Lighter Side of Real Estate

APRIL 29, 2025

But the reality is, in many areas and price ranges, the market is adjustingand its important to understand what those changes mean, and what they dont. Here are some common examples: Money toward closing costs A seller might agree to cover part (or all) of the buyers closing fees, which can be thousands of dollars.

Seller concession

The Living Room

MAY 2, 2025

With its vibrant neighborhoods, lush green spaces, and a dynamic real estate market, Portland offers a unique backdrop for finding your dream home. This guide aims to navigate the complexities of buying a home in the Rose City, from understanding market dynamics to sealing the deal on your dream property.

Earnest money deposit

Windemere Selling

MARCH 3, 2025

4 Account for Hidden Costs In addition to the purchase price of the home, there are additional costs you need to take into consideration, such as closing costs, appraisal fees, and escrow fees. These homes also often sell for less than their legitimate market value.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

DECEMBER 26, 2024

Connect with a top agent near you to get an expert opinion on how much your house will sell for, what to fix before listing, and the latest local housing market trends. Next, the home inspection notes your roofs age and other minor repairs needed, so now the buyers demanding a roof credit and other concessions. Selling your house soon?

Closing costs

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

JULY 18, 2025

This Redfin Real Estate article outlines practical steps every buyer should follow, from budgeting and touring homes to inspections and closing. Closing costs In addition to your down payment, plan for closing costs , which typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price.

Pre-approval

Marco Santarelli

JULY 17, 2025

The Las Vegas housing market is currently experiencing a surge in available homes, offering buyers more options than in previous years. ” The real estate market is one of the most watched indicators of the economy. ” The real estate market is one of the most watched indicators of the economy.

Marketing

Marco Santarelli

MAY 12, 2025

Florida's red-hot housing market might finally be cooling down after years of breakneck speed. If you've been watching from the sidelines, wondering if things will ever change, listen closely. Recent forecasts suggest that 24 housing markets in Florida will see price declines by early 2026. But things are starting to change.

Marketing

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 1, 2025

In June of 2025, several housing markets across the U.S. 10 Housing Markets That Are Highly Buyer-Friendly Right Now Why Are Prices Dropping Below Asking in Some Areas? Over-Optimistic Sellers: Sometimes, sellers list their homes at prices that are simply too high for the current market. Where Can You Find These Deals?

Marketing

The Close

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

By the end, you’ll be confident and ready to dive into the multifamily market. 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

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

Here are some general guidelines: In a competitive market, homes tend to get multiple offers and sell for around list price or higher. In a less competitive market, or if a home has been for sale for 30 days or more, successful offers under list price are more common. Combine inspections. Do some homework up front.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JUNE 23, 2025

In real estate, the due diligence period is the time between an accepted offer and closing. You can schedule inspections, review the title, secure an appraisal, and check for any red flags that could affect your decision to buy. This timeframe grants the buyer permission to thoroughly inspect the property.

Due diligence

Marco Santarelli

JULY 25, 2025

In June of 2025, several housing markets across the U.S. Top 10 Buyer-Friendly Housing Markets Where You Can Snag a Deal Why Are Prices Dropping Below Asking in Some Areas? Over-Optimistic Sellers: Sometimes, sellers list their homes at prices that are simply too high for the current market. Where Can You Find These Deals?

Marketing

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

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

Redfin

JANUARY 10, 2025

Deciding when to sell your home is a major decision that can be influenced by many factorsfinancial, personal, and market-driven. 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

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

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 22, 2024

Despite the slight drop in the 30-year and 15-year fixed rates, these figures indicate a mixed reaction in the market. Comparing Different Mortgage Products The mortgage market is diverse, ranging from fixed-rate loans to adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). Always compare the total costs, including closing costs and any potential fees.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 10, 2025

Earnest money is a refundable deposit held in escrow to show your serious intent to buy, while due diligence fees are usually non-refundable payments made directly to the seller to secure time for inspections and evaluations. Policies may vary depending on local laws and market customs. >> It usually ranges from 0.1%

Due diligence

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Seller concessions refer to closing costs or other fees that the seller agrees to pay on the buyer’s behalf. For example, a buyer might ask the seller to pay $5,000 toward their closing costs. If agreed, this would be included in the contract and deducted from the seller’s proceeds at closing. Are they negotiable?

