How to Home

Most real estate transactions occur safely, but there’s a growing need to keep an eye out for fraud. Increasingly sophisticated scams, including use of AI to impersonate people, can occur at any stage of a transaction and often aren’t immediately obvious. If something occurs that doesn’t seem quite right, this resource will help you understand the potential risks and take appropriate action.

With housing costs rising, young adults sometimes look to parents or other family members for help covering the upfront costs of homeownership. If you are contemplating providing financial support to your children or other family members, here are helpful facts and guidelines to bear in mind.

Hurricanes put Americans at risk and cause billions of dollars in property damage annually, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Depending on the region, hurricane season spans May 1 to November 30, with the Atlantic basin experiencing peak season in mid-September. The best course of action is to prepare as much as possible before a hurricane hits. Here are important steps to take to protect yourself and your home:

A local agent will be able to walk through your house and offer advice on what to tackle based on your specific home, your market, and what buyers are prioritizing in your area.

Using aerial thermal imaging, MyHEAT provides a personalized view of where heat may be escaping from your home.

Buying a condominium often means navigating two insurance policies: one purchased by the condominium association and one purchased by the unit owner. Understanding how these policies work together can help you avoid coverage gaps and unexpected costs. A licensed insurance agent can help you evaluate your coverage needs, and your condominium association can answer questions about its insurance coverage.

Under current law, first-time buyers can withdraw up to $10,000 from an IRA without paying the early withdrawal penalty if the funds are used toward a down payment on a home. A proposal in Congress, the Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act, would raise that limit to $50,000.

A condo, co-op or townhome could be your path to owning a home without blowing your budget.

If a 2026 move is on your radar, connect with a REALTOR® and talk about what matters most to you. Depending on your priorities, Summer could be your moment.

Mortgage rates may ease. Home sales could pick up. And prices are expected to continue rising at a healthier, more sustainable pace. If you've been waiting for signs of progress, this is it.

The sale of your home is moving toward closing; it won’t be long before the new owners take possession. To make the transfer as smooth as possible, consider passing along the following valuable information.

Moving is one of the greatest stressors in life, but it’s important to save some of that adrenaline for the final task: unpacking. If you’re surrounded by boxes and feeling a little overwhelmed, these tips can help make the unpacking process go more smoothly.

A signed real estate purchase agreement is not a guarantee of a home sale. A recent REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey showed that transactions today are experiencing about a 5% fallout rate. Deals can fall through for any number of reasons. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, prepare yourself for the most common potential pitfalls so your transaction closes smoothly.

The appeal of solar panels, with the promise of lower electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint, is obvious. If you’re considering buying a home with a solar installation, however, be aware of factors such as who owns the system, the age and condition of the panels, and local utility and regulatory policies that might influence solar performance and savings in the area.

When you’re in the market for a home, fluctuations in mortgage interest rates can be unsettling. After all, the interest rate on your mortgage affects the price range you can comfortably afford. Approaching the issue with knowledge—including an understanding of how rate changes impact your monthly payment—can help keep your home purchase on track.

You’ve found a house that has great bones, but it needs work. Don’t let the thought of renovation costs scare you away. There are mortgage options that let you fold in the cost of renovations or repairs. Renovation financing can help you compete in low-inventory markets, customize a home to your needs and build equity faster. Your real estate professional can help you identify the right loan options and connect you with experienced lenders.

In real estate, “home staging” refers to presenting your property in a way that highlights its strengths and helps buyers envision themselves living there. Staging isn’t about following the latest interior design trends or remodeling—it’s centered on decluttering and styling a home so that it can be seen in its best light.

Cyber-enabled fraud—use of the internet or other technology to steal money, data or identity—accounted for $13.7 billion in 2024, according to the latest data released by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Among cybercrimes, the use of deepfake technology is a growing concern. Deepfake scams increased 40% year-over-year, according to the 2026 Identity Fraud Report by security firm Entrust. Here’s what you need to know about deepfake scams to protect yourself during the sale or purchase of your home.

You’re ready to sell your home. You have consulted with an agent who’s a REALTOR® and done everything you can to maximize your chances of selling: You’ve decluttered, depersonalized, deep cleaned, made necessary repairs and staged the home to make it as appealing as possible. Now, here’s a handy checklist of the things to do before every showing to help your home sell faster and for top dollar.

Owning a home is part of the American dream—a path to generational wealth—but, for some, it’s just the first step in their real estate journey. If you’re considering buying an investment property such as a residential rental, commercial building or land, here are questions to help determine if you’re ready.