We all know to check for good schools and nice backyards, but what else do people need to keep in mind when deciding where to live? This episode of The Red Desk goes over the questions we need to ask ourselves when choosing the ideal neighborhood.

The blue tape walkthrough of your newly constructed home is an important step before you move in. Learn more about what it entails and what to check for.

It’s never too early to start negotiating the appliances that may or may not come with your home. Learn what’s non-negotiable and how to best plan for your move.

Make sure your new house is up to snuff inside and out with this handy-dandy Home Buyer’s Inspection Checklist. Foundation, plumbing, electrical and more — we cover it all, right here.

Are you thinking about filing a homeowners insurance claim to repair your house in the wake of a natural disaster? Here's what you need to know.

The seller accepted your offer? Congratulations! Learn which steps to take next, including having the home inspected, scheduling a final walkthrough and more.

Ready to buy a house – and feeling about a dozen emotions all at once? Here’s what you need to know about feeling emotion during the home-buying process.

The first step toward homeownership is saving for your down payment. Did you know your down payment is the first bit of equity you gain, and the larger the payment you make, the better your chance is for a lower interest rate?

We've got more deep-dive facts on down payments, and you can crunch some example numbers with our Rocket Mortgage Calculator to help determine how much home you can really afford.

An appraisal is only valid for a short time, depending on the type of loan you choose. Learn how long an appraisal is good for and how the market affects it. 

Let’s remember the ways in which Black women have transcended systemic barriers in the past and found ways to build wealth through homeownership and use every resource available to us to keep breaking new ground.

One thing that catches a lot of first-time home buyers off guard? Closing costs. In this episode, we’re going to explain what closing costs are and what exactly you’re paying for at signing.

Rocket Companies has financial partnerships with other merchants to provide customers with the best possible service options.

Understanding primary residence is about more than just knowing where your home is. It can also impact your mortgage rates and tax deductions. Learn more here.

Real estate comparables, or “comps,” are similar homes in the same neighborhood or somewhere nearby. Learn who uses real estate comps and how to find them.

Kitchen upgrades? New landscaping? Tear down some walls? Knowing what changes to make to increase your home value is complicated. The Red Desk’s step-by-step guide can show you exactly where to start, and how much you might get.

Selling your home may seem like an incredibly daunting process, especially if your house is for sale by owner. Our host walks you through how to get your home ready to sell on your own!