Featured resources

6-minute read
A guide to buying a house in a flood zone
If you’re considering buying a house in a flood zone, you should weigh pros, cons, and potential risks. Read on to learn more about moving into a flood zone.
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4-minute read
Can I look at a house without mortgage preapproval?
While you can tour homes without it, mortgage preapproval makes it easier to find a real estate agent and it can persuade sellers to take your offer seriously.
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7-minute read
A guide to the home inspection contingency
A home inspection contingency allows buyers to respond to results within a specific time frame. Learn how to successfully navigate and reply to an inspection.
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6-minute read
What to expect from non-arm’s length transactions
Non-arm’s length transactions involve buying property from someone you know. These transactions have unique tax and legal implications you need to be aware of.
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7-minute read
What is rent control and how does it work?
Rent control is a legal provision capping how much landlords can charge in rent for some rental units. Learn about rent control law and how rent control works.
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9-minute read
The lowest credit score to buy a house: How bad credit affects loan options
Considering buying a home with bad credit? Discover the lowest credit score to buy a house, learn about home loans for bad credit, and find credit score tips.
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7-minute read
What is condemnation in real estate?
What is condemned property? Condemnation occurs when the government uses eminent domain to take property. Learn what condemnation can mean for homeowners.
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6-minute read
Can you buy a house with no credit? Tips and loan options for those with no credit score
Wondering if you can buy a house with no credit? Read on to learn if it’s possible to buy a house without a credit score or established credit history.
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6-minute read
What is the right of first refusal in real estate and how does it work?
In real estate, right of first refusal reserves your place at the front of the line to make an offer on, buy, or pass on purchasing a specific property.
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7-minute read
Understanding right of survivorship: What you need to know
What is the right of survivorship? Learn how this legal principle affects joint property ownership and offers protection for surviving owners in this overview.
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4-minute read
First-time home buyers classes: A guide
A first-time home buyers class can help you feel better-prepared for the home buying process. See what you can expect from a class for first-time home buyers.
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6-minute read
What does a home inspector do?
A home inspector’s job is to review a property’s systems and structures to ensure they are safe and working correctly. Learn what a home inspector looks for.
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5-minute read
Lease option: Definition and how it works
A lease option lets tenants buy a rental property from the landlord at the end of the lease. Learn more about lease options and their benefits and drawbacks.
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8-minute read
How to move out of your parents’ house in 18 steps
Ready to move out of your parents’ house, but not sure how? Follow our guide for tips on how you can become a financially responsible first-time homeowner.
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12-minute read
How to buy a house: Your step-by-step guide to buying in 2025
Buying a house involves many steps, so we broke it down for you. Get educated and avoid obstacles by checking out our comprehensive guide on how to buy a house.
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6-minute read
The ATR/QM rule: What it is and what borrowers should know
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau developed the ATR/QM Rule as a protective measure for mortgage borrowers. Learn about this rule and how it works.
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9-minute read
13 common first-time home buyer mistakes and how to avoid them
First-time buyers often make mistakes when looking at homes, but this doesn’t have to be you. Learn how to avoid common first-time home buyer mistakes.
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4-minute read
What does caveat emptor mean?
Caveat emptor is Latin for “let the buyer beware.” In real estate, it’s similar to buying a home as-is. Learn about buying a home sold as caveat emptor.
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