Buying a home is one of the biggest financial milestones, and for many people, the monthly mortgage payment quickly becomes just another line in the budget. If you’ve ever wondered whether paying off your mortgage early is possible, the answer is yes, and it can be a smart way to save on interest and gain peace of mind. In this Redfin article, we’ll break down what early mortgage payoff really means,...
Real Estate
Key takeaways: Elevates appeal: Twilight photos make a home look more inviting and luxurious. Highlights features: They showcase exterior lighting and architectural details. Stands out: Helps your listing grab attention in a competitive market. Complements daytime: Best used in conjunction with traditional daytime photos. When selling your home, first impressions are everything. Adding twilight real...
If you’re shopping for new construction – whether its a home in Austin, Texas, or a new development in Charlotte, North Carolina – one of the first choices you’ll face is deciding between a spec home and a custom build. Both fall under new construction but offer very different experiences. A spec home provides speed and convenience with most decisions made for you, while a custom build gives you...
Key takeaways Mortgage down payment gift rules allow family members and close relatives to help buyers with home purchases. Lenders require a gift letter documenting the source and amount of gift funds. IRS gift tax rules set annual and lifetime limits for tax-free giving. Gift money can’t come from anyone with a financial interest in the sale. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial steps...
Key takeaways Not all offers are equal — know what to question before you accept. Weak deposits, excessive contingencies, or poor financing can derail your sale. A Redfin real estate agent can help you evaluate buyer strength and avoid risky deals. Selling your home should be exciting, not stressful. But not all offers are created equal. According to the National Association of Realtors, 11% of home...
Key Takeaway: Selling a mobile home successfully in 2025 requires proper pricing based on current market conditions, completing essential repairs (roofing, electrical, sub-flooring, A/C, and plumbing), and understanding the unique legal requirements for transferring ownership of mobile homes. Here’s how to sell a mobile home. How to sell a mobile home Manufactured homes can be more...
Waiting for the perfect buyer to fall in love with your house? In today’s market, that’s usually not what’s holding things up. And here’s...
Key takeaways: A letter to a seller of a home can help your offer stand out in a competitive market. Focus on genuine connection and financial readiness, but avoid personal details that raise Fair Housing concerns. Use clear, professional wording, and keep your letter short and focused. Buying a home is still competitive, even if not as frenzied as during the pandemic’s peak. A common misconception is...
Key takeaways About 29% of homes sold above list price in July 2025, showing that multiple offers on a house are still common in competitive markets. Seller supply is up 34% compared to buyers, reducing bidding wars in some markets. In high-demand regions, bidding wars remain fierce, with homes sometimes selling hundreds of thousands over asking. Sellers can spark competition with smart pricing,...
Quick answer: In real estate, days on market (DOM) is the number of days a property is listed for sale before going under contract. A home sitting more than 30 days in a hot market — or 60-plus days in a slower one — may raise buyer questions but also signal negotiation opportunities. DOM is calculated by counting the days from the first MLS listing date until an accepted offer. Key takeaways The...