For nearly two years, America’s housing market has been gripped by what economists and real estate experts have dubbed the mortgage “lock-in effect.” This is a term to describe the millions of homeowners who landed very low mortgage rates during the COVID-19 pandemic that “locked” them into their homes. They have been reluctant to sell their homes and get a new loan at today’s higher rates. As a result, housing stock has remained tight, competition for affordable homes has been high, and...

Tax season is approaching, and if you own a home, your return may be a little more complicated. However, it could also be much cheaper. Owning a home unlocks valuable deductions and credits that can lower your tax bill or even boost your refund. But between mortgage interest, property taxes, and energy-efficient home improvements, figuring out what applies to you can feel overwhelming. Not to worry—we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re filing as a homeowner for the first time or you’re a...

Spring is always a hot season for the housing market, and this season the competition may be especially fierce. With the number of homes for sale remaining limited, serious buyers may be looking for ways to stand out when they find a home they want to call home. Enter the all-cash offer—a homebuying power move that could put you ahead of the pack. Why? Because in many markets, cash is the ultimate deciding factor. “Cash offers not only close faster than Conventional mortgages but also provide...

Single women are claiming their place in the real estate market—and in greater numbers than ever before. About 20% of all homebuyers were unattached women, according to a 2024 National Association of Realtors report. Yet women getting the keys to their own castles—and in their own names—was a long time coming. Like so much of women’s history, the tale of how they were able to become property owners is equal parts frustrating and inspiring. Yet their determination reshaped the nation’s...