Keep your house clean, tidy and pet-free for every showing and open house. To-do list Remove all signs of pets Ensure marketing materials are pet-free Avoid marketing the home as pet-friendly Repair pet damage to home Deep clean the home before listing Deodorize Clean pet hair Remove stains Mask noisy neighbor pets Home buyers and […]
Buying a new home while selling your current one is a balancing act. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed as both a buyer and seller. Buying a new home at the same time as you’re selling your old home is all about timing — and some luck, of course. And while you […]
Consider the pros and cons of buying a starter home vs a forever home and learn if a starter home is right for you. When the Baby Boomer generation was venturing into adulthood, buying a starter home — a modest, small residence — was a common practice. As their families grew and their careers advanced, […]
When buying a house feels unaffordable, knowing how your personal financial situation fits into the bigger picture can help inform your moving decisions. Home prices have taken off in the last few years, making affordability a growing concern for buyers, sellers and renters who want to become homeowners some day. Knowing what factors contribute to […]
The share of homes that are affordable is growing across the country, due largely to lower mortgage interest rates and more homes listed for sale. In 12 markets, at least half of all homes for sale are considered affordable. Finding a home that fits your needs while leaving money in your pocket to enjoy life […]
Being self-employed doesn’t have to make it harder to get a mortgage loan. You just have to know what kinds of documentation you need and how to make yourself more attractive to lenders. If you’re one of the 60 million Americans (35% of the workforce) freelancing to earn your keep, you know the benefits of ruling your […]
Learn how to navigate hurdles related to financing, finding and negotiating a home purchase for the first time. Buying a home, like anything you do for the first time, comes with a learning curve. And yet many first-time home buyers hesitate to ask questions that can help them avoid first-time homebuyer mistakes that often lead […]
Budgeting for a home purchase is more than just accounting for your down payment. As a buyer, you’ll also be responsible for a range of fees that cover services and ensure a smooth transaction. Some fees are related to the property itself, while others are required to close and fund your loan. Note, that if […]
Paying a fee to lower your interest rate could make sense if you plan to stay in your home for a long time or want lower payments in the beginning. Home buyers looking for ways to bring down their monthly mortgage costs have embraced mortgage rate buydowns and discount points in recent years, strategies that […]
Price cuts have hit a five-year high as the market shifts into a balanced territory. But that’s just part of the picture. As summer comes to an end, the national housing market that has favored sellers for the past few years has moved into “neutral” territory as fall approaches, putting buyers and sellers on equal […]
Could this be the moment for sidelined buyers? As the real estate market moves into what has traditionally been the slowest time of year for sales, buyers across the country are continuing to see price cuts and lower interest rates that could make homes more affordable than they’ve been in months. “A growing segment of […]
Buyers could find more homes for sale, price cuts and lower mortgage interest rates this Fall. If you’ve come up empty-handed after home shopping all spring and summer, you might want to keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks. The market nationally has finally turned into neutral territory, putting buyers and sellers on equal […]
Understanding the benefits and limitations of a home’s price per square foot can signal whether you’re getting a deal or paying too much. One way to get a quick idea of a home’s value is to look at the cost per square foot. When you’re shopping for a home, price per square foot can give […]
From how to pay for it, to zoning considerations, consider this your starting guide to your biggest questions on ADUs (accessory dwelling units). Accessory dwelling units or ADUs — those separate living units tucked inside a single family home or sharing land with one — are having a rock star moment. Scores of cities and […]
A buyer’s agreement clearly defines how you’ll work with an agent. If you’re thinking of buying a new home, chances are you’re planning to find an agent (known as a buyer’s agent). According to Zillow Research, about 88% of home buyers use an agent to help them find, negotiate for, and win their home. Buyer’s agents provide expert guidance […]
When it comes to advice about buying a home, agents have first-hand knowledge. Four partner agents share their advice on staying on budget in a challenging housing market. If you’re thinking of buying a home, you’ve probably already done some research and talked to family and friends who made their own purchases. While those nuggets of wisdom […]
Saving more for a down payment can open up more affordable options for home buyers, especially if interest rates stay above 7%. Down payments have always been important when it comes to home buying. In the current market — where interest rates are high and unpredictable, and home values are mostly stable or rising — […]
This guide will help you spot unwanted household pests – whether you’re moved in or touring. Pests are everywhere, and having a few in a home is pretty much inevitable. But some can be a bigger problem than others, and it’s good to catch them early — even if you don’t own the home you’re […]
Make your home look its best (and maybe even net a higher sale price) with these improvements. Selling a house can be an expensive endeavor. While most of the larger costs come later in the selling process, there are some expenses that come much earlier — before you even list your home. Between cleaning, staging, landscaping, […]
Three or more generations living under one roof is more popular than ever, and it didn’t take long for the Cohen-Roach family to find out why. Sal Cohen was living solo in a 3-bedroom house in Seattle when his daughter’s plans to build a home in a nearby city fell through. In short order, Cohen […]
Take our quiz to answer financial and lifestyle questions that can help you determine whether buying a house is right for you. Determining when to buy a house isn’t only about your financial readiness, though it is definitely one aspect — a house is probably one of the most expensive purchases you’ll make. Beyond the […]
Keep these guidelines in mind if you are planning to use gift money for your mortgage down payment. Asking for cash for a down payment as a gift or part of a gift fund — whether it’s for an occasion like your birthday or a milestone like your wedding — is becoming more common. In 2023, 39% […]
Your future homeowner self will thank you for it. Home buyers have access to a wealth of information about the home-buying process before they even begin talking to a real estate agent. Friends and family, social media — everyone has a lot to offer. While much of this guidance can be solid or well-intentioned, some of […]
The real estate market nationally favors sellers right now. But the tide is shifting, and buyers and sellers could soon be on more equal footing. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, you may be wondering: Is now the right time? While the housing market can be unpredictable at times, you can gauge […]
We’ve asked both to share the pros and cons of talking to one before the other. As you begin your home search, you may ask yourself: should I talk to an agent, or a lender first? The truth is there’s not really a right or a wrong answer. We spoke to some agents and lenders […]
