Even before starting your home buying journey, you’re probably already aware that the numbers aren’t just about the home’s purchase price and your down payment. There are dozens of smaller fees, expenses, credits, and adjustments in the real estate transaction that you need to account for. 

This is where the term “cash to close” comes into play. Cash to close is the amount you need to bring on closing day to finalize the sale, and is a crucial aspect of the home-buying process.

We’ve compiled these easy and affordable upgrades that can bring style and boost functionality in your space without breaking the bank. They’re also easy enough for anyone to pull off, even if your DIY skills are a bit rusty. Assuming you’re done with deep cleaning and depersonalizing, these inexpensive updates will make your bathroom feel more like a relaxing spa retreat, offering daily comfort that prospective buyers will surely appreciate.

For many aspiring homeowners, trying to save enough money to cover the down payment and closing costs is their biggest hurdle to homeownership. It may feel like an overwhelming task, a goal that takes a considerable amount of time and effort to accomplish.

If you’re a prospective buyer who’s trying to figure out the best places to store your money when you’re saving for a down payment on a mortgage, we explore some great options you may want to consider.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s not only love that fills the air, but a renewed sense of commitment among couples. From lovely surprises to grand gestures, the romantic holiday serves as a catalyst for them to take the next step in their relationships, such as buying a home together.

Aiming to have a cleaner and calmer home this year? You’re still on the right track for a fresh start. Before life gets busier and mess slowly creeps back in, we’ve rounded up small but impactful habits to start now, and which you can actually stick to for the long term.

Listing your home at the beginning of the year can give you a competitive edge, get ahead of the market, and attract serious buyers—all of which can potentially lead to a faster, smoother sale.

It’s exciting knowing that you’re starting a fresh life in your new abode. But that exhilarating feeling can quickly be replaced with dread once you realize that the moving truck has left the driveway, and you’ll need to face the daunting task of unpacking your belongings.

When selling a home, it’s not uncommon for your buyer to ask for more time before closing. This request to extend the closing date might be due to financing, inspection, paperwork delays, or life changes, among other reasons. It’s frustrating, yes, and may leave you wondering what it means for your plans and your timeline.

When selling a home, it’s not uncommon for your buyer to ask for more time before closing. This request to extend the closing date might be due to financing, inspection, paperwork delays, or life changes, among other reasons. It’s frustrating, yes, and may leave you wondering what it means for your plans and your timeline. 

However, it’s not uncommon for a home sale to face some sort of delay. If a buyer needs to extend closing, make sure you view it as a practical request and not as a dealbreaker. After all, it’s highly likely that the buyer would also want to close as early as possible.