PropertyProsRated guides
Practical property guides — what things cost, how to choose, and how to do it right.
- How-to What a Home Inspection Covers (and What It Misses) A home inspection covers structure, roof, and major systems -- but not everything. Learn what inspectors check, what they skip, and when to waive is too risky.
- Data & trends Security Deposit Limits by State: What Landlords Can Charge Security deposit limits vary from no cap to two months' rent depending on your state. See the rules for 14 states, return timelines, and landlord compliance tips.
- Comparison Rent vs. Buy: How to Run the Numbers for Your Market Compare the true costs of renting vs. buying in your market. Includes break-even math, hidden ownership costs, and a step-by-step calculator walkthrough.
- Comparison Realtor vs. FSBO: What Sellers Actually Save (and Lose) The real math on FSBO vs. hiring a realtor after the 2024 NAR settlement -- commission rates, net proceeds, legal risks, and who should sell without an agent.
- Comparison Property Manager vs. Self-Managing: Cost and Time Compared Compare the real cost of hiring a property manager -- fees, leasing charges, markups -- against what self-managing a rental actually demands in time and money.
- How-to How to Stage Your Home to Sell (Without a Stager) Practical, DIY home staging tips that help sellers reduce days on market and attract stronger offers -- no professional stager required.
- How-to How to Screen a Tenant: A Landlord's Practical Guide Learn how to screen tenants legally and effectively -- from rental applications and income verification to background checks and Fair Housing compliance.
- How-to How to Read a Lease Agreement Before You Sign Know what to look for in a rental lease before you sign. Rent terms, deposit rules, maintenance duties, red-flag clauses, and what you can negotiate.
- How-to How to Buy Your First Home: A Step-by-Step Guide A plain-spoken, step-by-step guide to buying your first home -- from checking your credit to closing day, with real timelines and costs.
- Comparison Fixed-Rate vs. ARM Mortgage: Which Is Right for You? Fixed-rate vs. ARM mortgage: understand how each works, what payment shock means in practice, and which structure fits your timeline and risk tolerance.
- Cost guide Down Payment Requirements by Loan Type (2026) FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA down payment minimums explained with real program rules, eligibility, and what you actually need to close in 2026.
- Comparison Condo vs. Single-Family Home: A Buyer's Honest Comparison Compare condos and single-family homes on cost, HOA fees, maintenance, financing, and resale value so you can decide which purchase fits your situation.
- Cost guide Closing Costs Explained: What Buyers Actually Pay Closing costs typically run 2-5% of your loan amount. Here is every fee buyers pay at the table, who pays what, and how to reduce the total.
- Data & trends Closing Costs by State: What Buyers Pay in Each Market Average closing costs vary from under 1% to over 3% of the purchase price depending on your state. See what buyers typically pay and why the gap is so wide.
- Data & trends Average Days on Market by State (Current Data) How long does it take to sell a house? See typical days on market by state, what drives faster and slower timelines, and how to read your local number.