Key takeaways PMI protects the lender, not you: Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) safeguards your lender if you default on your loan, and it’s typically required on conventional loans when your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. Multiple strategies to avoid PMI: While a 20% down payment is the most direct route, other options to bypass PMI include using a “piggyback” second...
Avoid fire hazards and save on energy costs by unplugging these items when you're done using...
If you’re a renter and planning to buy your first home, it’s undoubtedly a big step in your life. It also raises an important question: what happens to your lease if the right home comes along before it ends? The short answer: you can break a lease when you buy a house, but purchasing a home doesn’t automatically let you leave without penalties. What happens depends on the terms in your lease and the...
If you’re buying a home with a VA loan, it’s essential to understand the Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)—the standards the VA uses to ensure homes are safe, structurally sound, and sanitary. Whether you’re shopping for homes in San Diego, CA or houses in Jacksonville, FL, knowing these requirements upfront can help you avoid surprises during the appraisal process. This Redfin article breaks...
Selling a property with a paranormal reputation or dark history requires careful navigation of legal requirements, market realities, and buyer psychology. Properties classified as “stigmatized” (those psychologically impacted by events like alleged hauntings, deaths, or criminal activity) present unique challenges that differ fundamentally from standard real estate transactions. This guide provides...
You’ve sold your home and are ready to move but when should you actually stop your utilities? It’s best to wait until after your home sale officially closes and the buyers take possession. Turning them off too soon can lead to last-minute headaches during inspections or final walkthroughs. This helps ensure a smooth handover for the new owners and protects the property in the meantime. Whether you’re...
It includes bathroom plumbing, electrical wiring, and kitchen...
Earnest money is typically due 1–3 business days after offer acceptance. Deposit deadlines are binding under “time is of the essence” clauses. Funds should always be paid to a neutral third party (escrow, title, attorney). Missing the deadline can allow the seller to cancel the contract. After your offer is accepted, your first real financial investment in the homebuying process is...
Key takeaways Open houses are a powerful tool for generating fast buzz, maximizing visibility, and driving high-volume traffic in a short window of time. Private showings are best reserved for serious, pre-qualified buyers and offer a targeted, personalized experience that often leads directly to an offer. A combined strategy, using an open house for launch and private showings for serious prospects, is...
After several years of high mortgage rates and hesitation from buyers, momentum is quietly building beneath the surface of the housing...
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