Is Earnest Money Refundable? When You Can (and Can’t) Get It Back

When you make an offer on a home, you’ll usually include earnest money – a good-faith deposit between 1% to 3% of the purchase price that shows you’re committed to the purchase. If the sale goes through, it’s applied to your down payment or closing costs. But what happens if the deal falls apart – i

Top 10 U.S. Towns Where Vacation Homes Dominate The Market

In some American towns, nearly every house sits empty for part of the year. Whether it’s a beachside bungalow, a mountainside chalet, or a lakeside estate, these seasonal homes are usually owned by part-time residents – and in the most extreme cases, they make up over 98% of all housing in town. Fro

What to Know About Gift Tax on Property: A Comprehensive Guide

Key takeaways: Annual gift tax exclusion: $19,000 per person in 2025 ($38,000 for couples). Lifetime gift and estate tax exemption: $13.99 million in 2025, but expected to drop in 2026. Inheritance advantage: Stepped-up basis often saves heirs from significant capital gains taxes. Trusts and spousal

The Foreclosure Process: What It Means and How Long It Takes

When homeowners miss several mortgage payments, their lender may begin the foreclosure process. This is a legal procedure that allows the lender to take back the home and sell it to recover the remaining balance. While it’s a stressful situation, understanding how the process works can make it easie