Homes.com Real Estate Tips

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…

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…

Finance

What Is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?

Saving for a down payment can be one of the biggest barriers to homeownership, and lenders view borrowers who can…

Selling

The Pros and Cons of a Cash Offer on Your House

As a seller, you may wonder if a cash offer is automatically a better deal. The most significant advantage of…

Selling

Real Estate Comps: Understanding the Value of Your Home

As you navigate a real estate transaction, comparables – or comps – are one of the most important tools at…

Classic craftsman old American house exterior in red and white during autumn. Northwest, USA

Homeownership

7 Hidden Renovation Issues That Can Derail Your Budget

One of the biggest advantages of owning a property is the ability to renovate it to your liking. Remodeling is…

Finance

What Is a USDA Loan? Benefits, Requirements and More

A USDA loan removes some of the most common barriers to homeownership, making it easier for borrowers in rural areas…

Finance

What Is a Jumbo Loan?

Jumbo loans, or non-confirming mortgages, are intended for buyers who want to finance a home that exceeds the lending limits…

Finance

What Is a Good Debt-to-Income Ratio for a Mortgage?

To get a home loan, borrowers must meet certain eligibility requirements that show lenders they can afford the property and…

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…

Selling

Your Checklist for Selling a House: How to Prepare, Stage and Close

Selling a home requires more work than sticking a “For Sale” sign in the front yard, and the right preparation…

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…

Finance

What Is the VA Funding Fee? Cost and Exemptions Explained

With the VA home loan program, qualifying military members can buy a home at a competitive rate with no down…

Selling

How Much Does Home Staging Cost?

The cost of staging a home is not a one-price-fits-all situation. It can range from a few hundred to several…

Finance

4 Proven Strategies to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

The benefits of paying off your mortgage early include more financial freedom and eliminating significant debt. If you eliminate your…

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…

Finance

HELOCs Explained: What Is a Home Equity Line of Credit?

You can benefit from the equity in your home before your mortgage is paid off. With a home equity line…

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…

Home Sweet Homes

Home Sweet Homes

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

14 Things to Check on Your Final Walk-Through

What Happens If Your Appraisal Is Lower Than the Offer?

How an Escalation Clause Can Enhance Your Offer

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

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

What Is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?

The Pros and Cons of a Cash Offer on Your House

Real Estate Comps: Understanding the Value of Your Home

7 Hidden Renovation Issues That Can Derail Your Budget

What Is a USDA Loan? Benefits, Requirements and More

What Is a Jumbo Loan?

What Is a Good Debt-to-Income Ratio for a Mortgage?

Home Inspection Costs, Inclusions and What You Need to Know

Your Checklist for Selling a House: How to Prepare, Stage and Close

HOA Fees Explained: What Every Homebuyer Should Know

What Is the VA Funding Fee? Cost and Exemptions Explained

How Much Does Home Staging Cost?

4 Proven Strategies to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

What Does a Real Estate Agent Do? 15 Benefits Explained

HELOCs Explained: What Is a Home Equity Line of Credit?

Real Estate Agent vs Broker vs Realtor: The Differences Explained

What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House?

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