If you’re thinking about moving, maybe one of these spots will fetch your attention. When people are looking to move, they tend to look at local schools, good restaurants, and accessible entertainment. If a beloved dog is a part of the family, that changes things. Those people may be looking for good dog parks, friendly […]
Saving more for a down payment can open up more affordable options for home buyers, especially if interest rates stay above 7%. Down payments have always been important when it comes to home buying. In the current market — where interest rates are high and unpredictable, and home values are mostly stable or rising — […]
Ready to start touring homes? Save yourself time by using our house hunting checklist and document your visits in your Touring Hub on the Zillow app. You may have been pre-approved and know what you can afford, so it’s time to take your home search to the next phase. But the hunt for your home will stall rapidly […]
When you visit a lender online or in person, you’ll see some advertised mortgage interest rates. But will you qualify for those rates? Why or why not? It’s all about risk. The higher the repayment risk, the higher the interest rate the lender will charge. Lenders will determine your loan interest rate based on several […]
You may have been pre-approved and know what you can afford, so it’s time to take your home search to the next phase. But the hunt for your home will stall rapidly if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for — or perhaps more importantly, what your non-negotiables are. It’s easy to talk in generalities about wanting […]
Even seemingly small changes in mortgage rates, like 1% or 0.5%, can make a big difference in what you pay over the life of your loan. When you’re sizing up a home to buy, it’s tempting to focus only on the price to decide whether it fits your budget. But current mortgage rates are an […]
Some improvements have limited appeal to home buyers, and may even affect your sale price when you go to sell. One of the best things about owning a home is the ability to change things up, whether it’s knocking down a kitchen wall to open up space or filling your backyard with your favorite fruit […]
Wondering if home solar is right for you, but don’t know where to start? This guide can help. Solar power can be an attractive prospect for homeowners and shoppers. Home solar technology offers electricity bill savings, more energy independence, and resilience in the face of an increasing rate of power outages. For the environmentally conscious, […]
Plus six things to do every month. Tackling a seasonal home maintenance to-do list is not the way most of us want to spend a Saturday. “I can’t wait to flush out the hot water heater today,”‘” said no one, ever. But for most of us, our home is our biggest investment. Maintaining it is a […]
Buying a house can be a complicated, stressful process. Here are 10 steps to help you confidently find your new home. Buying a home can be stressful during the best of times, and it might feel positively overwhelming in a highly competitive market. Although a few of the details may look different right now, the […]
Resources to help make owning a home a reality. If you’re among the millions of people who want to own a home someday, you’ve probably spent a good amount of time online looking at homes — and home prices — and wondering “how do people afford houses in this market?” It’s a reasonable question, especially […]
The typical mortgage payment in these housing markets consumes less than a third of the median household monthly income. Finding a home that fits your needs while leaving money in your pocket to enjoy life can feel like an impossible journey at times. But real estate markets vary widely, and there are still markets where […]
Price cuts and an uptick in for-sale listings mark the start of the busiest season for home buyers and sellers. Spring home buying season — typically the most active time of year for home shopping — is about to begin in earnest with a calmer market. But while the boost in newly listed homes that […]
Seasoned homeowners weigh in on what caught them off guard, what delighted them and what lessons you can learn from them. Talk to any homeowner and they’ll probably tell you how excited they were when they first bought their home. After they’ve lived there a while, they’re likely to tell you about the things they […]
How this non-traditional path to ownership leads to substantial savings and surprising community. For most new homeowners, getting the key to their own home means saying goodbye to roommates they lived with during college or while building job experience. And then there are homeowners like Christine Knapp, who began posting online for a roommate soon […]
When using a mortgage to finance your home purchase, an appraisal lets you and the lender know that the property is priced appropriately. That way you don’t end up paying more for a home than it is worth, and your lender doesn’t need to make adjustments to the loan amount, since they will only lend as much […]
A Zillow study reveals paint colors that may wow prospective buyers — and colors that fall short. Do you find yourself browsing homes on Zillow and pausing at a home that has a stand-out front door? Maybe it’s a bright red or a sunshine yellow. There’s a reason you paused — and it’s likely because the seller was […]
A guide for finding a home you love in a place that feels like home. Deciding where to live — whether it’s for a year or a lifetime — can mean weighing up dozens of complex considerations. These span from broad factors like the local job market, to more specific concerns like whether it will […]
Renovating doesn’t always mean big returns. See which improvements pay off when you sell. Whether you’re thinking of selling in the next six months or a few years down the road, remodeling with return on investment (ROI) in mind is a smart financial move. Few investments recoup more than 100% of their cost, but collectively, […]
See which seaside and vacation towns made the list. Small cities and towns captured the imagination of Zillow® surfers in 2023, drawn perhaps by smaller home prices and proximity to major cities with lots of amenities. “Affordability was the word on home shoppers’ minds, and it shows in the most popular cities that buyers on […]
A mortgage is a loan you take out on a piece of land or real estate when you don’t have all the cash-on hand to buy, improve or maintain it on your own. A bank or other financial institution will lend you the money under the condition that you repay the loaned amount by a set […]
Moving — whether it’s buying, renting or selling — poses special challenges for people with ADHD. These tips may help. Jessica McCabe knows a thing or two about moving. The host of the popular “How to ADHD” YouTube channel and website by the same name moved five times in three years — and during a pandemic, no […]
See the next wave of interior design trends in action. We know we’re biased, but there are few things we love more than finding home design marvels on Zillow (and we’re not alone). Sure, not every home can claim a moat or a ’50s style diner as an amenity, but we have noticed a number of features arguably just as […]
Loan officers break down what you need to know about student debt and owning a home. Student loans are undoubtedly a daunting financial obstacle, so it’s only natural to feel like they’re holding you back from owning a home. But buying a house with student loan debt is possible. Whether or not you should get […]
What experts say is the key to an odor-free kitchen, plus more room-by-room advice. Open concept homes can feel airy and spacious, but they can be relatively difficult to keep clean. The lack of walls means clutter is inevitably out in the open, and suitable storage space is a precious resource. Luckily, there are tricks […]
The forecast calls for a calmer real estate market with slight improvements in affordability for buyers, concessions for renters and more AI-generated guidance for home shoppers. It’s been one of the most challenging years on record for the housing market, with rock-bottom inventory and mortgage rates hitting highs not seen in the past two decades. […]
