Real estate questions, answered

Short, direct answers to the questions people ask before buying, selling, borrowing, investing or renovating. Each answer links to the calculator that applies it and the guide that goes deeper.

Buying

Offers, appraisals, inspections and closing. Buying Knowledge Center →

• Can seller concessions cover closing costs?
• How much below asking price should I offer?
• How long does it take to close on a house?
• Is a Fixer-Upper Worth Buying?
• Is This House Worth the Asking Price?
• What happens when an appraisal is low?Answered in: Appraisal Gap
• How much cash is required at closing?Answered in: Cash to Close
• What should I check before buying a house?Answered in: What to Check Before Buying a House

Selling

Timing, pricing, repairs and what you keep. Selling Knowledge Center →

• Should I sell my house now or wait?
• Are seller concessions better than a lower price?Answered in: Seller Credit vs Price Reduction
• Should I renovate before selling?Answered in: Best Renovations Before Selling
• How should I price my home to sell?Answered in: Pricing Mistakes Home Sellers Make

Mortgages

Down payments, rates, points, locks and refinancing. Mortgages Knowledge Center →

• Why did my mortgage payment increase?
• How much should I put down on a house?
• How much house can I afford?
• Buy Now, Refinance Later: Does It Work?
• HELOC vs Cash-Out Refinance: Which Is Better?
• Mortgage Points: Are They Worth It?
• How does a 2-1 mortgage buydown work?Answered in: 2-1 Buydown
• Should I lock my mortgage rate?Answered in: Mortgage Rates & Rate Locks Guide
• Is mortgage recasting better than refinancing?Answered in: Mortgage Recasting: How It Works and When It Pays

Investing

Cap rates, cash flow, reserves and strategy. Investing Knowledge Center →

• Why is my rental cash flow negative?
• Is a higher cap rate always better?
• How much should I budget for vacancy and maintenance?
• Is a 6% cap rate good?
• Is This Rental Property a Good Investment?
• What is the difference between ROI and cash-on-cash return?Answered in: ROI vs Cash-on-Cash Return
• Is BRRRR better than fix-and-flip?Answered in: BRRRR vs Fix and Flip

Remodeling

Budgets, contingencies and whether a project pays. Remodeling Knowledge Center →

• How much contingency should I budget for a renovation?
• How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a House?
• Should I remodel or move?Answered in: Remodel vs. Move Calculator
• Does a kitchen remodel add value?Answered in: Kitchen Remodel ROI Guide

New construction

Builder pricing, negotiation and inspections. New construction Knowledge Center →

• What does a new construction home really cost?
• New Construction vs Existing Homes — Which Is the Better Buy?
• Can I negotiate with a builder?Answered in: Can You Negotiate With a Builder? What Buyers Need to Know
• Do I need an inspection on a new construction home?Answered in: New Construction Inspection Guide
• Are builder incentives better than a lower price?Answered in: Builder Rate Buydown vs Price Reduction