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When Is the Right Time to Downsize Your Home?

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Downsizing your home is a major decision, and the right moment to act is not always obvious. The best time to downsize is whenever your current home no longer aligns with your financial, lifestyle, or personal needs. It’s less about the market and more about your life stage. But deciding to downsize can be hard, and leaving a home filled with cherished memories can bring heartache.  So, when is the right time to downsize? If owning your home in Seattle, WA , or renting a house in Portland, OR , has brought more stress and worry than joy in recent years, the time may be right to downsize into something smaller. In this Redfin real estate article, we’ll explore how, by considering financial, emotional, and maintenance factors, you can determine if now is the perfect time to trade your large property for a smaller, more manageable space. Financial signs you should consider downsizing Your finances often provide the clearest signal that it is time to downsize. Carrying a large mo...

The Most Underrated Home Upgrades That Add Big Value

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When it comes to home improvements, many people immediately think of kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, or adding a new deck. While these projects can certainly boost a home’s appeal and value, some of the most impactful upgrades are often overlooked.  This Redfin real estate guide will spotlight underrated home upgrades that consistently make a big improvement,  whether you’re planning to sell your home in San Diego, CA , or investing in long-term value at your property in Arlington, VA . 1. Upgraded lighting Good lighting changes everything. “When decorating our homes, most of us focus on furniture, paint colors, rugs, and accessories. Lighting often is an afterthought, chosen quickly and then forgotten,” Diane Henkler with In My Own Style shares. “But lighting is one of those behind-the-scenes design choices that quietly shape how a room feels, functions, and even how welcoming a home is to live in day after day. Make sure the wattages of bulbs are not to...

How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: 5 Steps for Success

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Key takeaways A mortgage pre-approval is an official letter from a lender stating how much you can borrow, possible loan options, and interest rates.  Lenders evaluate factors like credit score, bank statements, W-2s, and debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to determine loan eligibility. A pre-approval letter strengthens your offer and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. When you’re planning to buy a home , getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial step. A mortgage pre-approval is the process by which a mortgage lender evaluates your financial information and determines the amount of money they’re willing to lend you to purchase a home. This helps set your budget and strengthens your position as a buyer. In this Redfin article, we’ll outline the steps to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Whether you’re looking to buy a home in Las Vegas, NV , or a condo in Cincinnati, OH , read on to learn how a pre-approval speeds up the homebuying process.  What is mortgage pre-...

How Can Buying a House Help You Build Wealth?

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Buying a home isn’t just about having a place to live; it’s one of the most reliable ways to build long-term wealth. While renting can offer flexibility, owning a home lets you build equity, benefit from potential appreciation, and access valuable tax advantages. Over the years, increasing equity and financial stability can turn your home into a valuable long-term asset. In this Redfin article, we’ll cover how buying a house can help you build wealth and how to make the most of your investment. Whether you’re buying a home in Detroit, MI , or a townhouse in Denver, CO , here’s what to know about building home equity through homeownership. Key takeaways  Buying a home can build wealth through home equity, tax benefits, and more. Your home may appreciate over time, helping you build wealth when you sell. Buying a home you can afford, maintaining it, and making improvements can help protect your investment. 4 ways owning a home helps build wealth  There are several wa...

6 Common Home Design Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

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Common home design mistakes can turn a space with great potential into one that feels off without knowing exactly why.  From overly harsh lighting to furniture that doesn’t quite fit, small choices can have a surprisingly big impact. Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home in Conroe, TX or want to spruce up your forever home in Aloha, OR , fixing a few design missteps can instantly make your home feel more polished and inviting. In this Redfin article, we’ll break down the most common design mistakes people make and share simple, realistic ways to fix them without starting from scratch. Consider this your shortcut to a home that feels cohesive, comfortable, and truly yours. In this article: 1. Choosing rugs that are too small 2. Ignoring lighting as a design element 3. Using the wrong paint color for the lighting 4. Forgetting about storage in the design plan 5. Choosing furniture that’s the wrong scale 6. Designing for looks instead of lifestyle Avoiding common home ...

Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: What’s the Main Difference?

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Key takeaways A pre-qualification is an estimate of how much you might be able to borrow for a home, based on basic financial information you provide. A pre-approval is a conditional offer from a lender stating how much they’re likely to lend you for a home, pending final underwriting. A pre-qualification can help you understand your budget early on, while a pre-approval strengthens your offer once you’re ready to buy. If you’re considering buying a home , you’ve likely heard that getting pre-qualified or pre-approved is an important early step in the mortgage process. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between the two that every homebuyer should understand. In this Redfin article, we’ll outline the differences between pre-qualification vs. pre-approval and which option is right for you. Whether you’re touring homes in Norfolk, VA , or looking at houses in Dallas, TX , here’s what you need to know about being pre-approved vs. ...

How Much to Offer On a House—And What Makes It Good

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It can take weeks or even months before finally finding the perfect home. Then comes one of the hardest parts of the homebuying process : how much should you offer on a house—and should that offer be above, below, or at list price?  Take the following factors into consideration with your real estate agent , and you’ll have a better understanding of not only how much to offer on a house, but whether that offer makes sense for your market and situation. 1. Are you in a buyer’s or seller’s market? Before you get your heart set on a property, it’s crucial to understand whether your area is currently a buyer’s market or seller’s market . That can be the determining factor in how much negotiating power you have. A buyer’s market is when there are more homes for sale than buyers. This can give buyers the advantage and extra leverage, especially if the seller is motivated. A seller’s market is when there are more buyers than homes for sale. Sellers have the upper hand in deals and...