Credit card companies, auto dealerships, mortgage bankers and other lenders use credit scores to determine the risk of loaning money to a borrower, how much they will loan, and the interest rate they’ll charge. Most lenders use FICO scores, which range from 300 to 850, to gauge creditworthiness. The higher your score, the more credit-worthy […]
Find out what getting pre-approved for a mortgage means, if you should get pre-approved while house shopping, and how you can get pre-approved. When you start to get serious about buying a home, a mortgage pre-approval is an important first step. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage lets you know how much money you can borrow, the range […]
Loan officers break down what you need to know about student debt and owning a home. Student loans are undoubtedly a daunting financial obstacle, so it’s only natural to feel like they’re holding you back from owning a home. But buying a house with student loan debt is possible. Whether or not you should get […]
Add warmth and comfort to your home with these design ideas from past decades. With the arrival of the cooler months, it’s natural to start thinking about how you can make your home more cozy and inviting. Now is the perfect time to make little (or big) changes that will infuse your home with an […]
A boost in new listings nationally, along with price cuts, favors buyers. The local picture, however, is a mixed bag. What’s going on this fall in the housing market? It depends on where you look. Nationally, home values saw a “marked cooldown” from July to August, according to Zillow® Senior Economist Jeff Tucker, with prices […]
Our brains can sometimes trick us into a buying a home that doesn’t fit our needs. Following these tips could help minimize buyer’s remorse. If you’ve ever made an impulse purchase, you know what it feels like to have your brain seize up and focus only on the shiny thing in front of you that […]
Buying a home for the first time? Use this guide to help ensure a smoother and less stressful experience. For many first-time home buyers, the financing process can seem intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are six things to remember as you embark on this process. 1. Make sure you understand the full […]
Haunted houses are labeled as “stigmatized properties,” but they can be highly sought-after. Marianne Bornhoft was locking up after an open house showing when she heard a faint cry: “Help me!” Following the cries downstairs to the basement, the veteran real estate agent ended up in front of what appeared to be a concealed door. […]
Mortgage hacks and strategies that agents say can help make home buying more affordable — and help close the deal. Buying a home is a team sport, and that’s especially true when buyers are facing the kinds of affordability challenges they are now. Volatile interest rates and tough competition for a limited supply of homes […]
Learn how to avoid these nine home-selling mistakes. Selling your home is no easy process, in terms of both the actual logistics and the emotional connection you often have to your home. After all, according to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2021, the average seller reported living in their homes for about 14 years […]
A Zillow survey reveals that dark gray may attract more prospective buyers — and higher offers — when you’re getting ready to sell. If you’re selling your house, choosing the right interior paint colors could affect buyers’ initial interest in your home and how much you get for it. “Paint is a relatively affordable and easy […]
The process of buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming — from finding a place that’s the right fit for you to saving up for a down payment, budgeting for closing costs and everything in between. When it comes to figuring out your financing options, you don’t have to do all the heavy-lifting alone — […]
In this month’s market report, we ask in-house economist Jeff Tucker about what seasonal cycles look like in a remarkably unusual year for home buying. If you’ve come up empty-handed after home shopping all spring and summer, you might want to keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks. As summer wraps up, there […]
Home buying hurdles exist — but research, creativity and flexibility will help you clear them. Home buyers today face tough challenges — housing prices have soared, a dollar doesn’t go as far as it once did and rent is more expensive than the past. How are people today making such a large purchase despite these […]
There’s a lot to love about owning a swimming pool, provided you have the money, time and attention to maintain one. If you’re in love with swimming pools and the lifestyle that comes with them, you’ve probably been pouring over home listings with pools as summer gets into full swing. Pools can be a great […]
Buying a home is a significant financial transaction and a major decision. That’s why 89% of buyers use a real estate agent or broker to help them navigate the complicated home search and purchase process. For most buyers, having an expert by your side who has your best interest in mind is a no-brainer. Why […]
Thinking about buying? Be sure to include these five items in your calculations. Homeownership may be a goal for some, but it’s not the right fit for many. Renters account for 37 percent of all households in America — or just over 43.7 million homes, up more than 6.9 million since 2005. Even still, more than half of millennial […]
Whether you’re ready to buy your first home or just need an acronym refresher, keep this glossary handy. You don’t need a real estate license to find your dream home, but it does help to become familiar with real estate jargon you might encounter during the process. When searching for a home or applying for […]
Set yourself up for success and give your living space a refresh. With self-care becoming more of a priority than ever, many people are focusing on turning their homes into dedicated spaces that help them prioritize their health and wellness. And just like they’ve gotten creative with WFH setups, homeowners have come up with a variety […]
How home shoppers feel, why they feel it and what they can do about it. Looking for a home — and eventually buying a home — can be a roller coaster, filled with ups and downs. It’s one of the biggest decisions you can make, and while at times, you’ll feel elated, moments later, you might find yourself feeling […]
Discover homeowner tax deductions that may save you money during tax season for simply owning a home. Owning a home has its rewards and challenges — and that’s especially true at tax time. Depending on your circumstances, tax rules around homeownership can reduce the amount of income taxes you owe at filing time. This is […]
Whether you just bought a house or want to upgrade your tired tool kit, use this guide to nail down the essentials. There’s something empowering about having your own set of tools to take care of the home you own. Having a well-stocked toolbox can be liberating — it means you don’t have to call […]
Budgeting for your first home? Try these tips for boosting your savings. To make the leap from renter to homeowner, you’ll need to save, or have already started saving, for a down payment. A down payment is typically between 3% and 20% of the purchase price of a home, but if you’re like the median […]
Selling a house is time consuming and expensive — often much more than sellers might expect. When you’re thinking about selling, it’s easy to get excited looking at your Zestimate® home valuation tool and seeing how much your home value may have increased over the years, but it’s important to be prepared for the hidden, and sometimes […]
From refrigerators to locks, almost anything in your home can be upgraded with a smart home device. Here’s a guide to get started. Once the exclusive domain of the wealthy and technologically inclined, smart home tools and systems are becoming more accessible and new products are constantly coming on the market. Here’s a brief smart home […]
