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Real estate has been lodged in a hot seller's market in most of the country for a few years now -- but as you've probably heard, the market is shifting toward more of a balanced or even a buyer's market. Home prices are plateauing in most areas, which might feel a little…

If you've never bought a home before, the sheer number of mortgage loan options can be overwhelming. What's the difference between a conventional loan and a government loan, and should you go with an adjustable-rate or fixed-rate mortgage? Even if you have bought a home…

Getting married and buying a home are two traditional milestones that many adults experience -- but today, there are no rules about what you should be doing when. Whether you buy a house together before or after the wedding, there are advantages (and disadvantages) to…

Even though home inspections take hours (if done properly) and cover just about everything in the home that could cause an issue, there are still some things that home inspectors can miss -- and as a new homeowner or buyer who hasn't quite made it to closing, that fact can…

What does a home inspection involve? Standards and specifics vary from state to state, but in general, the inspector is responsible for making sure there are no glaring, obvious issues with a home that's being bought or sold. Sellers can hire an inspector before listing the…

If you've never bought a house before, then you might not be familiar with closing costs -- and if you've never sold a house before, then you may be unaware that sellers have to shoulder some closing costs of their own. For buyers, closing costs encompass lender fees, title…

When it comes to neighborhood expertise, one real estate agent is pretty much like any other -- right? Not so fast! Depending on where you live or where you're moving, a neighborhood specialist could be heads and shoulders above the competition, and for that reason it…

An open house can be an ideal way to introduce a bulk of buyers to the property you're hoping to sell them, and done right, an open house can sometimes generate multiple offers. The key, though, is "done right" -- not every open house is going to be a buyer's bonanza, and…