Home Sweet Homes

What Are the Hidden Costs of Home Ownership?

It’s one of the most expensive investments you’ll make, but the cost doesn’t stop at the mortgage payment. Discover the hidden costs of buying a home.

Buying

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Home Types

What kind of home would you like to purchase? Besides “location,” this is one of the most important decisions a prospective buyer will make. Some of the main classifications for home types are single-family homes, condos, or townhomes.

Buying

Find the Perfect Home in the Perfect Location with Our Map Feature

Looking for a house in a specific location? The Homes.com map can help you pinpoint the area you want so you can find the perfect house.

Buying, Finance, Mortgage 101

Understanding Your Home Appraisal

After your offer is accepted, the race to closing is on! One of the hurdles in your path to homeownership will be the appraisal. Here’s what you need to know.

Buying, Finance, Home Improvement

Should You Invest in a Fixer-Upper?

Buying a fixer-upper can either be a great investment or a money pit. Here’s how to choose the right house for you and your family.

Buying

Should You Avoid Contingencies in a Seller’s Market?

Should you sacrifice contingencies in order to get your offer accepted? In a seller’s market, some buyers may choose to, but there’s risk involved.

Open House sign if front of house for sale

Buying, Selling a Home

Open House Etiquette

Open houses can be great for buyers, sellers, and agents. But if you’ve never attended or hosted one before, you might be wondering what’s considered appropriate and what isn’t.

Buying

How to Avoid a Disaster When Buying Sight Unseen

Thinking about buying a house sight unseen? These tips could help you avoid disaster!

Moving

Tips for Moving with Kids

Moving with kids comes with its own challenges. Here’s how to help your kids through the move, whether it’s across town or across the country.

Selling a Home

Things To Do Before Selling a Home

It’s time to sell your home. But before you find an agent and put your house on the market, do these things.

Buying

How to Find the Best Real Estate Agent

Whether buying or selling, finding the right real estate agent is the first step on your journey. Here’s how to find an agent using Homes.com.

Buying, Home Improvement, Selling a Home

How to Know If It’s Time to Sell Your House

Should you stay or should you go? Making the decision to sell your house isn’t easy. Here’s how to decide if the time is right.

Building a Home, New Home Construction

Why Pay for a Pre-Drywall Inspection?

Do you need a pre-drywall inspection? What is it, anyway? When building a house, this inspection could be crucial. Here’s why.

Home Improvement

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

It’s summertime, and while that means plenty of sun and fun, it also means home maintenance. The high temperatures, storms, and heat can take a toll on your house, inside and out. Here are some things to do as summer heats up.

Buying

Your Guide to Buying a Historic Home

Historic houses provide a sense of elegance and mystery, but what does it take to own one? Let’s explore everything you need to know before buying a historic home.

Buying

What Is an HOA, or Homeowners Association?

You find the perfect house, but it’s in a community with an HOA. What does that mean, exactly, and how much will it cost?

Buying, Finance, Selling a Home

Earnest Money Deposits Questions and Answers

Wondering why earnest money is usually included with an offer? We answer some common questions about earnest money deposits.

Buying, Selling a Home

What Is an MLS?

You might hear your real estate agent talk about an MLS. What is that, exactly? Here’s what you need to know about multiple listing services.

Building a Home, Finance, New Home Construction

How to Save Money When Building a House

Building a house can be expensive, but there are ways to curb the costs. From buying land to choosing materials, here’s how to build a house on a budget.

Buying

What to Know Before Buying a Waterfront Property

Before you sign on that dotted line to purchase a lakefront property of your own, there are several important factors to consider.

Buying, First Time Home Buyer's Guide

Understanding Contingent Offers

Even in a seller’s market, the majority of purchase contracts still include contingencies. Here’s a primer to help you navigate any that come your way!

Lifestyle, Organization

How to Maximize Storage Space in a Small Home

Finding storage space in your home is hard, especially when your house is small and doesn’t have a ton of…

Buying

How to Buy a Vacation Home

If vacation’s all you ever wanted, perhaps a vacation home would make it easier to find time to get away….

Finance, Mortgage 101

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit

Buying a home is an important process for many people. While many agents and institutions stress the importance of being financially prepared to buy a home, some people are already in a challenging financial situation. Ultimately, especially with the state of today’s economy, many are wondering, “Can you buy a house with bad credit but good income?”