[Briefs Topic Page] Briefs (No Limit)

[Home Buying + Selling Guides Topic Page] Onboarding Flow CTA

Topic Page: Opendoor Briefs

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

Still have questions?

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.  

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. 

Mortgage interest rates are climbing. With higher interest rates, you’ll likely pay more in interest over a 30-year term. 

Making a 5% down payment can be possible, and it could get you into a home sooner than if you saved for 20% down. However, with a lower down payment, you may face a higher rate, larger monthly mortgage payments, and the added expense of mortgage insurance. 

While every buyer’s needs are different, location can play a big role in property values, as buyers tend to seek homes in safe areas with desirable schools, strong amenities, and proximity to commuting options. 

Housing decisions can come with advantages and disadvantages. Homeowners on Reddit discussed some of the best parts about owning a home.

Selling a home and moving is a big decision. Here are some signs that may indicate you’re ready to put your home on the market.

The timeline of a home purchase varies. In general, you can expect it to take between 30 to 50 days. But if you are buying in cash, that can speed up the process. 

Menu

Opendoor Briefs

Curious what your home is worth?

Opendoor Briefs

Trending articles

Curious what your home is worth?