Home ownership comes with more costs than just the initial down payment. At some point, you’ll most likely need to do some kind of renovation. And while renovations are sometimes factored into the cost of buying a house, homeowners often opt to do the projects sometime later down the road. So what exactly do some of the most popular remodels cost?

Rent-to-own real estate may sound like a dream come true. Under the best circumstances, everyone benefits: Sellers collect rent and have a purchase commitment from the buyers, and the buyers can move in right away. But either way, buying a home is still a major financial commitment. The key to a smooth transaction is ensuring that you understand the entire process. Here’s what you need to know

Your search for the perfect house involves more than just the home itself. Beyond seeking out the perfect number of bedrooms and an entertainment-ready backyard, you also need to find the right neighborhood. And if you have kids, buying a house situated in the right school district will likely be at the top of your decision-making list. Read on to learn how can you learn about the school districts there before you buy a house.

While it’s not a dramatic renovation project, regular home maintenance will help you maintain your home’s value. In fact, proper maintenance actually increases the value of a house by about 1 percent each year, according to research from the University of Connecticut and Syracuse University. Here are some strategies for keeping on track.

When a homebuyer is prepared, the home-buying process can often move quickly. One way to help keep it speeding along is being pre-qualified for a mortgage loan. Here’s why being pre-qualified can accelerate the path toward homeownership

Heavy, bulky items can be awkward to pack up and difficult to move. They also can be seen as big perks to potential buyers. If you’re willing to part with the items below, have your REALTOR mention them as features of your house.

Would you buy a car without giving it a test drive? Probably not. Buying a home is an even bigger commitment. After all, you’re not just buying the property itself, but a new life in terms of your community, your commute, the local restaurants – you name it. The good news is, moving to a new place doesn’t need to be a completely blind leap of faith. Take the neighborhood for a little test drive first. Here’s how.

No matter how many episodes of “House Hunters” or “Love It or List It” you’ve watched, buying a home inevitably comes with surprises. Before you start house hunting, you should ask yourself these 5 questions.

Embarking on a home search for a property that must be approved by furry, tail-wagging family members? Here are 7 things to look for.