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Discover short guides, tips, and news about the housing market, written by people who know it inside and out. Start your journey into the housing market today.

Opendoor Briefs | Opendoor

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Found a home listing you love, but it’s got the dreaded “under contract” status? You might not be out of luck — yet. Under contract typically means the deal still has major hurdles to clear, so the seller may be accepting backup offers.

What does under contract mean?

In real estate, "under contract" typically means the deal still has major hurdles to clear, so the seller may be accepting backup offers.

What does under contract mean? | Opendoor

When it comes to saving up for a house, the down payment is just the beginning. At a minimum, most buyers need to set aside 3% for a down payment, 2% to 5% for closing costs, $1,000 for moving expenses, and an optional budget for furniture, repairs, and upgrades.

How much money should I save before buying a house?

At a minimum, most buyers need to set aside 3% for a down payment, 2% to 5% for closing costs, $1,000 for moving expenses, and an optional budget for furniture, repairs, and upgrades.

How much money should I save before buying a house? | Opendoor

If you're in the market for a new house, it's essential to know how much home you can afford. Mortgage pre-approval establishes a home buying budget, so you can shop smarter, submit stronger offers, and close sooner. 

How to get pre-approved for a mortgage

Mortgage pre-approval establishes a home buying budget, so you can shop smarter, submit stronger offers, and close sooner.  Learn more in our full guide.

How to get pre-approved for a mortgage | Opendoor

Escrow is a service where a neutral third party holds money or property until certain conditions are met. If you’re buying a home, you’ll likely use escrow services during the real estate transaction and after you close and start making monthly payments to your mortgage company. 

What is escrow and how does it work?

Escrow is a service where a neutral third party holds money or property until certain conditions are met. Learn more in our full guide.

What is escrow and how does it work? | Opendoor

Discover short guides, tips, and news about the housing market, written by people who know it inside and out.  

A higher mortgage rate can come with a higher mortgage payment, reducing your buying power. Some buyers may need to lower their home budget or find creative solutions to get into a house.

Millennials, the age group currently between 26-41 years old, feel pressure about home buying from several sources. Opendoor’s Financial Wellness Survey takes a closer look at the generation aging into the housing market. 

In a hot market, first-time buyers may avoid costly mistakes by working with a skilled agent, preparing their finances before home shopping, and being strategic with offers.

Getting the keys to your new home isn’t the finish line. Oftentimes, it’s the starting point. See what homeowners on Reddit are sharing as their top unwritten rules of the game. 

In a competitive market, it can be tempting to forgo a home inspection. But failing to identify potential problems could cost you in the long run.  

In this article, we’ll share five tips to help you navigate the process of buying a home in this unique real estate market, so you can move with confidence.

Despite financial challenges like student loan debt and rent increases, millennials comprised 48% of all homebuyers in the most recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) generational research.

A reverse mortgage can be a helpful way to supplement your retirement income. But be careful: these loans can be a lucrative tool for scammers. Here are 5 scams to watch out for.

The fastest-growing cities of 2022 feature abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, cultural attractions, and shopping and dining opportunities. The top 10 fastest-growing cities of 2022 are located in South Carolina, Florida, Idaho, and Texas, according to a recent study by US News & World Report. 

For smart homebuyers, saving up for a down payment is just the beginning. You should also plan for the many costs of purchasing a house, including closing costs, moving expenses, and emergency savings.

Opendoor’s Financial Wellness Survey reveals that some Americans are more willing to relocate for their dream home than others. Here’s a deeper breakdown of the real estate market by region.

Almost a third of all home purchases in the US are now cash deals, with some buyers skipping financing to avoid the rising cost of mortgage rates. Financed buyers may still find opportunities, though, as home prices begin to cool and competition slows.

Thanks to newly implemented rules, nearly 70% of medical debts are being dropped from US credit reports, causing increases to some credit scores. Plus, a new credit scoring model is shaking up how lenders might look at debts. 

Not every offer ends in a sale. Here are four occasions when it could be a good idea to walk away from a home sale negotiation.

Real estate lingo can be complicated. Here are five terms to know that might come in handy the next time you buy or sell a home.

With buying activity cooling, buyers may finally be able to enter the housing market. Yet climbing mortgage rates could make home buying less affordable overall. 

Opendoor’s Financial Wellness study found that 78% of respondents plan to buy a home in the next five years. But the reasoning behind this rush to market varies. 

While the housing market may share commonalities across the country, different regions come with different stress factors. Opendoor’s Financial Wellness Study sheds light on real estate in different states.

Buying a home is a major commitment. If you aren’t sure if you’re ready, these signs may indicate that it’s time to consider home ownership.

You can purchase a house during any season, but spring typically signals the start of the homebuying season. That’s when home inventory and sales usually hit their annual peaks.

Not every housing market is cooling because of rising mortgage rates. In top competitive housing markets like Rochester, Fort Wayne, and Omaha, some homes are getting multiple offers and flying off the market in days.


Depending on the market and the seller, you may be able to negotiate a home’s price. These helpful tips can help when it’s time to buy your home.

Both buying and building come with significant pros and cons. What’s best for you depends on individual circumstances, including your location, budget, moving timeline, and priorities. 

If the home you want to buy needs work, you might be able to negotiate renovations into the purchase. Here are some tips for reaching a successful compromise. 

Selling a home in a competitive market may sound easy, but you can still make costly mistakes. Here are five mistakes to avoid when you’re ready to put your home on the market.

Buyers are flocking to top rated US cities in Alabama, Colorado, and Wisconsin looking for entertainment, dining, history, outdoor recreation, and more.

Most homeowners want top dollar when it’s time to sell, but major projects might be out of the budget. There's good news: with a little time and effort, you could boost your home’s value without breaking the bank. 

Are high home prices and interest rates keeping you from buying? Things may not be as bad as you think. Learn why recent changes in the market may be moving in your favor.

With mortgage rates climbing, home sales are slowing and buyers are reducing their budgets. Those who still want to sell may need to embrace a more flexible approach. 

The top small towns of 2022 feature gorgeous scenery, abundant outdoor life, and plenty of entertainment. Check out the US News & World Report top rated towns in Maine, Colorado, Wyoming, California, and Arizona. 

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