Learn
Featured resources
12-minute read
Home inspection checklist for buyers: What to look for room by room
See the complete home inspection checklist for buyers, from foundation to attic, so you can spot costly problems before you close on your next home.
11-minute read
How to create a competitive offer on a house in a seller’s market
Learn how to create a competitive offer on a house, from preapproval and pricing to contingencies and appraisal gap coverage, and win in a hot market.
12-minute read
Energy-efficient home upgrades: What to do first, and what it saves
See which energy-efficient home upgrades pay off first, from air sealing and insulation to heat pumps and solar, with real costs and yearly savings.
12-minute read
How to budget for closing costs on a home purchase
Learn how to budget for closing costs, which typically run 2% to 5% of the purchase price, and see which fees you can shop, negotiate or reduce.
12-minute read
Advantages of buying a fixer-upper: 7 key benefits (and the tradeoffs)
Discover the advantages of buying a fixer-upper, from lower prices and less competition to renovation loans that roll repair costs into your mortgage.
12-minute read
How to prepare for a home closing: your step-by-step checklist
Learn how to prepare for a home closing with a step-by-step timeline, documents to bring, and final walk-through tips for a smooth closing day.
12-minute read
Understanding contingencies in home offers: the five that protect buyers
Learn how contingencies in home offers let you walk away without losing your deposit, which five matter most, and how to stay competitive anyway.
12-minute read
The importance of mortgage preapproval: What it does and why sellers ask for it
Learn why mortgage preapproval matters, how long it lasts, what it does to your credit and how it strengthens an offer before you start house hunting.
12-minute read
Closing costs: What to expect as a buyer and how to budget
Learn what closing costs buyers pay, typically 2% to 5% of the purchase price, which fees are negotiable, and smart ways to budget or cut them.
12-minute read
DIY home renovation projects: 12 upgrades you can actually finish
Discover DIY home renovation projects that upgrade your space on a budget, from peel-and-stick backsplashes to floating shelves and smart lighting.
12-minute read
Understanding earnest money deposits: how much to put down and when it’s refundable
Learn how earnest money deposits work, why most run 1% to 3% of the price, where the funds are held, and the situations where you forfeit the deposit.
12-minute read
The benefits of a home energy audit and what it includes
Learn what a home energy audit finds, how blower door and infrared testing works, and why the Department of Energy links audits to 5% to 30% energy savings.
12-minute read
Home renovation permits: What you need and what they cost
Find out which home renovation permits you need, how the application and inspection process works, and what happens when unpermitted work shows up at resale.
12-minute read
Guide to Negotiating a Home Purchase
Learn proven strategies for negotiating a home purchase, from using inspection findings and seller concessions to crafting offers that win without overpaying.
11-minute read
Home automation systems: How they work and where to start
Learn how home automation systems connect lights, locks and thermostats, what a starter setup costs, and which upgrades actually cut your energy bills.
13-minute read
How to evaluate a home’s energy efficiency before you buy
Learn how to evaluate a home’s energy efficiency before buying, from energy audits and HERS ratings to utility bills, and avoid costly surprises.
12-minute read
Renovation Ideas to Boost Home Value: The Highest-ROI Projects
Compare renovation ideas to boost home value by return on investment, from garage and entry doors above 100% ROI to minor kitchen and bath refreshes.
12-minute read
How to choose the right flooring for your home
Compare flooring options for durability, moisture and budget, from luxury vinyl plank and porcelain tile to hardwood, and find the best fit per room.
12-minute read
Prequalified vs. preapproved: What’s the difference?
Compare mortgage prequalification and preapproval on documents, credit checks and offer strength, so you know which letter a seller actually wants to see.
9-minute read
Title insurance: why it’s important and what it actually covers
Learn why title insurance protects your ownership, how lender’s and owner’s policies differ, and what a one-time premium at closing actually buys you.
12-minute read
How to negotiate house prices: proven tactics for buyers
Learn how to negotiate house prices with proven tactics, from inspection leverage to seller concessions, and save thousands on your next home.
12-minute read
How to read a home inspection report and prioritize what matters
Learn how to read a home inspection report, decode rating systems and red flags, and prioritize repairs so you can negotiate with confidence before closing.
12-minute read
How to save for a down payment on a house
Discover proven strategies to save for a down payment, from automated savings to assistance programs that can put homeownership within reach sooner.
11-minute read
How to choose energy-efficient windows for your climate
Learn how to choose energy-efficient windows using NFRC U-factor and SHGC ratings, frame materials and climate zone, so you buy the right glass once.
12-minute read
How to evaluate home insurance options: Coverage, limits and quotes
Learn how to evaluate home insurance options by comparing dwelling limits, deductibles, exclusions and discounts so your coverage truly rebuilds your home.
11-minute read
How to appeal a low appraisal and keep your purchase on track
Learn how to appeal a low appraisal with a reconsideration of value, better comps and solid evidence, so a low number doesn’t derail your home financing.
12-minute read
How to handle a bidding war when buying a house
Learn proven ways to handle a bidding war on a house, from escalation clauses to appraisal gap coverage, so you can compete without overpaying.
12-minute read
Seasonal home maintenance checklist for every season
Find a seasonal home maintenance checklist covering exterior, interior, HVAC and plumbing tasks for all four seasons, keeping repairs small and planned.
12-minute read
Negotiating repairs after a home inspection: A buyer’s guide
Learn how to negotiate repairs after a home inspection, from prioritizing major systems to requesting credits, and protect your budget before closing.
12-minute read
Upgrading your home’s insulation: R-values, costs, and savings
Learn how upgrading home insulation works, including recommended R-values, typical costs of $1,065 to $2,630, and the energy savings you can expect.
12-minute read
Buying a home with an HOA: The pros, cons and costs to weigh
Learn the pros and cons of buying a home with an HOA, from amenities and property-value protection to monthly dues, special assessments and foreclosure risk.
12-minute read
Home renovation trends: 8 upgrades worth your budget now
See the home renovation trends shaping remodels now, from energy efficiency and spa bathrooms to defined rooms and bold color, plus which projects hold value.
12-minute read
How to choose a title company for your home purchase
Learn how to choose a title company for your home purchase, from underwriter strength to fees and fraud protection, so your closing goes smoothly.
12-minute read
How to upgrade your home’s lighting
Learn how to upgrade your home’s lighting with layered ambient, task, and accent light, LED bulbs that cut energy use, and smart controls that set the mood.
12-minute read
Seller-paid closing costs: What they cover and how to negotiate them
Learn how seller-paid closing costs work, concession limits for conventional, FHA and VA loans, and strategies to get sellers to cover your fees at closing.
12-minute read
Smart home technology for homeowners: benefits and trade-offs
Discover how smart home technology for homeowners improves comfort, security, energy use and resale appeal, plus the privacy and compatibility trade-offs.
1 of 6
