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Do You Need a Realtor to Sell Your House? Pros and Cons Explained

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If you’re thinking about selling your home , one of the first questions you might ask is: do I need a real estate agent? The short answer is no — you can sell on your own. That said, it also means handling pricing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork yourself. For many sellers, working with a real estate agent can simplify the process and improve the overall outcome. As you look to sell your home in Seattle or Chicago , this Redfin article will teach you the benefits of working with a real estate agent for a better home-selling experience.  What does an agent do when you’re selling? It’s easy to underestimate how much goes into selling a home—and just how much those details can influence what you ultimately walk away with. A real estate agent helps sellers with: Pricing your home correctly Setting the right price is one of the most critical steps. Price too high, and your home may sit on the market. Price too low, and you could leave money on the table. Agents use...

Is a Large Down Payment Always Best? Exploring the Pros and Cons

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Key takeaways A 20% down payment is not mandatory. Many buyers—especially first-time buyers—put down far less, depending on the loan program and their financial situation. A larger down payment reduces your loan amount, which can lower monthly payments, decrease total interest paid over time, and potentially eliminate private mortgage insurance (PMI). Putting more money down lowers your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which may help you qualify for better interest rates, stronger loan terms, and a more competitive offer. The trade-off is liquidity: tying up too much cash in your home can limit your emergency savings, delay your purchase, or reduce flexibility for other financial needs. The house you’ve been picturing is within reach, but one important question comes first: How much should you put down? Many homebuyers assume they need to put down 20%, while others ask whether 10%—or even less—could be enough. The right amount depends on your financial situation, your timeline, and y...

Rent-to-Own: A Creative Way to Get Into a Million-Dollar Home

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If you’re looking for a place to live, why not think big? Like, a million dollars big? Rent-to-own million-dollar homes just might be your ticket to living in a nice house today, with the mortgage coming sometime down the road. With rent-to-own homes , you can try the home on for size while holding the door open to purchase the home later. As you’re paying your regular monthly rent, you can also set aside extra funds that will go toward your eventual down payment . That gives you more time to work on your credit score and get ready to pay for a mortgage. Step one: Talk to an expert Connect with a top-rated local real estate agent who can help you navigate rent-to-own options near you. Get Started Taking on a million-dollar home usually comes with a jumbo mortgage , and overextending yourself could spell serious financial trouble. Falling behind on payments can damage your credit and even put your house at risk. This is where rent-to-own million-dollar homes start to look ...

3 Ways to Get a Free Home Appraisal and Check Your Property Value

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The housing market is constantly changing, and property values can shift quickly. As a result, you might only have a vague idea of your home’s value — or, possibly, not even a clue. If you’re selling soon or planning to renovate your property , you may be curious about how to get a home appraisal for free. Price Your Home to Minimize the Chance of a Low Appraisal Our Home Value Estimator is a great starting point, and we’ll send you a detailed analysis of your home’s value based on local housing market data. Get Estimate Typically, determining the home’s true market value involves hiring a licensed appraiser, which costs around $400 to $600 . But if you’re just looking for an informed estimate, you can get a free home appraisal through various means, from property websites to local professionals in your market. With insight from top Los Angeles real estate agent Rima Rafeh , we’ll guide you through your free home value estimate options. from HomeLight Blog https://www....

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Kitchen Appliances

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Cleaning kitchen appliances the right way keeps your kitchen running smoothly and your appliances lasting longer. From your refrigerator to your stovetop, knowing how and when to clean each item helps prevent breakdowns, odors, and even energy waste. Maintenance and cleaning often go hand in hand. A quick wipe-down today can prevent major issues tomorrow.  Whether you’re moving into your first home or just trying to stay on top of chores, this Redfin guide will explain how to clean and care for your kitchen appliances,  ensuring a long-lasting, functional kitchen. Why cleaning kitchen appliances matters Keeping kitchen appliances clean isn’t just about appearances; it directly impacts your home’s hygiene, energy efficiency, and the lifespan of the appliances. A dirty refrigerator or microwave can harbor bacteria, while clogged coils or filters can cause machines to overwork and wear out faster. Regular cleaning saves money on repairs and ensures your appliances run sm...

Who Pays Realtor Fees in Ohio?

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If you’re preparing to sell a home in the Buckeye State, you’re likely reviewing recent sale prices in your neighborhood and estimating potential proceeds at closing. If it’s your first home sale — or your first in a while — you may also be asking: Who pays Realtor fees in Ohio? This question has become even more common since a major National Association of Realtors (NAR) court settlement changed how real estate agent compensation is communicated and negotiated nationwide. Beginning in August 2024 , sellers are no longer presumed to cover the buyer’s agent commission, a shift from long-standing industry practice. So what does this mean for Ohio home sellers today? In this guide, we’ll explain who typically pays Realtor fees in Ohio, how commissions are working in the current housing market, and when covering a buyer’s agent fee may still make financial sense. You’ll also find an Ohio agent commission calculator to help you estimate potential costs. A Top Ohio Agent Can Increase...

How Flat Rate Real Estate Agents Work — And Why They Could Save You Thousands

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Key takeaways A flat-rate real estate agent charges a fixed fee instead of a percentage-based commission, often saving sellers thousands — especially on higher-value homes. Flat-fee services vary widely: from full-service flat fee real estate agents to basic MLS listing packages where you do more of the work. While flat fee brokerages offer predictable pricing and cost savings, they can also come with trade-offs like less personalized support and potential additional fees. Understanding the differences between flat-rate realtors and traditional commission-based agents will help you decide which approach fits your selling strategy. For decades, selling a home almost always meant paying a commission, which was split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. In contrast, a flat-fee real estate agent charges a set, predetermined fee for their services, regardless of the home’s final sale price. Sellers increasingly see this model as a smarter, more predictable way to sell — ...