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®.

Dont Panic! 3 Money-Saving, Last-Minute Tax Tips for Homeowners

It’s heeeere: tax time. Although the deadline is a little later this year (April 18—thank you, weekend!), we’re still getting a bit close for comfort. ... Read More »

A realtor explains how to set yourself up as a homebuyer long before you ever start shopping

There's no doubt buying your first home can be intimidating. ... Read More »

Dont Look for a Great Idea, Look for a Good Problem

At the center of every significant innovation is always an idea. Clarence Birdseye's idea about freezing fish revolutionized the food industry and American diets. ... Read More »

Redfin: Low down payments still work in today’s competitive market

Despite the current lack of inventory in the housing market, homebuyers can still successfully close on a house with a low down payment, according to a survey this month of more than 800 Redfin real estate agents. ... Read More »

The Very Best States for Retirement—and Nope, Florida Is Not No. 1

Retirees and Florida seem to be as natural a combo as peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti and meatballs, and, well, older people and warmer weather. Except, as it turns out, the Sunshine State may not be the best place to live out one’s golden years after all. ... Read More »

How to Prepare to Buy a Home: First, Use This Checklist

As everyone knows, a house is not an impulse purchase; you can’t just waltz in and declare “I’ll take it!” Long before you get to making that offer (on paper, through your real estate agent)—and even before going to your first open house—there are a ton of things to do and to prepare. ... Read More »

Moving From a Home With 2 Bedrooms to 3 Costs an Extra $450 a Month

Thinking about moving this year? Whether your family is growing or you’re just looking for more space, upgrading to a home with an extra bed or bath comes with a premium in most metros. ... Read More »

Here’s what you need to qualify for a reverse mortgage

Home equity conversion mortgages, more commonly known as reverse mortgages, are another avenue for homeowners to add to their financial assets and retirement plans. ... Read More »

The Parent Trap: 4 Home-Buying Mistakes People Make for Their Kids

Ah, the things people do for their kids. One of the biggies? Buying a megamansion with a massive backyard perched in a stellar school district so they can give their offspring the best life possible—even if they’re mortgaged to the hilt. ... Read More »

5 Ways Youll Spend Money on Your New Construction Home After Closing

By the time you get the keys to your new construction home, you might feel stretched thin in the finance department. From earnest money and design center upgrades, to closing costs and moving expenses, buying a brand-new home is never cheap. ... Read More »