicating work or communication.

5-minute read

How to change homeowners insurance with escrow: A guide

Are you looking to change your homeowners insurance? Read through our complete guide on how to change your homeowners insurance with an escrow account.

Two men inspecting a house, potentially related to home inspection or real estate assessment.

6-minute read

What is a seller's pre-inspection and should you get one?

Sellers may order a pre-inspection before listing to get a jump on repairs and avoid negotiations with buyers. Learn more about pre-listing inspections.

Modern house with a large pool, emphasizing a luxurious residential property.

6-minute read

What is home value and how do you determine it?

Accurate home values can help buyers and sellers make educated decisions. Explore the basics of home value and how to find out how much your home is worth.

White and grey house with a teal front door.

9-minute read

Community property: Definition, states that follow it and more

Thanks to community property, any income or property acquired during marriage belongs equally to both spouses. Learn more about how community property works....

A woman using a calculator, possibly related to financial or real estate calculations.

5-minute read

Learn how to calculate home equity

Want to learn how to calculate home equity? See how much equity you have in your home and find the best way to convert your home equity into cash.

A happy African-American family unpacking, portraying diversity in the context of homeownership and moving into a new house.

7-minute read

2023 First American Home Warranty reviews and coverage

Looking for coverage options for your home appliances? Explore the reviews to see whether First American Home Warranty is the best company for your new home.

Multiple generations of a family smiling outdoors, portraying family bonding and unity across different age groups.

5-minute read

Life state: What does it mean and how does it work?

A life estate is a legal way to pass the ownership rights of your home to another person. Learn about how a life estate works, how to create one and more.

A woman looking out of a window, potentially indicating contemplation or assessing a property's view.

6-minute read

Is home insurance tax deductible?

Homeowners can’t deduct homeowners insurance from income taxes, unless it’s a rental property. Learn more about which homeownership expenses are tax...

A house roof in woods under heavy rain, possibly symbolizing emergency plan for home during a natural disaster.

6-minute read

Disaster preparedness plan and checklist

A natural disaster can destroy years of hard work in seconds. Prepare for the unexpected with an emergency plan for home to help minimize destruction.

A young couple sits on the floor next to cardboard boxes, possibly discussing or planning their move into a new home.

3-minute read

Dual income households: How kids change the financial picture

Explore the differences in earnings, retirement savings and homeownership between dual-income households with kids (DIWKs) and without kids (DINKs).