Section

Real Estate

Insights and advice on buying, selling, and investing in real estate.

A picturesque Austin neighborhood with a blend of existing homes and new accessory dwelling units, symbolizing increased housing supply and affordability.

ADUs Boost Housing, But Broader Reforms Are Needed

In Austin, median rent plummeted by nearly $250 in just four years.

Mason Clarke· Apr 11· 4 min
Split image: homeowner observing appraiser, buyer reviewing mortgage with broker, highlighting the critical role of home appraisals in real estate.

How Does the Home Appraisal Process Work for Buyers and Sellers?

A home appraisal, often seen as a mere formality, can derail a sale or save a buyer thousands.

Mason Clarke· Jul 6· 4 min
Split image showing a dynamic seller's market contrasted with a more balanced buyer's market, illustrating the impact on home valuation.

Buyer's vs Seller's Market: Impact on Home Valuation

In March, the typical home listing spent 57 days on the market—four days longer than a year ago—according to Realtor .

Mason Clarke· Jul 2· 4 min
Professional home inspector carefully examining the interior of a living room with a flashlight, identifying potential issues for a home buyer.

How Do Professional Home Inspections Work in Real Estate?

A 2,000-square-foot single-family home typically requires just 2 to 3 hours of on-site assessment for a professional home inspection, yet this brief window can uncover issues saving buyers tens of tho

Mason Clarke· Jun 24· 4 min
Split image illustrating a seller's market versus a buyer's market in real estate, with contrasting signs and buyer/seller interactions.

Seller's vs Buyer's Market: Which Real Estate Strategy Wins Now?

In May, median list prices dropped 2.

Mason Clarke· Jun 21· 4 min
Homeowner confused by legal documents on their property, with a shadowy figure indicating an easement.

What Are Property Deeds, Titles, and Easements for Homeowners?

Imagine owning a piece of land in 2026, only to discover a stranger has a legal right to enter it without your permission and to use it for specific purposes, according to Freedom Mortgage .

Mason Clarke· May 15· 3 min
A professional home inspector in a tool belt with a flashlight examining a house foundation at sunset, emphasizing expertise and thoroughness.

What is the role and responsibilities of a home inspector in 2026?

To earn the highest certification from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), an inspector must first complete at least 250 fee-paid home inspections.

Mason Clarke· May 13· 4 min
Home inspector meticulously checking the foundation of a house during a pre-purchase inspection.

What Do Home Inspectors Look For When Buying a House?

For a median cost of $475 to $575 on the Colorado Front Range, a home inspection can provide a buyer with a crucial 'out' from a problematic deal, potentially saving tens of thousands in future repair

Mason Clarke· May 12· 3 min
A homeowner looking concerned while examining property tax documents at their kitchen table, symbolizing the financial weight of homeownership.

How Do Property Taxes Work for Homeowners?

In 16 U.S. counties, median property tax payments already exceed $10,000 annually, instantly hitting the federal deduction cap for many homeowners, according to the Tax Foundation . While homeowners c

Mason Clarke· Apr 26· 3 min
Florida homeowner reviewing property tax bill, seeking ways to protest and lower their tax assessment.

How to Protest Property Taxes in Florida and Lower Your Bill

In Florida, appealing your property tax assessment is a fundamental right that many homeowners overlook.

Mason Clarke· Apr 20· 4 min
A real estate agent and buyer carefully examining a home appraisal report, with sunlight illuminating the document on a kitchen table.

How Does the Home Appraisal Process Work for Buyers and Sellers?

A home appraisal, typically completed within a week, is often perceived as a mere formality for the lender, yet it can become a buyer's most powerful negotiation tool, potentially saving them thousand

Mason Clarke· Apr 18· 4 min
A diverse cityscape at sunset, symbolizing the complex factors influencing housing property values in the upcoming year.

What Factors Influence Housing Property Values in 2026?

The typical age of a new homebuyer has reached an all-time high of 40, even as mortgage rates are projected to stabilize around 6% in 2026.

Mason Clarke· Apr 16· 4 min
A contemporary accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in a backyard setting, showcasing a practical and aesthetically pleasing housing expansion option for homeowners.

How to Plan and Build an ADU in 2026: A Complete Guide

New York City has released eleven preapproved architectural plans for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), providing residents with streamlined options to expand housing on their properties.

Mason Clarke· Apr 11· 4 min
Futuristic AI interface analyzing a 3D house model for home inspection, contrasting with a traditional inspector.

AI's Impact on Home Inspections and Their Limitations

An AI now generates professional home inspection comments in roughly 7 seconds, drastically speeding up a process traditionally reliant on extensive manual observation and writing.

Mason Clarke· Jun 7· 2 min