Real Estate Insights & Home Buying and Selling Guides - Homes.com

What to look for when viewing a house: A room-by-room checklist

Buying a Home

What to look for when viewing a house: A room-by-room checklist

A printable walkthrough guide covering the exterior, every major room and the questions to ask your agent before you leave.

Buying a Home

Buying a home in 10 steps — Buying a home in 10 steps

Homes.com helps you find your community, navigate the mortgage process, negotiate an offer and seal the deal.

Jul 28, 2025

How to determine if a rental property will make money — How to determine if a rental property will make money

Three formulas help investors screen deals, stress-test financing and measure operational efficiency before buying.

Aug 06, 2026

Maintenance is the homeownership expense many first-time buyers overlook — Maintenance is the homeownership expense many first-time buyers overlook

Keeping the property functioning, safe and valuable should be part of monthly budgeting.

Jul 24, 2026

Should you invest in a fixer-upper? — Should you invest in a fixer-upper?

A lower price tag can mean a bigger project, so here is how to budget, find the right loan and decide whether the investment is worth it.

Jul 29, 2026

Selling a Home

Selling a home in 10 steps — Selling a home in 10 steps

Homes.com helps you get your place show-ready, hire an agent, negotiate offers, and seal the deal.

Aug 04, 2025

How long does it take to sell a house? — How long does it take to sell a house?

Learn how factors like market conditions, location and pricing influence the process.

Aug 10, 2026

Short sale vs. foreclosure: The differences explained — Short sale vs. foreclosure: The differences explained

Explore how each process works, the impact on your credit and alternatives that could help you avoid losing your home.

Aug 20, 2026

How much do you lose selling your house as-is? — How much do you lose selling your house as-is?

Get expert advice on pricing, disclosure requirements and negotiation tactics.

Aug 20, 2026

Renting a Home

How to rent a home in 10 steps — How to rent a home in 10 steps

What to know from checking your credit score to signing the lease to moving in.

Feb 10, 2026

Are off-market apartments cheaper? — Are off-market apartments cheaper?

Listing status alone does not determine price, and brokers hold earlier access, not hidden discounts.

Aug 18, 2026

Rental walk-through checklist: Protect your deposit — Rental walk-through checklist: Protect your deposit

A room-by-room guide to documenting existing damage, handling pest evidence and keeping your security deposit intact.

Aug 11, 2026

How to check a home's history before you rent — How to check a home's history before you rent

Potential tenants can learn about crime, flooding and building code violations

Aug 06, 2026

Local Insights

How to prepare your home for fall and winter — How to prepare your home for fall and winter

A checklist for your yard, exterior and mechanical systems before you seal up for the season.

Aug 12, 2026

10 ways to fit in like a true Washingtonian — 10 ways to fit in like a true Washingtonian

Where locals can explore, eat and relax in the nation's capital.

Jul 23, 2026

How to feng shui your bedroom for better sleep — How to feng shui your bedroom for better sleep

Practical layout, color and lighting adjustments rooted in ancient Chinese principles that turn any restless room into a calm retreat.

Jul 22, 2026

Termite infestation: Warning signs, damage and prevention tips for homeowners — Termite infestation: Warning signs, damage and prevention tips for homeowners

A guide to early detection, treatment costs and the risks if left unchecked.

Aug 19, 2026

Architectural Styles

A guide to the most popular home architectural styles — A guide to the most popular home architectural styles

How to identify common home styles, their key features, origins and maintenance costs.

Jun 12, 2026

What is a Cape Cod-style house? — What is a Cape Cod-style house?

From colonial origins to modern renovation costs, here's what to evaluate before making an offer.

Aug 03, 2026

What is a Contemporary home? Here is a guide to the style. — What is a Contemporary home? Here is a guide to the style.

This constantly evolving architectural approach prioritizes open layouts, natural light and mixed materials.

Aug 18, 2026

What is a bungalow home? — What is a bungalow home?

From Craftsman porches to century-old wiring, here's what defines this single-story style and what owning one actually costs.

Jul 30, 2026

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