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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

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.  

Some would-be sellers are choosing to rent out their homes instead of facing a slow housing market. 

A home renovation can be a major undertaking. The current supply chain issues might make this task even more of a challenge. 

Buying a home can be a stronger investment, but it requires commitment. Here’s how to save for a down payment and what you can do if you’re struggling to qualify for a conventional loan.

An estimated 3 million Americans bought homes since the beginning of the pandemic. Here’s what happened and what buying behavior may look like in the future. 

For first-time home buyers, the process of finding and buying a home can seem overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide on a few important things you should know before diving into that purchase. 

Opendoor’s Financial Wellness Study interviewed over 2,000 respondents to gauge their financial burdens and goals. An overwhelming majority of them listed buying a home as a top stressor.

When buying or selling real estate, some of the terms used by real estate agents and others may be confusing. Here are several important terms to consider before listing your home or making an offer.

Home equity is typically defined as the difference between your home’s value and your mortgage balance. Increasing it can help you build wealth and provide a cash resource when you may need it. 

Although renting may be a good option in some situations, many people still aspire to be homeowners. Here are several homeownership benefits to consider that may make buying a more appealing choice in some cases.

Comps, or comparable sales, can help you determine how much your home is worth in the current market. Here’s what you need to know about this commonly-used real estate term.

Buying a home for the first time can be a tricky business. Here’s how to avoid some first-time home buyer mistakes.

Buying a home? In addition to a down payment, you’ll need to save enough for closing costs. Here’s how to avoid unpleasant surprises and prepare for a smooth closing.


Before you list your home for sale, you probably want it to make a great first impression with potential buyers. Here are several things to consider doing before listing your home that may improve your chances of receiving offers.

If you have never sold a home before, there are some things you can do that may help you attract more potential buyers and avoid unnecessary delays. Here are several important factors to consider before listing your home for sale.

If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, waiting for the market to even out may be a good option. There may be less competition when making offers, which could strengthen your bargaining power and help you find your dream home.

Buying or selling a home may feel confusing if you aren't familiar with some of the processes. Here are several terms to know that may be helpful before you list a home for sale or make an offer.

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.

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