Buying & Owning Home

These expert tips can actually make a big difference.

Here’s why backyard enthusiasts love them.

When it comes to buying and owning your first home, what priorities come to mind? Maybe it’s having an open concept living room, a spacious bedroom, or an en-suite bathroom  — essentially, you’re looking for a home with personality that matches your specific needs. Purchasing a single-family home can be one of the first steps to getting there. But what is a “single family home,” exactly?

Well, experts are split on if the ruling will help or hurt buyers.

According to curb appeal pros.

A few clicks and you've got yourself a house.

The short answer is: It's complicated.

Here's what to know.

A breakdown of the pros, cons and tradeoffs.

You're gonna know every listing on the MLS.

Just double check your state’s laws first.

It's not your average home-buying experience.

Sometimes you can get the best of both worlds when you’re on the border of two states.

They learned the hard way so you don’t have to.

If you’ve noticed a bunch of short sales popping up in your home search, you’re not imagining things.

If these walls could talk!

Ever heard of a “mortgage buydown”?

From home buying and selling to staging and curb appeal.

Neutral gray boxes aren’t what I’m after.

There’s definitely an option for every type of forest sprite.

These horror stories aren’t pretty.

It's not as cut and dry as you think.

It’s controversial.

Try one of these methods to ward them off for good.

Rural life has some comfy, cozy perks.

You can steer clear of those calls and emails.

Sorry, Mom.

More than a third of American households are renting their homes — thought not all of them want to be.

Buying a home when you’re self-employed is notoriously tricky. After all, an up-and-down income cycle is—understandably—less appealing to mortgage companies than a dependable paycheck. That said, it’s far from impossible. Freelancers and small business owners alike can absolutely be approved to buy the home of their dreams. It just takes a little extra prep work. If you’re thinking about entering the real estate market while still being your own boss, listen up.

Buying a home is a momentous time in one’s life and, accordingly, congratulatory pats on the back abound — as does unsolicited advice. Everyone has insight about everything from how to pick the perfect house for you to saving money on home repairs. However, there’s not nearly as much fanfare when it comes time to sell your house.

While you might feel ready to invest, a bad credit score can make mortgage lenders wary and cause your interest rates to soar through the roof.

I’ve dreamed of owning my own home for as long as I can remember. Looking at real estate listings is a hobby for me, and house-hunting shows make me blissfully happy. In reality, though? Buying a home just didn’t seem possible as a single woman in my 30s with a fluctuating income. But then again, I like a challenge. And I’ve always admired this quote from Alice in Wonderland: “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.

Many buyers, especially first-timers, are enthralled by the prospect of buying a short sale — and it’s not hard to see why. Bottom basement sale prices make these transactions seem like a no-brainer. Unfortunately, most of the time, these too-good-to-be-true deals also come with a huge catch. Before you commit to buying a short sale, read this first. We’ve outlined a few red flags that you should be aware of prior to taking the plunge.

They’re important in this seller’s market.

To make the closing process as painless as possible.

Small houses can be more economically feasible.

They’re an overlooked resource.

Real estate finance experts explain how it works.

It’s an uncommon request.

Nor is it a burlap sack full of dollar bills.

Meet mortgage porting.

According to real estate pros.

A real estate agent answers.

Don’t spend a ton on a cheaply built house.

Black paint for the win, once again.

Ever heard of them?

And it doesn’t involve ponying up more cash than your competitors.

It actually makes so much sense.

According to real estate pros.

Their availability is steadily declining.

It’s typically not a good thing.

According to a very honest real estate agent.

It’s a “creative financing” move that some buyers are trying.

Here’s what the experts had to say.

Don’t overlook them.

It’s an overlooked cheat sheet.

It’s imperative.

Here’s what to know.

Why not add a little personality to utility?

They're affordable *and* sustainable.