Buying a home is a major investment—one most people don’t make with the intention of moving right away But life changes, markets shift, and homeowners often wonder how long they should stay put before selling. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, your timing can significantly affect your bottom line. While there’s no universal rule, several financial and market factors can help you determine when selling makes the most sense. Find the financial

Winter’s signature sights delight the senses, whether you witness a soft coat of snow, an icicle fringe dangling from your roof’s edge, or a cool, gray evening sky. But the season also offers another less appealing sight: dull and dreary landscaping. What’s a proud homeowner to do when the yard they worked so hard to maintain all year rewards them with unsightly winter coloring? Every season has particular landscaping demands, including the coldest one. With a few tasks, thou

For snowbirds, winter is a time to leave frigid temperatures and snowy landscapes behind for sandy shores and sunny skies. If you’ll be heading to a warmer climate soon, use these ideas to help keep your northern property safe so you can enjoy your southern abode worry-free. Avoid being obvious An empty home can be attractive to thieves, making it important to take steps to deter them. First and foremost, while you may be tempted to share every moment of your travels online w

Winter might not be the most popular season for house hunting, but it offers some surprising advantages that can make it the ideal time to find your dream home. While others are busy staying warm indoors, savvy buyers are taking advantage of unique opportunities that this season can provide. Here are some of the top reasons why winter could be the perfect time for you to buy a home. Less competition One of the most significant perks of buying a home in winter is the reduced c

On average, Americans pay more than $1,800 a year for homeowners insurance, but rates can vary widely depending on details such as your location and risk level. Here are some of the most common factors that can impact what you’ll pay to insure your home. Your ZIP code Where you live is one of the biggest influencers on how much you’ll pay for homeowners insurance. For example, if you reside in an area prevalent with crime or disasters like wildfires and hurricanes it could in

For many, the path to homeownership can be straightforward: save for a down payment, find a property, and secure a mortgage. But for others, the latter step isn’t always quite so easy. A low credit score or difficulty saving for a down payment can quickly get in the way of affording a mortgage alone. One option that can make it more accessible is a joint mortgage. Here’s a closer look its intricacies and distinct benefits to help you better determine if it’s the right choice

As exciting as purchasing your first home may have been, shopping for your second can bring an even bigger thrill—after all, now’s your opportunity to find a place that improves on any downsides your current one may have. But while you may be more familiar with the basic steps of the homebuying process, reality is that it isn’t quite the same. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or simply looking for a change, here’s what you should keep in mind as a second-time buyer. You

There’s an old saying in real estate that one should “buy the worst house on the best block.” The idea is simple: location matters more than almost anything else, and a smaller or outdated property in a desirable neighborhood can be a smart long-term investment. But is it always the right choice? If you’ve found yourself eyeing a fixer-upper surrounded by dream homes, it’s worth weighing the advantages, drawbacks, and renovation challenges before making your decision. Why loc