The Mortgage Report

JUNE 24, 2025

Home equity is how many people build wealth and, when tapped into, can provide borrowers with money for renovating and remodeling, investing, an emergency fund or even paying off other debt. These typically have lower closing costs but may come with slightly higher interest rates compared to cash-out refis.

Equity

Redfin

AUGUST 6, 2025

In this Redfin Real Estate article , we’ll break down the 12 essential things to do before selling your house, including what agents look for, how to appeal to buyers, and what can directly impact your home’s market value. Tackle repairs Your agent will flag items that could be red flags during a buyer’s inspection.

Staging

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

JUNE 23, 2025

Earnest money is a good-faith deposit held in escrow that can be applied to closing costs or the down payment. Property history: Information about past repairs, renovations, or insurance claims related to the property. Some states have standard timeframes, so your agent can help you set the right terms.

Due diligence

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

State and local programs: Cities and states may offer down payment assistance, forgivable loans, or closing cost help. Fannie Mae’s HomePath Ready Buyer Program : This offers up to 3% in closing cost assistance when purchasing a HomePath property and completing a homeownership course.

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

APRIL 30, 2025

To help streamline your sale, we spoke with Jonathan Hyatt , a top-rated real estate agent serving the Birmingham area who sells homes nearly 60% quicker than average agents. Many agents provide a free comparative market analysis (CMA) when you come in for a consultation. Our data shows that the top 5% of agents in the U.S.

Sales

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

What To Expect From Your Listing Agent Why For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) Fail Blog Featured Articles Home Buying Home Selling LOCAL Rochester NY Articles How to Buy a House in New York Kyle Hiscock Kyle Hiscock | Greater Rochester NY Real Estate | Pittsford NY Realtor at RE/MAX Realty Group Have questions about buying or selling a home?

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JUNE 24, 2025

Your real estate agent or attorney can let you know if your state requires anything additional. Understanding these documents ahead of time can make closing day feel more manageable and help you confidently finalize your home purchase. Ask your real estate agent for help with any questions you encounter during your review.

Closing

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Selling as is means no repairs or renovations are required, saving time and money. On the positive side, there is no need for expensive repairs or renovations, and cash buyers often cover the closing costs, saving you money in the long run. (585) 704-7095 Contact Now Search Homes Home Fair Housing S.O.P.

As-is

AAOA

MARCH 24, 2025

They may face functional issues, have outdated designs, or require maintenance and renovations. Alternatively, if you purchase a multifamily property and undertake some value-added renovation and modernization, you could optimize your income and increase the propertys value. You can also refinish the property at a higher value.

Property Management

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

The Mortgage Report

JULY 9, 2025

Real-life use case: A homeowner might use a HELOC to cover ongoing costs of a home renovation — borrowing only as expenses come up. Cons: Closing costs and fees, possibly extending the loan term and total interest paid, requires credit approval. Verify your cash-out refinance eligibility.

Equity

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

Investors may see foreclosure purchases as an opportunity to renovate and resell for a profit, while homebuyers may find a house they wouldnt otherwise be able to afford. Youll need to coordinate with your real estate agent in order to tour these properties. The bank or lender typically wont sell a home directly to you, the buyer.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

MARCH 11, 2025

Outdated features or lack of upgrades that buyers want can make your home less competitive, especially when compared to newer or renovated homes in the same area. A Top Agent Can Help You Prepare Your Home A top real estate agent can guide you in selecting the right upgrades and repairs so you can get the highest sale proceeds possible.

Equity

Redfin

APRIL 11, 2025

Real estate agents often see these houses as something that young professionals can afford within their first few years of working. In high cost of living areas, homes that need TLC often sit at more approachable price points for first-time home buyers than turnkey homes. How much does a starter home cost?

Marketing

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 9, 2025

Steel prices have spiked somewhere between 15% and 25% since the tariffs went into effect, and the tariff rate on Canadian lumber has jumped to 34.5%, which is now directly contributing to a 17% increase in lumber costs year-over-year. These aren’t small fluctuations.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Many of these first time home buyer programs and grants can help cover a large amount of the “closings costs” and/or allow them to finance a higher percentage of the loan (or all of the loan in some cases). (585) 704-7095 Contact Now Search Homes Home Fair Housing S.O.P.

Closing costs

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

Remodeling costs depend on your plans, the age of your home, and the contractors you hire. Moving costs depend on local housing prices, mortgage rates, and transaction fees. Housing market: Your local housing market can also influence your decision to renovate or move. Is it cheaper to renovate or move?

Renovation

Redfin

JUNE 9, 2025

Recently renovated homes or those with upgraded kitchens, bathrooms, or major systems (like HVAC or a new roof) tend to appraise higher than homes needing significant repairs or updates. You can also ask for other concessions, such as closing cost credits, to help bridge the gap. Talk to your Redfin agent early in the process.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JUNE 17, 2025

Whether you’ve just started the process of looking for a real estate agent to help sell your home in Seattle, WA , or you’re just a curious buyer, it can be a good idea to know how much above appraisal you should list your house for. Ask your Redfin agent if a pre-appraisal would be a good idea for you. How to increase appraised value?