Wondering if home solar is right for you, but don’t know where to start? This guide can help. Solar power can be an attractive prospect for homeowners and shoppers. Home solar technology offers electricity bill savings, more energy independence, and resilience in the face of an increasing rate of power outages. For the environmentally conscious, […]
Seasoned homeowners weigh in on what caught them off guard, what delighted them and what lessons you can learn from them. Talk to any homeowner and they’ll probably tell you how excited they were when they first bought their home. After they’ve lived there a while, they’re likely to tell you about the things they […]
Applying these landscaping hacks now will give your home curb appeal that lasts all year. Having a lush, sun-washed garden is a dream, and if you’re willing to put in the work, getting there is totally doable, especially with the arrival of warmer weather. Despite the quick turnover that’s promised by home makeover shows, beautiful […]
Number seven is one LA-based interior designer’s “secret weapon” when staging a low light room. Plants can make a house feel like a home. They can make a statement, breathe life into a room and add a sense of calm. But the wrong plant can easily make a space feel off, and not to mention, […]
Dreaming of living on a houseboat or floating home? Here’s what you need to know about financing, dive inspections, life on the water and more. If you love being on the water, you may be considering buying a houseboat or a floating home instead of a more traditional residence. Before you venture out into open […]
Avoid these landlord and property manager pitfalls, and feel more confident in your rental investment. People enter the landlord business for many different reasons. Maybe you’re an “accidental landlord” who decided to rent out your former residence, or you gained a property through an inheritance. Or, maybe you diligently researched properties for sale and chose […]
Flipped homes can provide you with a spiffed up house that’s move-in ready or a lemon hiding behind freshly painted walls. A flipper house is one that an investor buys for the purposes of fixing up and reselling for a quick profit. When buying a flipped house, you could be getting a home that’s been […]
Looking for home upgrades that add value without blowing your renovation budget? This list has great suggestions. A farmhouse sink. LED lighting. A pot filler. You might think these relatively low-cost home upgrades wouldn’t add much value, but our research shows that these and other home upgrades with modest price tags could pay for themselves — or […]
An agent explains what buyers with dogs or cats are looking for (and what they aren’t). Some people choose a home because it’s adjacent to a hopping entertainment district or close to their job. But those of us with dogs, cats and other animals that are like our children, we pick homes that will make […]
Discover homeowner tax deductions that may save you money during tax season for simply owning a home. Owning a home has its rewards and challenges — and that’s especially true at tax time. Depending on your circumstances, tax rules around homeownership can reduce the amount of income taxes you owe at filing time. This is […]
Here’s what agents had to say about right-sizing expectations. The housing market looks a lot different today than it did 12 short months ago. If you’re trying to keep up, you’re not alone. According to a recent Zillow survey of real estate agents, would-be buyers and sellers commonly have misconceptions about the future state of home […]
Your future homeowner self will thank you for it. Home buyers today have access to a wealth of information about the home-buying process before they even begin talking to a real estate agent. Friends and family, social media — everyone has a lot to offer. While much of this guidance can be good or well-meaning, some may […]
Tackle one task per day, and you’ll be more organized in no time. Getting your home and space organized can help you feel more in control of your environment. That sense of order can reduce stress, help you focus on your own wellbeing and achieve your other goals. Follow these tips to organize your whole […]
What you need to know about kitchen islands, mirrored walls and more. Outdoor features are rising in favor this year, along with private spaces and several other notable home characteristics, according to a new study of millions of active for-sale Zillow® listings. To help identify 2023 interior design trends, our researchers examined listing descriptions for more than 200 […]
You’ve probably heard of Art Deco and Coastal style, but how much do you know about Biophilic design, Grand Millennial and Japandi? Décor styles come in many forms, from Art and Crafts to Japandi. If you’re looking at homes online and can’t tell transitional from traditional, it may be time to learn about the history […]
Start the year strong by checking off monthly maintenance tasks before working on your winter to-do list. Going through a home maintenance checklist is not the way most of us want to spend a Saturday. “I can’t wait to flush out the hot water heater today,” said no one, ever. But for most of us, our […]
Can you guess which Midwest town claimed the top spot? Signifying a new trend toward affordability, Prairie Village, Kansas, was Zillow’s most popular market of 2022. The designation also showcases rising interest in the Midwest, and it headlined a major shift from 2021’s leaders, many of which sat on or near the West Coast. Grand Rapids, […]
Here’s what you need to know about this popular home type — including why they tend to be more affordable than traditional builds. If your builder, agent or lender has suggested a prefab home, it may be for a good reason. Prefabricated homes — those built in a factory and shipped to a homeowner’s land […]
The story of the next year: Home buyers will find creative ways to make mortgage payments work for them. Even though 2022 is behind us, some of its challenges, like tight housing inventory and volatile mortgage rates, aren’t over. But there’s promising news for first-time buyers in 2023: Trends are pointing to a stabilization of the […]
A home’s exterior can tell you a lot if you know what to look for. Learn what architectural details give a home its character and history in this guide. Dwellings come in a rainbow of home architectural styles, ranging from art deco to mid-century modern to Victorian. If you’re looking at homes online and wondering what’s what, it’s […]
No matter what your local housing market is like, there are always strategies for finding cheaper homes. Here are nine of them. Competition for homes is cooling, but with mortgage rates climbing and home values still 14.1% higher than they were a year ago, it may feel like finding a deal when buying a house is […]
A new Zillow study reveals two shades of paint that may wow prospective buyers — and two that fall short. Ever browse homes on Zillow and pause at a home that has a stand-out front door? Perhaps it’s a fresh red or canary yellow. There’s a reason you paused — and it’s likely the seller […]
Licensed marriage counselor Lauren Cook-McKay shares what to do when you can’t agree. City or suburbs? Move-in ready or fixer-upper? Condo or sprawling ranch? These are just three of the many, many questions home-buying partners have to answer together. But “home” means different things to different people. And if you’re buying or planning to buy a home with someone […]
From handling inspections to finding an agent, here’s what you need to know to make long-distance house-hunting less complicated. Maybe you’ve been asked to relocate for a job. Maybe you’re looking to retire in another state. Or you’re thinking about getting a vacation home. Whatever your reasons, if you need to buy a house in another […]
