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States That Will Pay You to Move There in 2026

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Key Takeaways Places across the U.S. are offering incentives to attract new residents, ranging from cash to free recreation equipment. Since the pandemic, relocation programs have become more popular as remote work and an affordability crisis push people to consider new options. Many of the places offering incentives are in the Midwest. Did you know some states will pay you thousands of dollars just to move there? In an era where the cost of living has reached near-record highs and about 22% of people work remotely, many places are seizing the opportunity to attract residents through innovative incentives. From tax breaks to cash, these programs are designed to attract a diverse range of talent, boost populations, and strengthen local economies. Some of the incentives are substantial, reaching $20,000, while others are smaller and offer free recreation equipment, assistance with down payments, or mortgage subsidies. Most places are focused on bringing in remote workers, but so...

When Should a Seller Buy Down the Interest Rate for a Buyer?

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You’ve got a buyer who loves your home, but there’s one problem: the monthly mortgage payment is making them pause. You don’t want to lower your asking price just to make the deal more affordable, especially when you’ve already priced your home fairly . What if you could help lower their payment without taking a big cut on the sale price? A seller buy down interest rate can do just that. In this article, we’ll answer what exactly this buyer incentive is and when a seller should buy down the interest rate for a buyer. To further help you decide if this tactic is right for your situation, we spoke with Claire Paris , a top Portland real estate agent with more than 20 years of experience. She says a well-structured buydown offer can make a difference. Ask a Top Agent if You Should Offer a Rate Buydown Sellers can often retain more proceeds by offering a buyer an interest rate buydown rather than...

Which Home Improvement Projects Should Sellers Tackle First?

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If you’re getting ready to sell, it’s easy to look around your home and see a long list of things you could fix or update. But with limited time and money, which home improvement projects should come first? The answer matters, especially when buyers are paying close attention to condition. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), about half of buyers say they’re less willing to compromise on a home’s condition. Still, you don’t need to tackle everything before listing. Focus first on problems that could affect your sale, then consider cosmetic improvements based on your budget, timeline, and what buyers in your market expect. Renovating? Check your home value first How much is your home worth today? In as little as two minutes, HomeLight can provide you with a preliminary estimate of value in preparation of your plans to renovate, remodel, or mak...

Home Appraisal Costs, Uses, and What to Expect from the Process

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Home appraisals are frequently used in real estate to determine property value for various purposes. Lenders require appraisals when you take out a mortgage or refinance a home. A home appraisal may also be necessary to settle an estate or price a home to sell. So, how much is a house appraisal if you need one? Although web estimates place the average cost of a single-family home appraisal somewhere between $300 and $500 , these online figures tend to skew a bit low, according to real estate experts. “Almost anywhere in the country, the minimum amount necessary for a credible home appraisal is likely going to be somewhere between $450-$550,” shares Mike Ford , a Southern California-based general certified real estate appraiser since 1986. Angi pegs the average cost of a home appraisal at $359 , but data from the National Association of Realtors®’ (NAR) Appraisal Survey suggests that it’s more like $500 . Costs will vary based on what area of the country you live in, the type of home...

Termite Trouble: How to Sell Your Home With These Little Destructive Houseguests

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Termites may only be ¼ of an inch in size , but when it comes to your home, they can be one mighty problem. These little buggers can corrupt a home’s foundation, walls, ceilings, doors — you name it. Worst of all, unless you live in Alaska, there’s no escaping them. They’re a nuisance to homeowners in 49 out of 50 U.S. states — and they especially love warmer climates. Termites are a big headache for homeowners and an even bigger one for homeowners who want to sell. Luckily, that doesn’t mean that you’re out of options as a seller. Stressed About Selling a Damaged Home? Skip repairs and sell your house ‘as is’ with an all-cash offer from HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Learn More Whether you’re hosting these unwelcome house guests currently or your home has a history of termites, there’s hope for sell...

Selling a House With a Tenant Living There: What Are Your Options?

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The national median price of an apartment in August 2026 stood at $1,664 . This is +0.8% higher than the previous year. Though rent prices are cooling after the inflated prices brought on by the pandemic, owning rental property continues to hold a huge appeal for people who want a stream of passive income as well as a solid real estate investment . Trouble is, selling a house with a tenant can be as big a headache as finding a suitable tenant in the first place. The terms of the lease come into play, as do landlord-tenant laws and state statutes. Your state’s bar association outlines landlords and tenants rights and responsibilities , such as providing reasonable notice to enter the property barring an emergency. Sell Your Rental Property With Tenants Tap into our nationwide network of cash real estate buyers, which includes long-term rental investors who may be OK with an active lease. We...

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At

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You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app. from Keeping Current Matters https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2026/08/27/sellers-are-cutting-prices-to-meet-buyers-where-theyre-at/