Walking into an open house is exciting. It is your chance to see a home up close, imagine yourself living there, and decide whether it could be the right fit. But just like any social setting, there are unspoken rules that can make the experience smoother for both buyers and sellers. Knowing the basics of open house etiquette can help you leave a positive impression and get the most out of your visit...
Key takeaways Curb appeal is the first impression your home makes from the street and includes everything from landscaping to the front entry. A home with strong curb appeal attracts more buyers, creates trust, and can lead to higher offers. Improving curb appeal does not require major renovations. Simple upgrades like fresh paint, flowers, and good lighting can make a big impact. Investing in curb appeal...
If you’ve ever dreamed about escaping to the woods in Gatlinburg, TN or having a cozy place to unwind in Lake Tahoe, CA, chances are you’ve pictured yourself in a cabin. But what exactly makes a home a cabin, and is it the right fit for you? In recent years, the term “cabin” has been used loosely to describe everything from rustic, off-grid shelters to modern, luxury escapes. But by definition,...
Key takeaways Secure valuables and personal documents Hide family photos and travel plans Arrive before and check locks after the open house Ask neighbors to keep an eye out Opening your doors to potential buyers can feel a little nerve-wracking. After all, you are letting strangers walk through your home and peek into spaces that are normally private. While most open house visitors are genuine buyers,...
When you’re buying a home, one of the first terms you’ll hear is “mortgage.” Since most buyers don’t purchase homes with cash, mortgages make homeownership possible for millions. But what exactly is a mortgage, how does it work, and why does it matter? At Redfin Real Estate, we help buyers navigate every step of the homebuying journey, from understanding financing to finding the right home....
With warmer temperatures and sunny weather, summer is the perfect time to get work on some outdoor projects. Summer might be well underway, but it’s not too late to knock some items off your summer maintenance home checklist. So whether you just bought a house in Chicago or a longtime homeowner in Denver, here are the top tasks to prioritize before the season ends. 1. Repair or replace damaged window...
Heat waves continue to affect most of the U.S. this summer. Here's how you can protect your HVAC system during the heat and conserve energy...
Key takeaways: You have four main selling strategies when relocating for work. Each option has different timeline, financial, and risk considerations based on your specific situation and market conditions. Timeline and financial planning are critical factors. Traditional sales take 30-60 days, while cash sales can close in 1-2 weeks, but you need to consider carrying costs, temporary housing needs, and...
If you’re struggling to save enough for a downpayment, you may be wondering if tapping into your 401(k) is the right option. While it’s possible, doing so comes with significant risks, like early withdrawal penalties and lost investment growth. In this Redfin article, we’ll answer your questions about using your 401(k) to buy a home through loans or withdrawals and the drawbacks of the process....
Key takeaways A mortgage note is your signed promise to repay your home loan. It outlines the loan amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and default terms. It’s different from a mortgage or deed of trust, which secures the loan with your property. Lenders can sell your mortgage note, but your terms won’t change. When you buy a home and take out a mortgage, you sign a lot of paperwork. One of the...
Compare listings
Compare