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Redfin Conversational Search: Say Hello to the Future of Real Estate

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Finding the perfect home just got easier. Here’s how to jump in. AI is quickly changing how people find homes and interact with the real estate market. More and more consumers are starting their searches on tools like ChatGPT and Gemini without ever interacting with traditional search platforms, preferring to find homes through conversation and questions.  With homebuyers also increasingly picky in today’s expensive market, Redfin wanted to make it easier and more enjoyable for people to find the home that fits them best. So, we did. Using our new conversational search feature, home searchers can now find homes on Redfin.com and the Redfin app by describing what they want in their own words and engaging in a conversation to refine their search. Users can comment on suggested listings to say the kitchen should be more modern, or respond to follow-up questions about their preferred commute time or proximity to a school they identify, for example. How house hunters are using conv...
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What Are Closing Costs?

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When you’re preparing to sell or buy a home, the phrase “closing costs” will be spoken (and written) on both sides of the transaction table. These numbers impact your financial standing — either cutting into your sale proceeds or increasing your monthly mortgage payments. But what are closing costs? Understanding these costs upfront can help you budget properly and avoid surprises. This guide provides an easy overview of closing costs, who pays them, and how much you can expect to pay. We’ll offer insights on how both sellers and buyers can save on closing costs. The Top 5% of Agents Sell Homes for Up to 10% More HomeLight analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs. Connect with your top agent matches today at no cost. Get Started What are ...
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When Selling a House, Who Pays for What?

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Key Takeaways Costs in a home sale are shared between the buyer and seller, but who pays for what can vary based on the terms of the deal.  Many expenses, including agent commissions, closing costs, and concessions, are negotiable and can be structured in different ways.  Sellers often cover costs like transfer taxes, title-related fees, and agreed-upon repairs, while buyers typically pay for inspections, appraisals, and loan-related expenses.  Buying or selling a home involves more than agreeing on a price. From loan fees and title insurance to inspections and commissions, both parties share the financial responsibility for getting to the closing table. The exact breakdown depends on regional customs, lender rules, and how each side negotiates. Although many costs are commonly handled a certain way, nearly all expenses in a real estate transaction are negotiable and can vary by deal. Understanding who typically pays for what helps you estimate your true costs and...
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Are Real Estate Agent Fees Part of Closing Costs? Guide for Buyers and Sellers

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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...
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Is Late May the Best Time To List Your House?

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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/
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The Mortgage Loan Process: A Practical Guide to Applying For a Mortgage in 2026

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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...
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12 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid in Today’s Market

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...
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