Prices keep rising, but bargains haven’t disappeared Thirteen years ago, the U.S. median home sale price was $190,000, and a household needed $35,600 in annual income to afford it. Today, the picture looks very different. Housing affordability has since fallen to record lows after two years of price growth, with the typical home selling for $440,000 in August. Even with mortgage rates dropping, buyers...
Home Buying
As we fully embrace the cozy arms of autumn, our outdoor spaces transform in the most amazing way. The warm vibes of fall make us want to soak up the great outdoors even more. And guess what? You don’t have to stop having outdoor fun just because summer is over. In this Redfin article, we’re all about cool backyard upgrades that’ll totally amp up your autumn chill zone. Whether you’re in sunny San...
As the leaves begin the change color and the days grow shorter, the aroma of Halloween starts to fill the air, setting the perfect backdrop for the season of spooks and thrills. From warm, spicy fragrances that evoke cozy gatherings to mysterious, earthy scents that transport you to haunted woods, these 15 Halloween scents will ignite your senses and elevate your festive spirit. Whether you’re hosting...
If you’re thinking about selling your home or just want to boost its curb appeal, you’re probably wondering: Does landscaping increase home value? The short answer is yes, it can. In fact, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) estimates that investing in landscaping can boost a home’s value by as much as 15% to 20%. But like most home improvement projects, the impact depends on...
Key Takeaways Not every homeowner has to report a sale on their tax return, but if you receive Form 1099-S or your gain exceeds IRS limits, reporting is required. The ownership and use tests determine whether you can exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers) in profit from your taxes. Special situations like divorce, death, or relocation may still allow you to claim a full or partial...
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Buying a home is an exciting time, whether this is your first time purchasing a house or you’re a repeat buyer. But if you’ve owned a home before, you may be wondering if you can be a first-time home buyer again. In some cases, yes, you can. In this Redfin article, we’ll go over what qualifications you need to meet and when you can be considered a first-time homebuyer again. Whether you’re buying...
Co-authored by Redfin and Mike Larson, Editor-in-Chief at MoneyShow If you’re just starting out in real estate, the housing market might feel like a puzzle with too many moving pieces. Prices rise, then fall. Homes seem plentiful one year and scarce the next. If interest rates climb before you’ve locked in a mortgage, your potential monthly payment may change drastically. Learning how to recognize and...
“What can cause a house to fail an inspection?” is a question both buyers and sellers might have during a home sale. The truth is inspections don’t end in a simple pass or fail, but certain issues on the report can indicate trouble and lead to buyers walking away. A clean inspection report—or a “passing” inspection—will only note minor issues that are either just cosmetic or won’t be...
You can’t change your mind on a home after closing, but you can rethink the deal after the inspection. When a report turns up more than you planned for, it’s normal to wonder if this is still the right house at the right price. But when to walk away after a home inspection can be personal. We’ll help you weigh the risks of repairs, factor in your budget and timeline, and ultimately, decide...