The Better Buy

Buying a home is an exciting milestone. But with so many decisions to make and factors to consider, navigating the process isn't always straightforward. With advice for listing your home, setting a budget, and staging to sell, our homebuying primer is here to answer all your real estate questions. Whether you're a first-time buyer or selling your current home, we'll help you close the deal.

What First-Time Homebuyers Need to Know, According to Real Estate Pros

Buying your first home? Make your house-hunt successful with expert advice for navigating the process, even in a challenging market. Brokers share tips for getting your finances in order, choosing a real estate agent, narrowing down housing options, and acing the inspections, so you can land the home of your dreams.

How Long Exactly Does It Take to Buy a House?

Between searching through pages of listings, attending showings, and putting together an offer, buying a home can be a long process. Once your offer is accepted, the typical timeframe to close is 45 to 60 days. However, there are a few factors that can affect the typical timeline of buying a home. Here, learn how long homebuying takes from offer to closing, plus tips for speeding up the sale.

How Home Staging Can Help You Sell Your House

Home staging is the process of bringing in furniture, art, and accessories to make your home look its best and help buyers imagine a future at the property. Staging can transform an outdated or cluttered space into a blank slate for creating new memories. And if you do it well, staging can help your home sell quickly—and at a decent price. Here, stagers share their secrets to styling a home for listing photos and showings.

What to Look for During a Final Walkthrough

A final walkthrough is the point in the homebuying process when you get to have one last look at the property you're about to purchase. While not required, it's in your best interest to do a final walkthrough, as it allows you to go back to the seller with additional questions or repair requests. Here, realtors recommend the items and areas to check during a final walkthrough, including appliances, air conditioners, windows, and more.

How to Pack for Your Next Move, According to a Professional Organizer

Whether you're headed across the country or just down the road, moving requires plenty of planning. Help your items make it onto the truck safely and keep them protected throughout the trip with vetted packing tips from a professional organizer. Learn how to pack cumbersome and breakable items, including dishware, shoes, toiletries, and more, in a way that makes for no-nonsense unpacking upon your arrival.

The Ultimate To-Do List for Moving into a New House

Make your transition into a new home a success by following our essential moving checklist. With must-know security and cleaning tasks you should complete immediately after moving in, as well as paperwork to plan for, these tips on what to do to your space first will help make the transition smooth and stress-free.

10 Must-Have Home Upgrades That Are Actually Worth It

Whether you recently purchased a new house or you're planning a remodel, feel good about investing in your home with these expert-approved upgrades. A mix of practical updates will better protect your house and make it more efficient—and many are great for resale value, too. From small upgrades like custom kitchen storage to large-scale projects like a new roof or radiant heat flooring, these home projects are actually worth the investment.

Essential Upgrades for Aging in Place

Aging in place entails staying put as you get older—and making the necessary updates to ensure your home is as safe and accessible as possible. Luckily, not all renovations require a total overhaul; simple swaps like smart technology, securing floor coverings, and fresh lighting can also improve quality of life. As you consider options for aging in place, learn the expert-recommended upgrades you should make to create your forever home.