Featured resources

9-minute read
Are home warranties worth it? What to consider
Are home warranties worth it? Learn what these policies cover, the typical costs, all about service fees, when they may help, and how to choose a provider.
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9-minute read
What is adverse possession in real estate?
Adverse possession can give trespassers the legal right to claim ownership of your property. Learn more about the rules and ways to avoid adverse possession.
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5-minute read
How homestead exemptions work
Homestead exemption application requirements and processes vary by state but can reduce your property tax burden. Learn what to expect before you start.
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8-minute read
Life estate: What is it and how does it work?
A life estate can help transfer a home to an heir while letting you live there for life. Learn what a life estate is, how it works, and key pros and cons.
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5-minute read
What to know about condo associations: Your guide to rules, fees, and insurance
A condo association (sometimes called a condo homeowners association) manages shared spaces, rules, and fees. Learn how they work and what buyers should know.
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4-minute read
Understanding right of survivorship: What you need to know
Learn how right of survivorship transfers a home to a surviving co-owner, as well as how joint tenancy and community property with the right of survivorship com...
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6-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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8-minute read
Can you avoid capital gains by paying off your mortgage? How home sale taxes really work
There are a number of strategies to avoid or reduce capital gains tax on a home sale. Learn more about exclusions, exceptions, and basis rules.
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9-minute read
Homeowners association (HOA): What it means and how it works
A homeowners association (HOA) manages community rules, fees and amenities in a planned neighborhood or complex. Our guide goes over how HOAs work.
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5-minute read
A guide for buying home warranty plans
Home warranties help you cover the cost of repairing or replacing appliances and home systems for a premium. Here's how they can protect your home and assets.
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6-minute read
California property tax guide for homeowners
California has a lower effective property tax rate than many other states. Learn about how the California property tax system works and what you may owe.
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12-minute read
17 states that offer property tax relief for seniors
Many states offer property tax relief for seniors. Find out which states have no property tax for seniors, plus what exemptions and relief programs are availabl...
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4-minute read
Real estate taxes vs. property taxes: What’s the difference?
Preparing to pay taxes on your home? Learn the difference between real estate and property taxes, how they’re calculated, and what they mean for homeow...
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6-minute read
What is a variance and how do you get one?
Sometimes, when you’re making changes to your property, you’ll need to apply for a zoning vari...
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13-minute read
What does it mean to be house poor and how can you avoid it?
Being house poor means most of your income goes toward your mortgage. Learn about how people often become house poor and how you can avoid or escap...
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6-minute read
Encroachment: Definition and what it means in real estate
Encroachment happens when a neighbor’s property crosses onto another owner’s land. Learn how it works, some issues it can cause, and how to resol...
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5-minute read
What is home value and how do you determine it?
Knowing how much your house is worth helps you set a realistic sale price and more. Learn more about estimating your current home value.
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4-minute read
Renovation and remodeling: The differences explained
Considering making some updates to your home? Learn the difference between a remodel vs. a renovation, including costs, timelines, and impact on home value.<...
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