Closing costs

The Mortgage Report

JULY 10, 2025

Start here Yes, you can you refinance a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) without refinancing your mortgage A home equity loan or second mortgage lets you tap into your home’s equity for things like renovations, debt consolidation, or other major expenses. Lock in your rate and close the deal.

Equity

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

You can also contact a real estate agent to discuss what your home is worth. Ideally, you would have enough equity to cover commissions, any liens, and closing costs. If you dont have enough equity to pay these costs, youll have to bring your own funds to pay them.

Equity

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

Renovations and repairs: These costs will vary significantly depending on the types of repairs and renovations you choose. Labor, materials and equipment costs add up quickly, and you may uncover some surprise problems along the way. Choose your upgrades wisely and don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Loans

HomeLight

JULY 17, 2025

Step One: Consult with a Trusted Buyer's Agent Tell us a little bit about your plans (where you’re looking to buy and when you want to make a purchase), and we’ll connect you with top-rated buyer’s agents in your area. We’re not getting into architectural styles, just helping you size up your options based on real-life needs.

Construction

The Close

APRIL 3, 2025

of purchase price and 100% of renovation cost RCN Capital is a private lender that offers a variety of loan programs for real estate investors. Here are some of the most important considerations: Interest rates and fees : One loan may offer a lower interest rate, but charge more in origination fees and closing costs.

Loans

Redfin

JUNE 17, 2025

Cost While it depends on the house and the market, buying an older home has the potential for a lower purchase price than buying or building a new one. Older homes may also offer the potential for a high return if restored or renovated, making them unique investment opportunities.

Renovation

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

Benefits of buying a house alone Here are some of the biggest benefits of buying a house alone: You get to call the shots: Ever watched those couples arguing on HGTV about how to renovate their home? Once you begin working with a real estate agent, this will help them find houses that meet your criteria.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

MAY 29, 2025

Typically, you would want 5 to 6 months’ worth of inventory to have a healthy or balanced market, and we’re sitting right at 2 months’ worth of inventory right now, says David Renberg , a top Kansas real estate agent who works with over 79% more single-family homes than the average agent in his market.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 17, 2025

Savings: Decide how much each of you can contribute from your savings towards the down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses. Emergency funds: Discuss how you’ll handle unexpected costs, such as repairs or sudden loss of income. How can we protect ourselves if one partner pays more for renovations?

Purchase and sale agreement

BAM Media

JULY 8, 2025

71% of future sellers still plan to work with a real estate agent, nearly identical to the 70% who did in the past year. The results reveal a serious gap between market perception and market reality, one that could sabotage seller expectations if agents aren’t having the right conversations early. And you’re not wrong to be concerned.

Inspection

HomeLight

MARCH 3, 2025

A seller [that] just doesn’t want to make repairs and wants to sell the house as-is, says Connor Dowd , a top-performing Rhode Island agent with 26 years of experience. These companies can help sellers cash out quickly, and many will cover a sellers closing costs. Its important to find the right match.

As-is

Housing Wire

JUNE 10, 2021

Home improvements and renovations are also important to buyers. Working with a real estate agent isn’t free, but it takes the work off your plate as a seller. Working with a real estate agent isn’t free, but it takes the work off your plate as a seller. Sellers also have to pay closing costs. Bottom Line.

Seller concession

Housing Wire

OCTOBER 20, 2023

And with millennials emerging as the largest generation of homebuyers in today’s market, comprising 28% of all homebuyers, real estate agents need to master social media or they might miss out. Sixty percent of agents surveyed believe that social media provides higher quality leads than the MLS.

Agents

Housing Wire

NOVEMBER 1, 2022

That money can be used to furnish or renovate their new home, or go toward saving for other financial goals. In terms of cons, a 2-1 buydown does have a high upfront cost, and may only be worth it for the buyer if they can get the buydown via a seller concession. Alternatives to a rate buydown.

Seller concession

Housing Wire

DECEMBER 21, 2023

Benefits can include: No down payment Competitive interest rates No private mortgage insurance (PMI) Limited or no closing costs Funding fee waived for service-connected disabled veterans More favorable credit criteria Loan types There are a number of VA loan options to meet the needs of today’s veteran buyers, including purchase and refinance.

Loans

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 9, 2021

Closing costs are assumed to be part of doing business in real estate, but do cash buyers pay closing costs? Yes, you can expect charges for attorney hours, taxes, plus title and recording fees to still apply, though the use of cash can greatly reduce a buyer’s closing costs with the elimination of mortgage fees.

Closing costs

HomeLight

JANUARY 29, 2021

But rather than draining their savings, most homeowners opt to finance their home home improvement with credit or a home renovation loan. If you’re considering taking out a home renovation loan to spruce up a powder room or gut the kitchen, we’ve got you covered. An overview of home renovation loan options.

Renovation