Seller concession

Windemere Buying

JUNE 23, 2025

Look for someone who understands your timeline and long-term vision and is familiar with the local market. 9 – 7 Months Out Assess Your Finances Take a close look at your income, debt, and spending habits. Learn whether your local market is currently favoring buyers or sellers and what that could mean for your strategy.

Pre-approval

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

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 2, 2025

In June of 2025, several housing markets across the U.S. Top 10 Buyer's Housing Markets Right Now in 2025 Why Are Prices Dropping Below Asking in Some Areas? Over-Optimistic Sellers: Sometimes, sellers list their homes at prices that are simply too high for the current market. Where Can You Find These Deals?

Marketing

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

You need to understand the ins and outs of the local property market. I always recommend that my clients understand current trends, know the dynamics of different neighborhoods, and analyze property costs. But studying the market is not enough. To be successful, you must also consider your financial position.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JUNE 13, 2025

Still, each home purchase is different, the market may look very different, and your goals might have shifted. Communicate closely with your real estate agent to align timelines and contingencies. Market conditions may be different Even if your first home purchase was recent, the housing market could have shifted dramatically.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

APRIL 30, 2025

As buyers wrestle with high interest rates, homes are spending an average of 60 days on the market before getting a signed purchase contract and even longer in some cities. In January, the median number of days a property spent on the market was about 84 days. Statewide, homes are moving faster than they were earlier in the year.

Sales

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

Skipping the home inspection or even small oversights can delay the closing date or have long-term consequences. Additionally, set aside extra savings for closing costs, moving expenses, and any home updates or repairs you may need right away. Compare interest rates, closing costs, and loan terms carefully.

VA loan

Redfin

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Whether you prefer the ease of a move-in-ready home or the idea of designing a space from scratch, understanding the costs and benefits of both options will guide you toward the best decision. Purchasing an existing home means your expenses are shaped by factors such as market conditions, demand, and the property’s current condition.

Debt-to-income ratio

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. Remember, you’ll still have to save for closing costs, which can be 5% of the purchase price. are bought with all cash.

Pre-approval

Redfin

MARCH 18, 2025

This deposit is usually between 1% and 3% of the homes purchase price, but the amount can vary based on the local market and the agreement between you and the seller. It can cover part of your closing costs. If your earnest money exceeds your total costs due at closing, youll get a refund for the excess amount.

Closing

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

Pre-listing home inspection As the seller, it may be helpful to get an inspection of your home done before selling your home , though in most markets the buyer will pay for a home inspection and most states do not require a pre-listing home inspection.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

In today’s competitive housing market, it’s not just about the price — it’s about presenting yourself as the most appealing buyer. This also includes setting aside funds for closing costs, unexpected repairs, and moving expenses. In the average market, a typical earnest money deposit is 1-3% of the home’s purchase price.

Earnest money deposit

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. These companies can help sellers cash out quickly, and many will cover a seller’s closing costs.

As-is

Redfin

JULY 1, 2025

A seller’s credit, also known as a seller concession, is a financial agreement where the home seller agrees to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs. Rather than lowering the price of the home, the seller contributes a credit at closing to help reduce the buyer’s upfront expenses. What is a seller’s credit?

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

MAY 14, 2025

Fast facts about selling a house as is in Vermont Median sales price in Vermont $430,000 Average days on market (DOM) for Vermont 36 Disclosures Vermont law requires sellers to disclose material facts about the property through the Sellers Property Information Report. Your agent should also be willing to go the extra mile on marketing.

As-is

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

From your expected sale price, subtract: The full mortgage payoff amount Real estate agent commissions Closing costs Any unpaid taxes, liens, or HOA fees Repair credits or buyer concessions What’s left is your net proceeds—the money you’ll take home, if all goes well. Underpricing it could mean owing money at closing.

Mortgages

HomeLight

MAY 15, 2025

Whitney is known for completing transactions 42% faster than the average agent in their market. It used to be that first-time homebuyers made up the majority of the market, but in recent years, especially last year, downsizers outnumbered first-time buyers. Your agent should also be willing to go the extra mile on marketing.

As-is