If you’re considering purchasing a new home, be prepared to explore a variety of options. From single-family homes to condos and everything in between, understanding the differences among these types can help you find what suits you best. For instance, do you prefer complete privacy, or are shared common areas acceptable? Would you like a […]

As a homeowner, whether you’re gearing up to sell, considering refinancing, or simply curious about your equity position, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your home’s market value. There are several methods to ascertain this, ranging from traditional research methods and online valuation tools to professional appraisals. Each approach varies in accuracy and […]

How soon after buying a house can you turn around and sell it? Technically, you can list it the same day you get the keys — but just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Generally, the longer you keep a home, the better. You’ll build more equity and allow the property time to appreciate […]

A real estate lawyer ensures the legality of property transactions, reviews and explains documents, drafts contracts, resolves conflicts, and helps you avoid costly mistakes. Here’s more about the role of a real estate attorney and how to find one. What does a real estate lawyer do? A real estate lawyer specializes in property-related matters, including […]

The era of legally sanctioned race-based housing discrimination has ended, yet its effects persist today. Despite the removal of explicit laws, the legacy of practices and attitudes that historically hindered nonwhite citizens from attaining homeownership continues. Even in contemporary times, segregation remains prevalent in many areas, and mortgage borrowers of color frequently face higher interest […]

Closing costs are an inevitable part of finalizing a real estate transaction, encompassing expenses incurred right before the deal is sealed. These costs generally range from 2 to 5 percent of your loan amount, separate from real estate agent commissions. In Washington, like in other states, both buyers and sellers shoulder specific responsibilities for these […]

The real estate market has seen significant volatility in recent years. Following a period of intense activity marked by low interest rates and competitive bidding wars, mortgage rates have surged to their highest levels in over two decades. From a low of 3 percent in August 2021, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage more […]

One of the biggest challenges in the real estate market is estimating a home’s value accurately. With local market conditions constantly shifting, pricing a property can be tricky. This difficulty has given rise to the profession of home appraisal, dedicated to determining property values. As technology advances, many companies have developed methods to estimate home […]

Even in a seller’s market, characterized by limited inventory and frequent bidding wars, it remains beneficial to devote effort and attention to preparing your home for a top-dollar sale. This process includes several strategic steps, such as collaborating with a knowledgeable local real estate agent and investing in enhancements to showcase your home in its […]