Whether you’re dreaming of owning your first house or living in your third or fourth home, mortgages can seem complicated and a little daunting. That’s why thousands of people ask Google mortgage-related questions every day. Here, Nerdwallet offers up some of the most common questions about mortgage rates, calculating payments, choosing the best lender, getting…
In real estate, an escrow account is a secure holding area where important items such as the earnest money check and contracts are kept safe by an escrow company until the deal is closed and the house officially changes hands. Escrow also is a contractual arrangement in which a third party—usually the escrow officer—maintains money and…
The new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—the most substantial overhaul to the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years—went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. So, as you prepare to file your taxes, you might want to consider how the new plan will affect the perks of homeownership. Here, realtor.com breaks down exactly what changed, and all…
It’s been said that using the principles of feng shui can make a home hum with harmony. But while you might consider this ancient Chinese philosophy as a way to improve your interiors, you might not realize that it also can be directed toward your home’s exterior and can even help entice potential buyers. Here,…
Home buyers love to get the most space for their money. In fact, a recent survey conducted by SunTrust revealed that 66 percent of millennials cited more living space as the top reason for purchasing a house. So, if you’re selling a home with a bonus bedroom, a finished basement or an extra-large landing on…
Based on the results of a recent study, the top place to buy a home in California is Hawthorne, a city in Los Angeles County that's home to Elon Musk’s Tesla, SpaceX and Boring Co. Research by the financial website GoBankingRates—which aims to find “the best place to buy a home in every state based…
There comes a time in many people’s lives—usually after having kids—when people consider moving from the city to the suburbs. Only where should you go and why? Here, realtor.com shares some key advice parents and others should adhere to when they’re considering a move to the ’burbs. 1. Focus on the entire neighborhood rather than…
According to realtor.com’s analysis of first names on 2018 home sales deeds, single women are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the housing market. Although older baby boomer and silent generation women are leading the charge, the increase in deeds with female names is particularly visible when comparing genders within the millennial generation. Looking solely…
Ready to purchase a house for your family? Buyers with children are on the lookout for kid-friendly features, but do you know all of the things you should check? If you have childre, realtor.com tells you what you need to know before you buy a place you might regret. 1. Bedroom placement Obviously, you’re looking…
If you’re the new kid on the block, there are certain etiquette rules you’re expected to follow to keep the peace in your neighborhood, and those rules are evolving quickly. Toward that end, realtor.com spoke to experts to find out exactly what those rules are today to help you be the ideal neighbor. Try texting…