Homeownership

Featured resources

Modern luxury home exterior with two garages.

8-minute read

What to do after closing on a home

The paperwork has been signed and you’ve got the keys in hand. Now what? Here’s what to expect after closing on a home.

6-minute read

Do I need title insurance if I have no mortgage?

Do you need title insurance if you have no mortgage? Yes, owner’s title insurance can protect you without a lender. Learn more about what it covers.

Father sitting at a table with his daughter while he shows her the laptop.

5-minute read

Is private mortgage insurance (PMI) tax deductible?

Can you deduct private mortgage insurance (PMI) on your taxes? Learn more about how PMI works and when you can deduct it with Rocket Mortgage’s guide.

Young man smiling on the phone at a desk, possibly indicating work or communication.

6-minute read

How you can change homeowners insurance with escrow

Want to change your homeowners insurance? Read through our step-by-step guide on how to change your homeowners insurance with an escrow account.

A young Asian man looking stressed while using a laptop, possibly in a home or work setting.

6-minute read

Home title theft: What you should know and how to prevent it?

Home title theft is when someone steals a homeowner’s identity to illegally transfer their title. Learn how to prevent home title theft and protect your h...

A couple examining blueprints against a wall, potentially involved in home renovation or construction planning.

7-minute read

What home improvements are tax-deductible? IRS rules and eligible upgrades

Are home improvements tax-deductible? Learn what improvements you can deduct from your taxes, what counts as a capital improvement, and how the IRS decides.

Two men inspecting a house, potentially related to home inspection or real estate assessment.

6-minute read

What is a seller’s pre-inspection?

As a seller, you might order a pre-inspection before listing your home to address any repairs and help prevent negotiations with buyers. Find out how it works.

White condos with small porches, depicting a residential complex or condominiums.

4-minute read

HOA special assessment: What it is and how to handle it

Moving to a neighborhood with an HOA? You may be hit with unexpected fees. Here's what you need to know about special assessments.

Two individuals discussing paperwork in an office setting.

4-minute read

Home warranty vs. home insurance: What’s the difference?

Home warranty and home insurance coverage are not the same. Learn more about coverage, costs, and claims for each type of policy with our guide.

White home with large covered porch surrounded by forested lot.

7-minute read

Tax deed vs. tax lien: Key differences

While tax deeds and tax liens both address unpaid property taxes, only tax deeds can lead to an immediate transfer of property ownership. Learn how they differ.

Young couple looking at tablet on couch while taking a break from shopping.

6-minute read

Tenancy in common vs. joint tenants

What is the difference between joint tenancy and tenants in common? Learn about the legal differences between these two ownership designations and underst...

Retired couple in their kitchen looking at open laptop together and smiling.

4-minute read

Should you use your 401(k) to pay off your mortgage?

You can borrow or withdraw 401(k) retirement funds to pay off your mortgage. Learn the pros and cons of this approach, as well as a few alternatives.

A house roof in woods under heavy rain, possibly symbolizing emergency plan for home during a natural disaster.

7-minute read

Disaster preparedness plan and checklist

A natural disaster can destroy years of hard work in seconds. Prepare for the unexpected with an emergency plan for home to help minimize destruction.

Couple shaking hands with an agent, presumably after signing the paperwork laid out in front of them.

7-minute read

Understanding actual cash value vs. replacement cash value

It’s essential to understand the different costs and coverage of actual cash value and replacement cash value when choosing a homeowners insurance policy.

Luxury oceanfront condos surrounded by beach grass on a clear, sunny day.

6-minute read

Condo insurance vs. homeowners insurance: What’s the difference?

Condos have unique insurance requirements that can impact an owner’s budget and liability. Understand the basics of condo insurance before you purchase on...

4-minute read

What to know about community property states

If you live in a community property state, property acqu...

3-minute read

What is flood insurance and do you need it?

Flood insurance is a policy that provides comprehensive coverage for losses caused by flooding. Find out why you need flood insurance.

Close up of a person calculating bills with calculator.

10-minute read

What happens if you can’t pay your mortgage?

If financial issues make your mortgage unaffordable, you may have options. What happens if you can’t pay your mortgage? Here’s what to know.