Mortgage rates have been the monster under the bed for a while. Every time they tick up, people flinch and say, “Maybe I’ll wait.” But here’s the twist. Waiting for that perfect 5-point-something rate could end up haunting your wallet...
2025
Key Takeaways • Builders often win bidding wars because they can pay cash and close quickly. • You can still compete by learning how to make a strong offer on a house, securing solid financing, and staying flexible with terms. • Partnering with an experienced local agent gives you a major advantage in teardown markets. You’ve been house hunting for weeks, maybe months, and you’ve finally found...
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...
If it’s time to sell and your house is in a flood zone, you may be concerned about getting the best price for your home. The good news is that there are plenty of buyers interested in purchasing properties regardless of the flood zoning. In this article, we’ll review everything you need to know if you’re selling your home in a flood zone, from insurance to mitigation to pricing strategies. The...
A starter home is the most affordable type of house or living space a first-time buyer can purchase. The median price of a starter home in September 2025 was $260,205. What used to be a 3-to-7-year stay in a starter home is now stretching much longer as the market remains competitive and interest rates stay high. Deciding whether to keep renting, buy a starter home, or go straight to a...
The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and flowers are in full bloom—you’ve officially made it through winter. There’s something about spring that sparks the urge to refresh every room, nook, and surface in your home. That’s why they call it spring cleaning, after all. But after months of winter hibernation, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re sprucing up a rental...
Moving into a new home is exciting – but before you unpack, it’s worth tackling a few projects that are easier (and cheaper) to do in an empty house. From changing locks to refinishing floors, here are 10 projects to complete before move-in day to save time, money, and stress down the road. 1. Change your new home’s locks First and foremost, it’s important to keep your family and your new home...
When you’re buying a home, the last thing you want is a hidden health hazard waiting behind the front door. Most buyers are concerned with big-ticket items like roof leaks, bad wiring, or foundation cracks, but one of the most important things to test for is invisible: radon. Including radon testing during a home inspection is a simple step and inexpensive add-on that can protect your health and give...
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions you will ever make. From the excitement of getting your offer accepted to the nerves that come before closing, it is a whirlwind experience. Yet for some, once the initial thrill fades, an uneasy feeling can creep in. This feeling is known as home buyer’s remorse. Whether you’re looking to buy a home in Dallas, TX or Baltimore, MD,...
Planning a home renovation can be exciting, but without a clear plan, it’s easy for costs to spiral out of control. Knowing how to pay for home renovations is key: by choosing the right financing option and creating a realistic budget, you can tackle everything from kitchen remodels to bathroom upgrades without breaking the bank. In this Redfin guide, we’ll show you how to finance your home...