Featured resources

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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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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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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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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12-minute read
17 states that offer property tax relief for seniors
Many states offer property tax relief for seniors. Find out which states have no property tax for seniors, plus what exemptions and relief programs are availabl...
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4-minute read
Real estate taxes vs. property taxes: What’s the difference?
Preparing to pay taxes on your home? Learn the difference between real estate and property taxes, how they’re calculated, and what they mean for homeow...
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6-minute read
What is a variance and how do you get one?
Sometimes, when you’re making changes to your property, you’ll need to apply for a zoning vari...
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13-minute read
What does it mean to be house poor and how can you avoid it?
Being house poor means most of your income goes toward your mortgage. Learn about how people often become house poor and how you can avoid or escap...
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6-minute read
Encroachment: Definition and what it means in real estate
Encroachment happens when a neighbor’s property crosses onto another owner’s land. Learn how it works, some issues it can cause, and how to resol...
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7-minute read
Understanding actual cash value vs. replacement cash value
It’s essential to understand the different costs and coverage of actual cash value and replacement cash value when choosing a homeowners insurance policy.
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6-minute read
Oregon property tax: A guide
Are you getting ready to buy a house in Oregon? Learn how Oregon property taxes work, average tax rates, exemptions, and what you should know before buying.
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4-minute read
A homeowner’s guide to property tax in New Jersey
NJ property tax is getting higher. Learn more about where New Jersey taxes are highest, how to pay them, and more with our guide.
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4-minute read
A homeowner’s guide to property tax in Michigan
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