BAM Media

DECEMBER 19, 2024

If you ask buyers, sellers, and agents what 2025 holds for the housing market, youll get one clear answer: Its complicated. A new report from Clever Real Estate reveals insights into buyer and seller expectations, challenges, and the ongoing role of real estate agents in navigating the market. Now, lets get into what consumers think.

Marketing

The Close

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

You’ll need to take many different costs into account and be prepared for unexpected expenses. When looking into your finances, consider the following factors: Closing costs: These are generally 2% to 5% of the property’s sales price and include lender fees, title insurance, property insurance, and property taxes.

Purchase and sale agreement

The Close

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to hunt down these homes, whether you decide to work with a real estate agent or not. Real Estate Agents Investors can work with real estate agents with access to the MLS. If you’re working with a real estate agent, they can hook you up with some good recommendations.

Hard money loan

Redfin

JULY 18, 2025

Closing costs In addition to your down payment, plan for closing costs , which typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Make sure to estimate these totals so you’re not stretching your finances too thin. Ask friends or family for referrals, or research agents with strong experience in your target areas.

Pre-approval

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

As you’re looking to buy a home, it’s possible that you may not have a real estate agent. Whether you weren’t planning on buying a home and suddenly found a home you want to make an offer on, or maybe you worked in real estate, there are reasons that you may be buying a home without an agent.

Pre-approval

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Top Mortgage Blogs From 2017 Best Mortgage & Home Financing Blogs From 2017 We’re back! Below you’re going to find some incredible recaps of home financing and mortgage blogs that have been published during 2017. Check with your agent to determine how the latest guidelines apply to your situation.

Finance

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Don’t skip critical steps like the home inspection or negotiating closing costs. Take note of closing costs, loan terms, and any additional fees. Missing out on first-time homebuyer programs Between saving for a down payment and covering closing costs, buying a home can feel financially overwhelming.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JUNE 13, 2025

In this Redfin article, we’ll walk you through what’s different as a second-time homebuyer, how to prep your finances, and what strategies ease the transition—whether you’re upgrading in Flagstaff, AZ , downsizing, or just making a change in Fort Worth, TX. Communicate closely with your real estate agent to align timelines and contingencies.

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

MARCH 11, 2025

Its credited back to the buyer at closing: If the deal moves forward, your earnest money is applied toward your down payment or closing costs. However, if you back out of the deal for reasons not covered by contingencies (such as inspection or financing), you may forfeit the earnest money to the seller.

Earnest money deposit

Windemere Buying

JUNE 23, 2025

Find an Agent That Prioritizes Your Goals and Timeline A trusted real estate agent is more than just a facilitator; they’re a guide, negotiator, and advocate. 9 – 7 Months Out Assess Your Finances Take a close look at your income, debt, and spending habits. These goals will act as a compass throughout your search.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JANUARY 10, 2025

Regardless of whether your motivation is financial or circumstantial, its important to consider how your tenure in a home will impact your personal finances. Arguably, the most important variables to consider before you make the decision to sell are home equity, transaction costs, and local market conditions.

Seller concession

Toronto Realty Blog

DECEMBER 9, 2024

Whether it was delays, deficiencies, material changes, closing costs, the occupancy period, or eventually – prices , I started writing about this in 2008 or 2009. I started writing this blog in June 2007, and it wasn’t long before I began to openly opine on the issues in the pre-construction condominium industry.

Construction

Inman

JULY 18, 2025

Gen Z is ready to purchase a home, but they need guidance and education, Atlanta-based Realtor Jessica Dudley writes. Here's how you can help them achieve their real estate goals.

Agents

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 24, 2025

In addition, recent declines also reflect that some homeowners are tapping into their equity to finance other activities ,” said Selma Hepp, chief economist at Cotality. These typically have lower closing costs but may come with slightly higher interest rates compared to cash-out refis. See if you qualify for a cash-out refi.

Equity

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

State and local programs: Cities and states may offer down payment assistance, forgivable loans, or closing cost help. Check with your state’s housing finance agency for options. Save for closing costs Closing costs are fees and expenses you’ll pay when finalizing the home purchase.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JUNE 23, 2025

It’s a crucial period to verify the property’s condition, ensure it meets expectations, and meet any financing requirements set by the lender. Earnest money is a good-faith deposit held in escrow that can be applied to closing costs or the down payment. This only applies in certain states.

Due diligence

Redfin

JULY 9, 2025

You may have saved enough for your down payment, but make sure to also account for closing costs, taxes, insurance, and any other unforeseen expenses that may arise. Rule of thumb: Aim to spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs, and keep your total debt payments under 36% of your income.

Pre-approval

The Living Room

MAY 2, 2025

Prospective buyers should account for closing costs, inspections, and the ongoing maintenance associated with homeownership. This step not only clarifies your budget but also positions you as a serious buyer in the eyes of sellers. Financial Preparation for Home Buying: Budgeting for a home extends beyond the down payment.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

Step 1: Get your mortgage payoff statement Before you call a real estate agent, call your lender. Ask for a mortgage payoff statement, which tells you exactly how much you’ll owe on closing day. This number includes your remaining loan balance plus any unpaid interest, and in some cases, early payment fees or administrative costs.