Keep your house clean, tidy and pet-free for every showing and open house. To-do list Remove all signs of pets Ensure marketing materials are pet-free Avoid marketing the home as pet-friendly Repair pet damage to home Deep clean the home before listing Deodorize Clean pet hair Remove stains Mask noisy neighbor pets Home buyers and […]
Buying a new home while selling your current one is a balancing act. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed as both a buyer and seller. Buying a new home at the same time as you’re selling your old home is all about timing — and some luck, of course. And while you […]
Consider the pros and cons of buying a starter home vs a forever home and learn if a starter home is right for you. When the Baby Boomer generation was venturing into adulthood, buying a starter home — a modest, small residence — was a common practice. As their families grew and their careers advanced, […]
When buying a house feels unaffordable, knowing how your personal financial situation fits into the bigger picture can help inform your moving decisions. Home prices have taken off in the last few years, making affordability a growing concern for buyers, sellers and renters who want to become homeowners some day. Knowing what factors contribute to […]
The share of homes that are affordable is growing across the country, due largely to lower mortgage interest rates and more homes listed for sale. In 12 markets, at least half of all homes for sale are considered affordable. Finding a home that fits your needs while leaving money in your pocket to enjoy life […]
Being self-employed doesn’t have to make it harder to get a mortgage loan. You just have to know what kinds of documentation you need and how to make yourself more attractive to lenders. If you’re one of the 60 million Americans (35% of the workforce) freelancing to earn your keep, you know the benefits of ruling your […]
Learn how to navigate hurdles related to financing, finding and negotiating a home purchase for the first time. Buying a home, like anything you do for the first time, comes with a learning curve. And yet many first-time home buyers hesitate to ask questions that can help them avoid first-time homebuyer mistakes that often lead […]
Budgeting for a home purchase is more than just accounting for your down payment. As a buyer, you’ll also be responsible for a range of fees that cover services and ensure a smooth transaction. Some fees are related to the property itself, while others are required to close and fund your loan. Note, that if […]
Paying a fee to lower your interest rate could make sense if you plan to stay in your home for a long time or want lower payments in the beginning. Home buyers looking for ways to bring down their monthly mortgage costs have embraced mortgage rate buydowns and discount points in recent years, strategies that […]
Price cuts have hit a five-year high as the market shifts into a balanced territory. But that’s just part of the picture. As summer comes to an end, the national housing market that has favored sellers for the past few years has moved into “neutral” territory as fall approaches, putting buyers and sellers on equal […]
Could this be the moment for sidelined buyers? As the real estate market moves into what has traditionally been the slowest time of year for sales, buyers across the country are continuing to see price cuts and lower interest rates that could make homes more affordable than they’ve been in months. “A growing segment of […]
Buyers could find more homes for sale, price cuts and lower mortgage interest rates this Fall. If you’ve come up empty-handed after home shopping all spring and summer, you might want to keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks. The market nationally has finally turned into neutral territory, putting buyers and sellers on equal […]
Understanding the benefits and limitations of a home’s price per square foot can signal whether you’re getting a deal or paying too much. One way to get a quick idea of a home’s value is to look at the cost per square foot. When you’re shopping for a home, price per square foot can give […]
From how to pay for it, to zoning considerations, consider this your starting guide to your biggest questions on ADUs (accessory dwelling units). Accessory dwelling units or ADUs — those separate living units tucked inside a single family home or sharing land with one — are having a rock star moment. Scores of cities and […]
A buyer’s agreement clearly defines how you’ll work with an agent. If you’re thinking of buying a new home, chances are you’re planning to find an agent (known as a buyer’s agent). According to Zillow Research, about 88% of home buyers use an agent to help them find, negotiate for, and win their home. Buyer’s agents provide expert guidance […]
When it comes to advice about buying a home, agents have first-hand knowledge. Four partner agents share their advice on staying on budget in a challenging housing market. If you’re thinking of buying a home, you’ve probably already done some research and talked to family and friends who made their own purchases. While those nuggets of wisdom […]
Saving more for a down payment can open up more affordable options for home buyers, especially if interest rates stay above 7%. Down payments have always been important when it comes to home buying. In the current market — where interest rates are high and unpredictable, and home values are mostly stable or rising — […]
This guide will help you spot unwanted household pests – whether you’re moved in or touring. Pests are everywhere, and having a few in a home is pretty much inevitable. But some can be a bigger problem than others, and it’s good to catch them early — even if you don’t own the home you’re […]
Make your home look its best (and maybe even net a higher sale price) with these improvements. Selling a house can be an expensive endeavor. While most of the larger costs come later in the selling process, there are some expenses that come much earlier — before you even list your home. Between cleaning, staging, landscaping, […]
Three or more generations living under one roof is more popular than ever, and it didn’t take long for the Cohen-Roach family to find out why. Sal Cohen was living solo in a 3-bedroom house in Seattle when his daughter’s plans to build a home in a nearby city fell through. In short order, Cohen […]
Take our quiz to answer financial and lifestyle questions that can help you determine whether buying a house is right for you. Determining when to buy a house isn’t only about your financial readiness, though it is definitely one aspect — a house is probably one of the most expensive purchases you’ll make. Beyond the […]
Keep these guidelines in mind if you are planning to use gift money for your mortgage down payment. Asking for cash for a down payment as a gift or part of a gift fund — whether it’s for an occasion like your birthday or a milestone like your wedding — is becoming more common. In 2023, 39% […]
Your future homeowner self will thank you for it. Home buyers have access to a wealth of information about the home-buying process before they even begin talking to a real estate agent. Friends and family, social media — everyone has a lot to offer. While much of this guidance can be solid or well-intentioned, some of […]
The real estate market nationally favors sellers right now. But the tide is shifting, and buyers and sellers could soon be on more equal footing. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, you may be wondering: Is now the right time? While the housing market can be unpredictable at times, you can gauge […]
We’ve asked both to share the pros and cons of talking to one before the other. As you begin your home search, you may ask yourself: should I talk to an agent, or a lender first? The truth is there’s not really a right or a wrong answer. We spoke to some agents and lenders […]
