Home Buying

Prevention is the most effective defense, focusing on sealing entry points and eliminating attractants. Rodents seek warmth and food indoors as external resources diminish with cold weather. When infestation occurs, a combination of trapping, targeted treatments, and professional assistance ensures thorough eradication. As temperatures drop, the comfort of a warm home becomes appealing not just to you,...

New home construction today is giving buyers something it feels like they haven't gotten much lately: a real shot at both the home they want and the deal they...

An appraisal is a standard step in the home buying process that lenders use to determine a home’s value. It ensures the amount they’re lending aligns with what the property is actually worth. If the appraisal comes back under the purchase price, buyers might need to step in with extra cash to fill in the gap between the home’s actual value and the loan amount. But a higher-than-offer appraisal is...

Whether you’re packing up a three-bedroom house in Sacramento, CA, or a small apartment in Madison, WI, packing for a move doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble. If you’ve got a month, you can spread the work out in a way that feels manageable, keeps your home livable, and helps you move into your new home with less stress and fewer “where did that go?” moments. This guide walks you through...

Whether you’re getting out of a two-bedroom house in Nashville or moving on from a studio apartment in Chicago, moving on an abbreviated timeline is stressful. But here’s the good news: packing for a move in a hurry is absolutely manageable when you prioritize the right things, cut decision-making to the bone, and use a few shortcuts. You don’t need a picture-perfect packing system. You need a system...

Key takeaways You don’t need to fix everything—focus on safety, function, and what buyers care about. Cosmetic flaws like chipped paint and outdated fixtures are usually safe to leave as-is. Always fix or disclose major issues like roof leaks, mold, or foundation damage. Selling your home doesn’t mean fixing every flaw. Some repairs simply aren’t worth your time or money, and many buyers actually...

Key takeaways: Staging your home for real estate photography can help increase the visual appeal for prospective buyers looking through listing photos. Cleaning and decluttering are at the heart of preparing your home for a listing photoshoot, but going beyond that can certainly take a home to the next level. Real estate photography isn’t limited to interior shots or standard photographs. Consult with...

For many homeowners, selling a home is far more than a simple business deal. It can be a deeply emotional process. When you feel emotional about selling property, the memories, the hard work, and the personal attachment can cloud your judgment, potentially costing you time and money.  The key to a successful sale is learning how to put those emotions aside and view your house through a different lens: as...

Key Takeaways– A settlement statement itemizes every fee, credit, tax, and loan detail in a home purchase or sale, giving both parties a full financial breakdown.– Most financed home purchases use the Closing Disclosure, while settlement statements are common for sellers and cash transactions. – Buyers typically receive the Closing Disclosure three days before closing, and sellers receive their...

When you’re searching for a new place to live, you’ll likely come across both condos and apartments. While they might seem similar, there are key differences that can significantly impact your living experience. Condos are owned, apartments are rented, each with its own pros and cons.  As you look for a condo in Chicago or an apartment in Reno, this Redfin real estate guide is here to help you...