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But while most home buyers easily get awestruck by landscaping and outdoor spaces during showings, many overlook the actual cost of maintaining them. From lawn upkeep, irrigation repairs, to tree maintenance, the costs can add up quickly, especially for larger properties with elaborate landscaping features. If you’re a first-time home buyer, understanding the true costs…
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June 18, 2026 Recent global events continue to influence the housing and mortgage markets. Ongoing conflict involving Iran has contributed to higher energy prices, which can fuel inflation concerns. When inflation expectations rise, mortgage rates often follow suit. Adding to the uncertainty, a stronger-than-expected jobs report has some market observers questioning whether the Federal Reserve…
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Selling a home and buying another doesn’t always happen on the same timeline. Sometimes sellers need a little extra time after closing to move into their next home. That’s where a leaseback agreement can help. A leaseback, also known as a rent-back agreement, allows the seller to remain in the home for an agreed-upon period…
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May 15, 2026 Mortgage rates don’t move in isolation. Economic trends, inflation, and even global events can all influence what borrowers see when shopping for a home loan. Right now, one of the biggest factors impacting rates is rising inflation tied to higher energy costs. Ongoing instability in the Middle East — particularly around the…
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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…
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For decades, home ownership has been an integral part of achieving the “American dream,” but today’s interest rate environment and record high home prices have driven many people to think carefully about whether owning a house makes financial sense for them. An increasing number of today’s younger people feel home ownership is increasingly beyond reach…
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If you’re considering purchasing a home and exploring loan options, you’ve likely come across FHA and VA loans. These government-backed loans offer unique benefits and cater to specific groups of borrowers. This guide will walk you through each loan type’s key features, benefits, and eligibility requirements, so you can make an informed decision if either…
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Becoming a first-time home buyer takes time, effort, patience, and persistence. It also takes a substantial amount of money, most of which goes toward a down payment (typically 20% of the purchase price). But buyers also need to factor one last thing into their budget; closing costs, which can add anywhere from 2% to 5%…
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Having your home or other property stolen out from under you may seem highly unlikely to most people, but mortgage-related scams and fraud have become more sophisticated recently mainly because so many real estate transactions now take place entirely online. Let’s be clear – it is possible to buy or sell a piece of property…
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