How Fast Can You Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan? Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is one of the first steps in the homebuying journey. It gives you a clear picture of how much house you can afford and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. But if you’re ready to start shopping for a home, you

  The stress of buying a house is real, and you’re not alone in feeling it. Between financial uncertainty, emotional highs and lows, and a fast-moving housing market, homebuying can quickly become overwhelming, even for experienced buyers. This Redfin Real Estate guide breaks down why the process i

Key takeaways Your mortgage isn’t the only cost— taxes, insurance, and maintenance can add up. Be prepared for ongoing expenses like property taxes and homeowners insurance. Set aside money each year for repairs and maintenance. Don’t forget about utilities, HOA fees, and upfront costs like closin

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): What It Is, How It Works, and How to Get Rid of It Key Takeaways: PMI is required on conventional loans with less than 20% down. It adds to your monthly costs but can be removed once you reach 20% equity. You can avoid PMI with a larger down payment, VA loan, o