Bài đăng

Property Taxes by State: What You’ll Pay Based on Where You Live

Hình ảnh
Key Takeaways: Property taxes help fund essential public services and are based on the assessed value of property, not what you paid for it. New Jersey (1.88%), Illinois (1.88%), Connecticut (1.54%), Vermont (1.51%), and New Hampshire (1.50%) have the highest property tax rates in the country. Hawaii (0.29%), Alabama (0.37%), Utah (0.48%), Arizona (0.48%), and South Carolina (0.49%) have the lowest property tax rates. Buying a home isn’t just about the purchase price. You’ll also need to budget for ongoing costs like property taxes, which can vary widely depending on where you live. Two homes with similar values can come with very different tax bills based on state and local rates.  Below, we break down property taxes by state so you can compare where costs are highest and where you might pay less over time. What are property taxes? Property taxes are taxes homeowners pay based on the assessed value of their property. This applies to all types of real estate, including ...

How to Sell My House for Cash in Payson

Hình ảnh
If you’re looking to sell a house for cash in Payson, Arizona, you’re probably looking for a fast, streamlined sale. With a cash offer, you can often skip home preparations, repairs, and showings, and close on your timeline. The three big questions on your mind might be: How do I sell a house for cash in Payson? What does this convenience cost? How much more can I get for my Payson house if I make repairs? We’ll present the two most common options for receiving an all-cash offer in the Rim Country, and what the offer amount might look like, depending on who you sell to and whether you make repairs or sell as-is. Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Payson Agent Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Payson home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 10 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Payson agent. Request Cash Offer Options to sell my house for cash in Payson ...

5 Simple Ways to Help Protect Your Home from Fire

Hình ảnh
Owning a home — whether it’s a house in Brooklyn, NY or a condo in Miami, FL — comes with responsibilities that go beyond curb appeal and mortgage payments . From routine maintenance to long-term protection, it’s worth thinking about how to protect your home beyond day-to-day upkeep.  While many buyers focus on financing options like an FHA loan , it’s just as important to think about how to protect that investment once you move in. This Redfin article breaks down how to protect your home from fire with simple, effective strategies. 1. Start where most homeowners forget: The dryer vent When thinking about fire hazards, most people jump to kitchens or candles but your laundry room can be just as risky. Broker associate Robyn Robinson explains, “A very common overlooked fire prevention tool is to frequently check the dryer vent to the outside. Homeowners typically clean the dryer but overlook the tube that fills up with lint and isn’t visible to the eye.” Ben Joseph, co-...

Why Are Houses So Expensive Right Now?

Hình ảnh
Key takeaways Home prices are high largely due to a long-term housing shortage —an issue stemming from decades of underbuilding. Strict zoning laws and investor activity are also limiting supply and shaping the market. A supply-driven feedback loop is keeping prices elevated as buyers and sellers stay on the sidelines. Affordability is improving slowly, but homebuilding and supply need to increase for the market to return to life. It’s not a stretch to say these are unprecedented times for the housing market. Home prices have surged 30% over the past five years, hitting a record $446,000 in 2025, while elevated mortgage rates and a shaky economy continue to complicate the picture. The impact shows up in monthly costs . Mortgage rates have pushed payments higher , while rising insurance, inflation, and property taxes are adding even more pressure. These trends have created a slow and expensive housing market that strongly favors buyers . Homes are taking longer to sell ...

How to Buy a House with No (or Very Little) Money Down in 2026

Hình ảnh
Key takeaways USDA and VA loans offer zero-down payment options for qualified buyers.. Low-down-payment loans are available if you don’t qualify for zero-down options. Using a no-down-payment loan can help you become a homeowner sooner, but they still come with upfront costs. One of the biggest hurdles to becoming a homeowner is saving enough money for a down payment. While it’s a common myth that you need a 20% down payment, there are loan options that allow for much lower—or even zero—down payments. Whether you’re looking to buy a home in Portland, OR , or a condo in Nashville, TN , here’s what to know about buying a house with little to no money down, including the loan options available and how to qualify. Can you buy a house with no money down? Yes, you can buy a house with no down payment if you qualify for a VA or USDA loan. However, keep in mind that you’ll still need to cover closing costs and other upfront expenses. Additionally, if you’re a first-time homebuye...

How to Analyze an Investment Property Before You Buy

Investing in real estate can build long-term wealth, but only if the numbers work. An investment property is an income-producing asset, and analyzing it properly helps you understand cash flow, risk, and return before committing your money. Whether you’re looking to buy a home in Orlando or a condo in Lexington , this Redfin real estate guide will teach you how to evaluate a rental property step by step, first by defining your investment goals and ensuring the property you’re analyzing will let you break even. Define your investment goals Start by clarifying what you want from the property: Steady monthly cash flow Long-term appreciation Tax advantages A short-term fix-and-flip Your goal determines which metrics matter most. A property that works for appreciation may not generate strong monthly income, and vice versa. Estimate rental income accurately Your projected rent drives the entire analysis. Review comparable rentals of similar size, location, and condition. ...

What Is a Move-In-Ready Home? A Seller’s Guide to Attracting Buyers

Hình ảnh
In a recent HomeLight survey of more than 850 top-rated real estate agents, 76% said the biggest selling point for buyers in today’s market is a home in move-in-ready condition. But where is the bar for sellers today? What qualifies as a move-in-ready home? In this post, we reveal what move-in-ready really means through a seller’s lens, including what buyers look for , where sellers often misjudge their home’s condition, and which updates can help you sell faster and for a stronger price. We’ll also share expert tips and provide a home seller calculator that lets you enter renovation and repair costs to see how your preparations may impact your final proceeds. How Much Is Your Home Worth Now? Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator. Get Estimate What is a move-in-ready home? At its core, a move-in-ready home is one that allows a buyer to move in without ...