If you’re thinking about moving, maybe one of these spots will fetch your attention. When people are looking to move, they tend to look at local schools, good restaurants, and accessible entertainment. If a beloved dog is a part of the family, that changes things. Those people may be looking for good dog parks, friendly […]
Saving more for a down payment can open up more affordable options for home buyers, especially if interest rates stay above 7%. Down payments have always been important when it comes to home buying. In the current market — where interest rates are high and unpredictable, and home values are mostly stable or rising — […]
Ready to start touring homes? Save yourself time by using our house hunting checklist and document your visits in your Touring Hub on the Zillow app. You may have been pre-approved and know what you can afford, so it’s time to take your home search to the next phase. But the hunt for your home will stall rapidly […]
When you visit a lender online or in person, you’ll see some advertised mortgage interest rates. But will you qualify for those rates? Why or why not? It’s all about risk. The higher the repayment risk, the higher the interest rate the lender will charge. Lenders will determine your loan interest rate based on several […]
You may have been pre-approved and know what you can afford, so it’s time to take your home search to the next phase. But the hunt for your home will stall rapidly if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for — or perhaps more importantly, what your non-negotiables are. It’s easy to talk in generalities about wanting […]
Even seemingly small changes in mortgage rates, like 1% or 0.5%, can make a big difference in what you pay over the life of your loan. When you’re sizing up a home to buy, it’s tempting to focus only on the price to decide whether it fits your budget. But current mortgage rates are an […]
Some improvements have limited appeal to home buyers, and may even affect your sale price when you go to sell. One of the best things about owning a home is the ability to change things up, whether it’s knocking down a kitchen wall to open up space or filling your backyard with your favorite fruit […]
Wondering if home solar is right for you, but don’t know where to start? This guide can help. Solar power can be an attractive prospect for homeowners and shoppers. Home solar technology offers electricity bill savings, more energy independence, and resilience in the face of an increasing rate of power outages. For the environmentally conscious, […]
Plus six things to do every month. Tackling a seasonal home maintenance to-do list is not the way most of us want to spend a Saturday. “I can’t wait to flush out the hot water heater today,”‘” said no one, ever. But for most of us, our home is our biggest investment. Maintaining it is a […]
Buying a house can be a complicated, stressful process. Here are 10 steps to help you confidently find your new home. Buying a home can be stressful during the best of times, and it might feel positively overwhelming in a highly competitive market. Although a few of the details may look different right now, the […]
Resources to help make owning a home a reality. If you’re among the millions of people who want to own a home someday, you’ve probably spent a good amount of time online looking at homes — and home prices — and wondering “how do people afford houses in this market?” It’s a reasonable question, especially […]
The typical mortgage payment in these housing markets consumes less than a third of the median household monthly income. Finding a home that fits your needs while leaving money in your pocket to enjoy life can feel like an impossible journey at times. But real estate markets vary widely, and there are still markets where […]
Price cuts and an uptick in for-sale listings mark the start of the busiest season for home buyers and sellers. Spring home buying season — typically the most active time of year for home shopping — is about to begin in earnest with a calmer market. But while the boost in newly listed homes that […]
Seasoned homeowners weigh in on what caught them off guard, what delighted them and what lessons you can learn from them. Talk to any homeowner and they’ll probably tell you how excited they were when they first bought their home. After they’ve lived there a while, they’re likely to tell you about the things they […]
How this non-traditional path to ownership leads to substantial savings and surprising community. For most new homeowners, getting the key to their own home means saying goodbye to roommates they lived with during college or while building job experience. And then there are homeowners like Christine Knapp, who began posting online for a roommate soon […]
When using a mortgage to finance your home purchase, an appraisal lets you and the lender know that the property is priced appropriately. That way you don’t end up paying more for a home than it is worth, and your lender doesn’t need to make adjustments to the loan amount, since they will only lend as much […]
A Zillow study reveals paint colors that may wow prospective buyers — and colors that fall short. Do you find yourself browsing homes on Zillow and pausing at a home that has a stand-out front door? Maybe it’s a bright red or a sunshine yellow. There’s a reason you paused — and it’s likely because the seller was […]
A guide for finding a home you love in a place that feels like home. Deciding where to live — whether it’s for a year or a lifetime — can mean weighing up dozens of complex considerations. These span from broad factors like the local job market, to more specific concerns like whether it will […]
Renovating doesn’t always mean big returns. See which improvements pay off when you sell. Whether you’re thinking of selling in the next six months or a few years down the road, remodeling with return on investment (ROI) in mind is a smart financial move. Few investments recoup more than 100% of their cost, but collectively, […]
See which seaside and vacation towns made the list. Small cities and towns captured the imagination of Zillow® surfers in 2023, drawn perhaps by smaller home prices and proximity to major cities with lots of amenities. “Affordability was the word on home shoppers’ minds, and it shows in the most popular cities that buyers on […]
A mortgage is a loan you take out on a piece of land or real estate when you don’t have all the cash-on hand to buy, improve or maintain it on your own. A bank or other financial institution will lend you the money under the condition that you repay the loaned amount by a set […]
Moving — whether it’s buying, renting or selling — poses special challenges for people with ADHD. These tips may help. Jessica McCabe knows a thing or two about moving. The host of the popular “How to ADHD” YouTube channel and website by the same name moved five times in three years — and during a pandemic, no […]
See the next wave of interior design trends in action. We know we’re biased, but there are few things we love more than finding home design marvels on Zillow (and we’re not alone). Sure, not every home can claim a moat or a ’50s style diner as an amenity, but we have noticed a number of features arguably just as […]
Loan officers break down what you need to know about student debt and owning a home. Student loans are undoubtedly a daunting financial obstacle, so it’s only natural to feel like they’re holding you back from owning a home. But buying a house with student loan debt is possible. Whether or not you should get […]
What experts say is the key to an odor-free kitchen, plus more room-by-room advice. Open concept homes can feel airy and spacious, but they can be relatively difficult to keep clean. The lack of walls means clutter is inevitably out in the open, and suitable storage space is a precious resource. Luckily, there are tricks […]
The forecast calls for a calmer real estate market with slight improvements in affordability for buyers, concessions for renters and more AI-generated guidance for home shoppers. It’s been one of the most challenging years on record for the housing market, with rock-bottom inventory and mortgage rates hitting highs not seen in the past two decades. […]
