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Offers & Negotiation

Making or accepting an offer on a house is a big milestone. We'll help you learn the lingo and negotiate the best terms.

Using seller credits for repairs: What you need to know
Offers & Negotiation
Using seller credits for repairs: What you need to know

Seller credits can be used for almost any type of repair. They come directly from the seller’s pocket or can be tacked on to the final cost of the home.

What is a jumbo loan — and do you need one?
Mortgage & Financing
What is a jumbo loan — and do you need one?

Any mortgage over a specific dollar amount set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency is called a jumbo loan. The cutoff for jumbo loans is updated each year.

Why are you getting unsolicited offers about buying your house?
Offers & Negotiation
Why are you getting unsolicited offers about buying your house?

Investors are cold calling homeowners to buy their houses. Many of these offers are legitimate, but they probably won’t get you top dollar for your home.

How to calculate buying someone out of a house
Offers & Negotiation
How to calculate buying someone out of a house

Deciding what to do with a major asset like a house when a personal relationship breaks down is a challenge. These are your options for if that day comes.

15 Smart Questions to Ask the Seller When Buying a House
Offers & Negotiation
15 Smart Questions to Ask the Seller When Buying a House

If you have burning questions that come to mind when buying a home, don’t be afraid to ask the property's seller directly. Here are some good ones.

Should You Take the First Offer on Your House?
Offers & Negotiation
Should You Take the First Offer on Your House?

You aren’t required to accept the first offer, or any offer, you receive. But there may be financial repercussions, especially if there is only one offer.

How often does a home sale fall through?
Offers & Negotiation
How often does a home sale fall through?

If you’ve made it to closing day, there’s a good chance your real estate deal will go through. However, during the pending and offer periods, things can awry.

How to Win a Bidding War When Buying a Home
Offers & Negotiation
How to Win a Bidding War When Buying a Home

Is there anything worse than the feeling of going above your budget for a home, only to lose out anyway?ÌýHere's how to win a bidding war.

Your guide to offering below asking price on a house
Offers & Negotiation
Your guide to offering below asking price on a house

Making a low offer? Learn how to calculate a fair price based on the market, home condition, and seller’s needs, plus tips on how much under asking to go.

My home isn't getting any offers — what gives?
Offers & Negotiation
My home isn't getting any offers — what gives?

What can you do if you have lots of viewings but no offers? How long should you expect your house to stay on the market?

5 Expert Negotiation Tactics for Home Buyers
Offers & Negotiation
5 Expert Negotiation Tactics for Home Buyers

If you want to negotiate the best price, upgrades (such as a new roof), or concessions when buying a house, take it from the experts.

How long does a home appraisal take?
Offers & Negotiation
How long does a home appraisal take?

A home appraisal happens after you make an offer on a home and typically takes two days to a week to complete.

What is a home sale contingency?
Glossary
What is a home sale contingency?

Juggling both buying and selling isn't easy, so some people choose to include a home sale contingency in their offer on a new home.

What does active contingent mean for home buyers?
Glossary
What does active contingent mean for home buyers?

If a property has an active contingent status, it means the seller has accepted an offer from a potential buyer. However, the home sale isn't finalized yet.

What is a contingent offer?
Buying Before Selling
What is a contingent offer?

A contingent offer is an offer on a house that isn't finalized until certain conditions are met, usually for the buyer’s protection.

What are seller concessions? Here’s what you need to know
Offers & Negotiation
What are seller concessions? Here’s what you need to know

Seller concessions, sometimes called closing cost credits, are paid by the seller on behalf of the buyer, and they're more common in buyer's markets.