Mortgages

HomeLight

MARCH 24, 2025

Who pays closing costs in a short sale? Can I hire any agent to handle my short sale? Find a Top Agent For Your Short Sale HomeLight data shows that top-performing agents sell homes more quickly and for more money than average agents. Find Agent 1. How does a short sale affect my credit score?

Short sale

Redfin

JULY 10, 2025

If the contract is canceled due to issues like a failed inspection or financing problems, the buyer typically gets the money back. >> Read: What Happens to Earnest Money as Closing? Always follow the instructions from your agent or escrow company, and check your purchase agreement for deadlines and requirements.

Due diligence

Redfin

JUNE 30, 2025

That said, laws and practices vary slightly by state, so it depends on how the title company, attorney, or escrow agent handles closings. Can sellers skip the closing appointment? Yes, sellers can often skip the in-person closing appointment. Who needs to be present at closing? They are always present.

Closing

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Seller concessions refer to closing costs or other fees that the seller agrees to pay on the buyer’s behalf. Seller concessions are financial contributions made by the seller to reduce the buyer’s out-of-pocket expenses at closing. These costs can include lender fees, taxes, insurance, or even home warranties. They can.

Seller concession

Redfin

JULY 14, 2025

The money is held in escrow and is typically applied towards the buyer’s closing costs or down payment. Changing the financing structure (like moving from a conventional loan to FHA) without written consent. These include financing, home inspection, and appraisal contingencies.

Earnest money deposit

The Mortgage Report

JULY 11, 2025

Yes, rates are high, but if you have the right agent or professional, they can help guide you. Blais : The vital thing to remember is that buying a house is an act of making your household more stable, as it provides a long-term investment opportunity, especially compared to no-return rental costs. Verify your home buying eligibility.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 23, 2025

The amount you’ll be required to put down may vary depending on the loan program you use to finance the home purchase. This reduced ratio signifies a smaller proportion of the home’s value is being financed, thereby decreasing the lender’s exposure to potential losses should the borrower default.

FHA loan

The Close

MARCH 11, 2025

This process involves multiple stages, starting with identifying an FSBO listing to securing appropriate financing and completing the closing procedures. Weve identified six steps for how to find for sale by owner homes, along with the advantages and disadvantages of navigating the FSBO process without a real estate agent involved.

Sales

HomeLight

MAY 14, 2025

But I think the real goal behind it, is that it’s generally a time-saving mechanism for the seller because, as you know, selling a home is a full-time job, says Mikail Stein , a top-selling Vermont real estate agent with over a decade of experience. Real estate attorneys are not considered essential for closing in the state of Vermont.

As-is

Redfin

JUNE 17, 2025

The steps of the due diligence period can include any of the following: Home inspection Pest inspection Appraisal Negotiation of closing costs Title search and title insurance Renegotiations (if applicable due to home inspection) During this period before settlement, the buyer and seller are able to continue negotiations.

Closing

HomeLight

MAY 15, 2025

Younger people want to get out of apartments and into a house dramatically, they want to get into a house, says Patsy Whitney , an expert real estate agent with 40 years of experience. Whitney is known for completing transactions 42% faster than the average agent in their market. The major disclosure required is regarding agency.

As-is

Marco Santarelli

JULY 17, 2025

This makes it more expensive to finance a home, pushing some potential buyers to the sidelines. Negotiating Power: Savvy buyers can capitalize on the shifting market dynamics by negotiating price reductions, requesting concessions, or asking for closing cost assistance. However, it's not all sunshine and roses for buyers.

Marketing

Redfin

AUGUST 6, 2025

The truth is, the timeline for buying a house can vary due to a number of factors like financing needs, if it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, the time of year, and the type of home you’re searching for. Getting your finances in order, saving for a downpayment, and improving your credit score can all add to the time it takes to buy a house.

Pre-approval

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

From finding houses to tour and what financing options you have, theres a lot to learn about buying a home in foreclosure. If the auction accepts financing, make sure you have a pre-approval ready. Youll need to coordinate with your real estate agent in order to tour these properties.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

JULY 29, 2025

“As-is sales are most often seen in inherited homes, rental properties, or situations involving relocation or foreclosure,” says Jason Huerkamp , a top-performing Minneapolis agent who sells homes 75% faster than the average agent in his market. An agent also helps to set an appropriate price that reflects the home’s condition.

As-is

The Mortgage Report

JULY 1, 2025

With that price icing out many buyer candidates, sellers are more eager to negotiate lately, agreeing to lower down payments in order to close deals in a cooling market where there are now 34% more sellers than buyers. Buyers across the country are bringing smaller checks to the closing table,” he says.

Loans

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

If you’re wondering if you’re ready to buy a house , consider these three factors: Financial stability: If you have a low credit score, lots of debt, and not enough funds to cover a down payment and closing costs, you may want to wait to buy a home. Closing costs: Typically 2-5% of the home’s purchase price.

Pre-approval

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

In this Redfin article, we’ll outline the new construction process, including the pros and cons of buying a new build, and financing options. Financing can be more expensive compared to existing homes, and there may be unexpected costs and delays during the building process. Should you build or buy your first home?

Pre-qualification