Credit card companies, auto dealerships, mortgage bankers and other lenders use credit scores to determine the risk of loaning money to a borrower, how much they will loan, and the interest rate they’ll charge. Most lenders use FICO scores, which range from 300 to 850, to gauge creditworthiness. The higher your score, the more credit-worthy […]
Find out what getting pre-approved for a mortgage means, if you should get pre-approved while house shopping, and how you can get pre-approved. When you start to get serious about buying a home, a mortgage pre-approval is an important first step. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage lets you know how much money you can borrow, the range […]
Loan officers break down what you need to know about student debt and owning a home. Student loans are undoubtedly a daunting financial obstacle, so it’s only natural to feel like they’re holding you back from owning a home. But buying a house with student loan debt is possible. Whether or not you should get […]
Add warmth and comfort to your home with these design ideas from past decades. With the arrival of the cooler months, it’s natural to start thinking about how you can make your home more cozy and inviting. Now is the perfect time to make little (or big) changes that will infuse your home with an […]
A boost in new listings nationally, along with price cuts, favors buyers. The local picture, however, is a mixed bag. What’s going on this fall in the housing market? It depends on where you look. Nationally, home values saw a “marked cooldown” from July to August, according to Zillow® Senior Economist Jeff Tucker, with prices […]
Our brains can sometimes trick us into a buying a home that doesn’t fit our needs. Following these tips could help minimize buyer’s remorse. If you’ve ever made an impulse purchase, you know what it feels like to have your brain seize up and focus only on the shiny thing in front of you that […]
Buying a home for the first time? Use this guide to help ensure a smoother and less stressful experience. For many first-time home buyers, the financing process can seem intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are six things to remember as you embark on this process. 1. Make sure you understand the full […]
Haunted houses are labeled as “stigmatized properties,” but they can be highly sought-after. Marianne Bornhoft was locking up after an open house showing when she heard a faint cry: “Help me!” Following the cries downstairs to the basement, the veteran real estate agent ended up in front of what appeared to be a concealed door. […]
Mortgage hacks and strategies that agents say can help make home buying more affordable — and help close the deal. Buying a home is a team sport, and that’s especially true when buyers are facing the kinds of affordability challenges they are now. Volatile interest rates and tough competition for a limited supply of homes […]
Learn how to avoid these nine home-selling mistakes. Selling your home is no easy process, in terms of both the actual logistics and the emotional connection you often have to your home. After all, according to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2021, the average seller reported living in their homes for about 14 years […]
A Zillow survey reveals that dark gray may attract more prospective buyers — and higher offers — when you’re getting ready to sell. If you’re selling your house, choosing the right interior paint colors could affect buyers’ initial interest in your home and how much you get for it. “Paint is a relatively affordable and easy […]
The process of buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming — from finding a place that’s the right fit for you to saving up for a down payment, budgeting for closing costs and everything in between. When it comes to figuring out your financing options, you don’t have to do all the heavy-lifting alone — […]
In this month’s market report, we ask in-house economist Jeff Tucker about what seasonal cycles look like in a remarkably unusual year for home buying. If you’ve come up empty-handed after home shopping all spring and summer, you might want to keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks. As summer wraps up, there […]
Home buying hurdles exist — but research, creativity and flexibility will help you clear them. Home buyers today face tough challenges — housing prices have soared, a dollar doesn’t go as far as it once did and rent is more expensive than the past. How are people today making such a large purchase despite these […]
There’s a lot to love about owning a swimming pool, provided you have the money, time and attention to maintain one. If you’re in love with swimming pools and the lifestyle that comes with them, you’ve probably been pouring over home listings with pools as summer gets into full swing. Pools can be a great […]
Buying a home is a significant financial transaction and a major decision. That’s why 89% of buyers use a real estate agent or broker to help them navigate the complicated home search and purchase process. For most buyers, having an expert by your side who has your best interest in mind is a no-brainer. Why […]
Thinking about buying? Be sure to include these five items in your calculations. Homeownership may be a goal for some, but it’s not the right fit for many. Renters account for 37 percent of all households in America — or just over 43.7 million homes, up more than 6.9 million since 2005. Even still, more than half of millennial […]
Whether you’re ready to buy your first home or just need an acronym refresher, keep this glossary handy. You don’t need a real estate license to find your dream home, but it does help to become familiar with real estate jargon you might encounter during the process. When searching for a home or applying for […]
Set yourself up for success and give your living space a refresh. With self-care becoming more of a priority than ever, many people are focusing on turning their homes into dedicated spaces that help them prioritize their health and wellness. And just like they’ve gotten creative with WFH setups, homeowners have come up with a variety […]
How home shoppers feel, why they feel it and what they can do about it. Looking for a home — and eventually buying a home — can be a roller coaster, filled with ups and downs. It’s one of the biggest decisions you can make, and while at times, you’ll feel elated, moments later, you might find yourself feeling […]
Discover homeowner tax deductions that may save you money during tax season for simply owning a home. Owning a home has its rewards and challenges — and that’s especially true at tax time. Depending on your circumstances, tax rules around homeownership can reduce the amount of income taxes you owe at filing time. This is […]
Whether you just bought a house or want to upgrade your tired tool kit, use this guide to nail down the essentials. There’s something empowering about having your own set of tools to take care of the home you own. Having a well-stocked toolbox can be liberating — it means you don’t have to call […]
Budgeting for your first home? Try these tips for boosting your savings. To make the leap from renter to homeowner, you’ll need to save, or have already started saving, for a down payment. A down payment is typically between 3% and 20% of the purchase price of a home, but if you’re like the median […]
Selling a house is time consuming and expensive — often much more than sellers might expect. When you’re thinking about selling, it’s easy to get excited looking at your Zestimate® home valuation tool and seeing how much your home value may have increased over the years, but it’s important to be prepared for the hidden, and sometimes […]
From refrigerators to locks, almost anything in your home can be upgraded with a smart home device. Here’s a guide to get started. Once the exclusive domain of the wealthy and technologically inclined, smart home tools and systems are becoming more accessible and new products are constantly coming on the market. Here’s a brief smart home […]
