Housing Chatter delivers the news you need to know about current events in the housing market in simple terms. We have no political or institutional affiliations so you can be confident that our content and commentary is unbiased. Housing Chatter is brought to you by your professional Realtor®.

How to Sail Through the Home-Closing Process Without a Hitch

Few steps in the home-buying process are as stressful as the closing. While some jurisdictions refer to closing as “settlement” or “escrow,” it’s essentially the same wherever you go: that pivotal moment when all parties meet to transfer ownership of a home from seller to buyer, and all the money required to make that happen changes hands. ... Read More »

Expert Advice for Chinese Home Buyers

The home-purchasing process for foreign nationals isn't always smooth sailing. ... Read More »

5 Real Estate Trends to Expect in 2017

We won't pretend to know everything that 2017 will bring—heck, 2016 sure surprised us—but we think we can predict a few things when it comes to real estate. Our housing forecast highlights five key trends that are likely to influence home buyers and sellers in the coming year. ... Read More »

Home Buyers: 5 Things to Know As You Wait for Closing Day

The seller accepted your offer, and now you've just got to sign on the dotted line. Right? ... Read More »

6 Cheap Home Improvements That Make a Big Difference

If you own a home, odds are you would love to make some home improvements but flinch at the cost. After all, a major kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel will set you back around $60,000 on average—and who has that kind of money lying around? But there’s good news: Not all home upgrades are that pricey. ... Read More »

Forget What You Know: This Year, Sellers May Benefit From Listing Early

Conventional wisdom in real estate holds that sellers should time the market to maximize their price. Why? Because home sales are extremely seasonal: They peak in spring and summer, when prices peak as well. ... Read More »

5 ways the housing market will be different in 2017

The end of a year always has people wondering what the next will bring. And after a year like 2016 – with its political upsets, social uncertainty and international instability – many are desperately looking forward to a change in 2017. ... Read More »

How to Measure Your Homes Square Footage

One of the most confusing and misleading metrics in real estate is area — the "size" of a house. ... Read More »

Should I Sell or Rent Out My House? How to Weigh the Pros and Cons

Many homeowners who need to move decide to sell their current home so they can have plenty of cash to buy their next digs. Still, though, some might wonder: Should I sell or rent out my house? It’s a good question. ... Read More »

4 Tips for Selling Your Home in the Winter

A little extra care may be needed to show off your property's assets during the cold and snowy months. ... Read More »