Buying Archives

Starter Homes: What They Are and How to Buy One

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might not be able to afford your dream house right out of the gate….

7 Most Common Home Closing Delays (and How to Avoid Them)

Issues such as title discrepancies, financing challenges and low home appraisals can all lead to delays when closing on a…

Buying

What Does ‘Pending’ Mean in Real Estate?

A pending status on a house means that the seller has accepted an offer, the contract has been signed, and…

Buying

How to Buy a House in 2025: A 12-Step Guide to Homebuying

Buying a home isn’t overwhelming if you understand the process; it just takes proper planning. You’ll need to get your…

Buying

11 Pros and Cons of Buying a New Construction Home

A new construction home offers many benefits, including a modern layout, custom design options and a clean slate for starting…

Buying

Avoid Surprises: Understand These 7 Hidden Costs of Buying a Condo

When you buy a condo, it’s common to get an amenity-packed home at a lower price than a house in…

Buying

14 Things to Check on Your Final Walk-Through

Your final walk-through ensures that the property you plan to buy meets your expectations before closing. You’ll go through every…

Ranch style houses in the Ardore-Gould Estates-Olin Heights neighborhoods in Savannah, Georgia.

Buying

What Happens If Your Appraisal Is Lower Than the Offer?

When you enter into a purchase agreement on a home, your mortgage lender will hire a licensed appraiser to assess…

Buying

How an Escalation Clause Can Enhance Your Offer

When you find the perfect home, being outbid by another prospective buyer can cause frustration and disappointment. Multiple offers are…

A stark farmhouse inspired traditional home in the Bull Mountain neighborhood of King City, OR.

Buying

How Much House Can I Afford? A Step-By-Step Guide

The simple way to determine how much house you can afford is to calculate your monthly household income and compare…

Pen and signature on paper background Selected focus

Buying

What Every Buyer (and Seller) Should Know About Real Estate Purchase Agreements

Every home sale requires a contract that explains all the details that are required to transfer ownership. That’s where a…

inspector or engineer is inspecting construction and quality assurance new house using a checklist. Engineers or architects or contactor work to build the house before handing it over to the homeowner

Buying

Home Inspection Costs, Inclusions and What You Need to Know

A home inspection provides peace of mind that you aren’t walking into unforeseen repairs or structural issues when you purchase…

Buying

HOA Fees Explained: What Every Homebuyer Should Know

When you buy a property governed by a homeowners association (HOA), you might gain access to amenities and conveniences that…

Buying

What Does a Real Estate Agent Do? 15 Benefits Explained

Buying or selling a home is not just about finding the perfect place or getting the best price. Every real…

Close-up rear view of real estate agent adjusting for sign in front yard of house

Buying

Real Estate Agent vs Broker vs Realtor: The Differences Explained

While the roles of an agent, broker, and Realtor often intersect, there are distinct differences between all three in the…

Buying

What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House?

Lenders typically require a credit score of around 740 to offer you the best loan terms, but that doesn’t mean…

Buying

Buyer’s Market vs Seller’s Market: How to Negotiate and Close the Deal

Determining the right time to buy or sell a home – and the right way to negotiate – can be…

Buying

Old House vs New House: Is it Better to Buy New Construction?

The decision between buying an existing home or new construction is a significant one for any homebuyer. Each option presents…

Buying

12 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Buying your first home is a significant milestone that can be overwhelming. As one of the biggest financial commitments you’re…

A white house with blue shutters in Independence, MO.

Buying

What Are Seller Concessions and How Do They Work?

There are certain costs associated with buying a home, such as getting the property inspected, conducting a title search, originating…

An aerial view of houses in a neighborhood in McDonough, Georgia

Buying

What Is a 30-Year Fixed Mortgage and How Can I Qualify?

Nearly 90% of homeowners today take advantage of a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage when buying their home. While this loan term…

Buying

Are You Too Young to Buy a House?

Owning a house is often a symbol of financial security. However, purchasing a home requires a young buyer to navigate…

View of neighborhood houses and street in Summerlin, Nevada

Buying

Setting Your Budget: How Much Should You Spend on a House?

Buying a home can be tempting, particularly in a vibrant market. In 2025, experts in the industry are estimating high…

Buying

What You Need to Know About Buying a Manufactured Home

Manufactured homes (also called mobile homes) are an alternative form of housing and often a less expensive path to homeownership….