Wondering if home solar is right for you, but don’t know where to start? This guide can help. Solar power can be an attractive prospect for homeowners and shoppers. Home solar technology offers electricity bill savings, more energy independence, and resilience in the face of an increasing rate of power outages. For the environmentally conscious, […]
Seasoned homeowners weigh in on what caught them off guard, what delighted them and what lessons you can learn from them. Talk to any homeowner and they’ll probably tell you how excited they were when they first bought their home. After they’ve lived there a while, they’re likely to tell you about the things they […]
Applying these landscaping hacks now will give your home curb appeal that lasts all year. Having a lush, sun-washed garden is a dream, and if you’re willing to put in the work, getting there is totally doable, especially with the arrival of warmer weather. Despite the quick turnover that’s promised by home makeover shows, beautiful […]
Number seven is one LA-based interior designer’s “secret weapon” when staging a low light room. Plants can make a house feel like a home. They can make a statement, breathe life into a room and add a sense of calm. But the wrong plant can easily make a space feel off, and not to mention, […]
Dreaming of living on a houseboat or floating home? Here’s what you need to know about financing, dive inspections, life on the water and more. If you love being on the water, you may be considering buying a houseboat or a floating home instead of a more traditional residence. Before you venture out into open […]
Avoid these landlord and property manager pitfalls, and feel more confident in your rental investment. People enter the landlord business for many different reasons. Maybe you’re an “accidental landlord” who decided to rent out your former residence, or you gained a property through an inheritance. Or, maybe you diligently researched properties for sale and chose […]
Flipped homes can provide you with a spiffed up house that’s move-in ready or a lemon hiding behind freshly painted walls. A flipper house is one that an investor buys for the purposes of fixing up and reselling for a quick profit. When buying a flipped house, you could be getting a home that’s been […]
Looking for home upgrades that add value without blowing your renovation budget? This list has great suggestions. A farmhouse sink. LED lighting. A pot filler. You might think these relatively low-cost home upgrades wouldn’t add much value, but our research shows that these and other home upgrades with modest price tags could pay for themselves — or […]
An agent explains what buyers with dogs or cats are looking for (and what they aren’t). Some people choose a home because it’s adjacent to a hopping entertainment district or close to their job. But those of us with dogs, cats and other animals that are like our children, we pick homes that will make […]
Discover homeowner tax deductions that may save you money during tax season for simply owning a home. Owning a home has its rewards and challenges — and that’s especially true at tax time. Depending on your circumstances, tax rules around homeownership can reduce the amount of income taxes you owe at filing time. This is […]
Here’s what agents had to say about right-sizing expectations. The housing market looks a lot different today than it did 12 short months ago. If you’re trying to keep up, you’re not alone. According to a recent Zillow survey of real estate agents, would-be buyers and sellers commonly have misconceptions about the future state of home […]
Your future homeowner self will thank you for it. Home buyers today have access to a wealth of information about the home-buying process before they even begin talking to a real estate agent. Friends and family, social media — everyone has a lot to offer. While much of this guidance can be good or well-meaning, some may […]
Tackle one task per day, and you’ll be more organized in no time. Getting your home and space organized can help you feel more in control of your environment. That sense of order can reduce stress, help you focus on your own wellbeing and achieve your other goals. Follow these tips to organize your whole […]
What you need to know about kitchen islands, mirrored walls and more. Outdoor features are rising in favor this year, along with private spaces and several other notable home characteristics, according to a new study of millions of active for-sale Zillow® listings. To help identify 2023 interior design trends, our researchers examined listing descriptions for more than 200 […]
You’ve probably heard of Art Deco and Coastal style, but how much do you know about Biophilic design, Grand Millennial and Japandi? Décor styles come in many forms, from Art and Crafts to Japandi. If you’re looking at homes online and can’t tell transitional from traditional, it may be time to learn about the history […]
Start the year strong by checking off monthly maintenance tasks before working on your winter to-do list. Going through a home maintenance checklist is not the way most of us want to spend a Saturday. “I can’t wait to flush out the hot water heater today,” said no one, ever. But for most of us, our […]
Can you guess which Midwest town claimed the top spot? Signifying a new trend toward affordability, Prairie Village, Kansas, was Zillow’s most popular market of 2022. The designation also showcases rising interest in the Midwest, and it headlined a major shift from 2021’s leaders, many of which sat on or near the West Coast. Grand Rapids, […]
Here’s what you need to know about this popular home type — including why they tend to be more affordable than traditional builds. If your builder, agent or lender has suggested a prefab home, it may be for a good reason. Prefabricated homes — those built in a factory and shipped to a homeowner’s land […]
The story of the next year: Home buyers will find creative ways to make mortgage payments work for them. Even though 2022 is behind us, some of its challenges, like tight housing inventory and volatile mortgage rates, aren’t over. But there’s promising news for first-time buyers in 2023: Trends are pointing to a stabilization of the […]
A home’s exterior can tell you a lot if you know what to look for. Learn what architectural details give a home its character and history in this guide. Dwellings come in a rainbow of home architectural styles, ranging from art deco to mid-century modern to Victorian. If you’re looking at homes online and wondering what’s what, it’s […]
No matter what your local housing market is like, there are always strategies for finding cheaper homes. Here are nine of them. Competition for homes is cooling, but with mortgage rates climbing and home values still 14.1% higher than they were a year ago, it may feel like finding a deal when buying a house is […]
A new Zillow study reveals two shades of paint that may wow prospective buyers — and two that fall short. Ever browse homes on Zillow and pause at a home that has a stand-out front door? Perhaps it’s a fresh red or canary yellow. There’s a reason you paused — and it’s likely the seller […]
Licensed marriage counselor Lauren Cook-McKay shares what to do when you can’t agree. City or suburbs? Move-in ready or fixer-upper? Condo or sprawling ranch? These are just three of the many, many questions home-buying partners have to answer together. But “home” means different things to different people. And if you’re buying or planning to buy a home with someone […]
From handling inspections to finding an agent, here’s what you need to know to make long-distance house-hunting less complicated. Maybe you’ve been asked to relocate for a job. Maybe you’re looking to retire in another state. Or you’re thinking about getting a vacation home. Whatever your reasons, if you need to buy a house in another […]