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Real estate agent fees are paid at closing, but they’re not usually considered part of a buyer’s closing costs. Instead, they’re a separate expense that’s handled as part of the overall transaction. The confusion comes from how the term “closing costs” is used. In most cases, buyers use “closing costs” to describe lender fees, title charges, inspections, and prepaid expenses. Agent compensation is included in the closing process and listed on the settlement statement, but it’s often discussed separately because it can be structured differently from other costs. How agent fees are handled depends on the terms of the deal. In many transactions, sellers have historically chosen to cover agent compensation, which may be split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. However, commissions are fully negotiable, and buyers may pay their agent directly in some cases. Are real estate agent fees part of closing costs? Real estate agent fees are paid at closing, but they’re not usual...

You may have heard April 12-18 was the “best week” to list your house. from Keeping Current Matters https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2026/04/30/is-late-may-the-best-time-to-list-your-house/

Applying for a mortgage in 2026 still follows a fairly standard process. Most loans take about 30 to 45 days from application to closing, depending on your finances and the property. The mortgage loan process includes verifying your financial profile, confirming the home’s value, and finalizing legal documents. Understanding how each step works can help you move through the process more smoothly and avoid delays. The 8 steps of the mortgage loan process Get pre-approved: Before searching for a home, a lender reviews your income, assets, and credit to estimate how much you can borrow. This typically results in a pre-approval letter you can use when making offers. Find a property and make an offer: Once a seller accepts your offer , you enter a formal purchase agreement. This is when the mortgage timeline begins. Submit your formal application: You provide the specific property details to your lender which triggers your official loan estimate. Loan processing: A processor...

If you’re planning to take the leap from renter to homeowner , it’s likely you’ve been saving money for a down payment and working to build your credit score. You’ve probably also been looking at home listings and are eager to start shopping. To help you avoid expensive detours, we asked experienced agents where new buyers often go wrong and how to sidestep the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes. We’ll kick off the list with what top real estate agents say is the most common new-buyer misstep. Mistake 1. Starting your home search before knowing what you can truly afford One of the biggest first-time homebuyer mistakes is shopping for homes before getting a clear handle on your finances. “A lot of first-time buyers don’t know what they’re qualified for or how much money they can actually spend,” says Bob Anarumo , a Davenport, Florida agent with nearly 25 years of experience. “I run into this quite a bit, and many don’t even know what their credit score is.” Before browsin...

Utility bills can quickly add up, especially as homeowners rely more on heating, cooling, electronics, and smart devices throughout the day. The good news is that modern home technology offers practical and affordable ways to save energy without sacrificing comfort. From smart thermostats to motion-sensor lighting, small home upgrades can lead to meaningful savings over time. Whether you live in a house in Richmond, VA or an apartment in Brooklyn, NY , investing in sustainable in-home technology can also increase long-term property value. Here are some of the smartest ways to reduce utility costs while making your home more energy-conscious. 1. Use smart thermostats to cut heating and cooling costs Heating and cooling make up a major portion of household energy use, which is why upgrading your temperature controls can have a big impact on your monthly bills. Kate Colarulli, Chief Strategy Officer at CleanChoice Energy , explains, “On average, more than half of residential e...

From property taxes to upgrades and maintenance, the costs of buying and owning a home can add up quickly. The good news is that some of these expenses can help lower your tax bill. There are several tax breaks for homeowners to take advantage of if you know where to look. Below, we’ll explain each one so you can better understand how these deductions and credits may reduce your overall tax burden. Before we proceed, keep in mind that you need to itemize your deductions to take advantage of these tax breaks. If you opt for the standard deduction, these do not apply. 1. Tax credits for efficient home upgrades Home improvement projects can improve the safety and functionality of your living space, but they can also be beneficial for tax purposes. Home upgrades that improve your home’s energy efficiency can qualify you for a tax credit of up to $3,200. Energy-efficient home upgrades like exterior doors and skylights can account for up to $1,200 in credits, while the remaining $2...