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In a real estate transaction, both the buyer and the seller are looking to maximize their bottom line. This means navigating the highs and lows of the real estate market and strategizing ways to improve the terms of the deal on the table.

One type of incentive that buyers—and sellers—can use is called seller concessions.

Seller concessions occur when a seller agrees to cover the cost of things the buyer usually pays for, such as closing costs, title searches, property appraisals, and other fees. Sellers can also offer to pay for repairs should the home inspection reveal that they’re necessary.

Seller concessions “all have the same goal: to sweeten the deal for a prospective buyer who is on the fence about committing to a purchase,” says Martin Orefice, CEO of Rent to Own Labs in Orlando, FL.

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Everyone’s heard about how high interest rates are making once-affordable homes nearly impossible to pencil out. And with few homes for sale across the country, and prices still historically high—even if they are coming down a little bit—potential buyers have been in a rough spot for most of 2022.

But there are some metros that offer some hope for home shoppers—places where they might be able to submit a lowball offer under the seller’s asking price. These are cities where savvy home shoppers would be wise to putt in an offer below the asking price, insist on contingencies like home inspections, and even negotiate other parts of the deal that could potentially save them some serious cash.

Yes, these places do exist—and the Realtor.com® data team found them.

The places on the list are marked by big price swings over the past few years—but sharp declines in demand in the past few months. Prices in these real estate markets appear to be out of sync with the new realities of higher mortgage rates—hovering around 7%—and fewer out-of-town buyers coming in with larger and all-cash offers. More homes in these metros are piling up as they’re up for sale longer. And with fewer buyers, many sellers have been slashing prices.

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An induction cooktop stove is the kind of burner that uses electromagnetic fields to cause the pan or pot on top to heat up—meanwhile, your appliance remains cool, thus making this method of cooking safer, faster, and more energy-efficient.

While induction cooking technology has been around for decades and induction ranges have long been common in commercial kitchens, they are now catching on like crazy in regular people’s homes.

Induction cooking

Unlike traditional electric or gas stoves, this cooktop’s “burner” doesn’t emit any heat when turned on. Instead, it emits an alternating electric current—which creates electric currents in the metal pot you’ve placed on top. This, in effect, turns the pot itself into the cooking surface.

“The early consumer models, back in the 1970s and ’80s, were a little temperamental, which is why induction didn’t take off then,” explains Dan DiClerico, home expert for HomeAdvisor.com. “But manufacturers have gotten the technology right, and the prices continue to fall, comparable to gas ranges, so induction’s become very hot in the last few years.”

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If you’ve bought a new appliance, you might have noticed a spot to “add salt” and been massively confused. Salt in the dishwasher? Yep, but don’t go pouring in table salt.

“Some dishwashers, usually higher-end appliances, come with a water softener unit,” says Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance. “Putting salt in your dishwasher might seem strange at first, but dishwasher salt is actually an excellent tool for keeping your unit operating at maximum efficiency.”

What does dishwasher salt do?

“The purpose of dishwasher salt is to help soften the water, and prevent the spots that form on your dishes when they’re washed in hard water, which is water that has a lot of calcium and magnesium,” says Rogers. “If your dishes consistently lack that sparkling-clean feeling and always seem to be speckled with spots, dishwasher salt may be the answer to your problems.”

How does it work? The calcium and magnesium in hard water react with dishwashing detergent to form soap clumps that are less effective at cleaning dishes and can leave behind a nasty residue.

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Antebellum architecture is a term used to characterize a style of grand residences largely found in the Southern United States, especially the Deep South, built in the 19th century. As grandiose as these intricately designed homes are, their magnificence has deep and controversial roots in slavery.

Here’s a look at these extravagant homes, their defining features, and the ongoing debate about preserving antebellum properties.

Antebellum architecture characteristics

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An imposing Victorian in Rome, GA, is offering potential buyers a look inside where dreams (or nightmares) are made.

The chilling Creel House seen in Season 4 of the hit Netflix show “Stranger Things” has just landed on the market for a cool $1.5 million. Although the show takes place in the fictional town of Hawkins, IN, the real-life house can be found in this Southern town.

The listing drew clicks from fans of the show, making it the most popular home on Realtor.com®.

Built in 1882 in the East Rome Historic District, the 6,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom estate underwent a massive makeover when it was featured in the show.

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Chip and Joanna Gaines are about to cross the finish line with their latest big project (and series), “Fixer Upper: The Castle.”

“We’re eight months into our 11-month renovation, and it’s finally starting to come together,” Joanna says at the beginning of the latest episode, “Getting It Right.”

Still, the two run into some big problems last minute—particularly in the kitchen, where Chip thinks one of Joanna’s design choices looks like “a prank.” And although Chip loves a good gag, he does not mean this in a good way!

Read on to find out how Chip’s design intervention keeps their latest project heading in the right direction—and learn plenty of lessons that could apply to your own humble abode.

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A once-hallowed building in New York’s Hudson Valley has served an array of purposes since it was constructed nearly a century ago—and it’s ready for another.

Constructed in 1933, the red brick structure began its life as a church and has been born again as a yoga space, photo studio, chocolate factory, and events venue. Most recently, it has been a very spacious single-family residence.

Now, the 8,000-square-foot building located in Hudson is on the market for $2,875,000.

“The current owner has transformed it into a usable space,” says listing agent James Male. “It has multiple uses for any buyer coming in.”

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The famous former infielder is “bidding” goodbye to his palatial home in New York state.

Yup, it’s auction time for World Series champion Derek Jeter, the retired New York Yankees shortstop, and his Greenwood Lake home.

Purchased for a mere $1.2 million in 2005, this actual castle was once listed for as much as $14.75 million in 2014. Last year, $2 million was shaved off the price.

With seemingly little buyer interest in this unusual spot, a different approach is required.

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Karen Laine rose to fame on HGTV’s “Good Bones,” where she and her daughter, Mina Starsiak Hawk, renovated homes around Indianapolis. But she’s recently stepped back from this series to work on her own personal projects, including a one-hour special premiering this week, “Good Bones: Better Yard.”

In the special, which airs on Tuesday, Laine helps a couple turn their overgrown yard into an oasis with a gorgeous kitchen and a rotating fireplace that will keep everyone cozy well into winter.

Think right now is an odd time to spruce up your outdoor space? Hardly—even as the weather cools, homeowners today are making use of their yards much more than ever before, even year-round. So if you’re eager to keep the good times rolling outdoors long after prime barbecue season is done, check out why Laine says the yard is her happy place. Bonus: She shares her top tips for building a comfortable al fresco living space where you can linger much longer than you might imagine.

What got you interested in landscaping?

I grew up in a household of gardeners. My mother made our 7 acres in Connecticut beautiful. There were flowers and shrubs. It’s beautiful, and my father was the vegetable gardener. So I was raised on gardening. I think it’s genetics and upbringing and inclination. I just feel happiest when I’m working in the yard.

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Gilbert Arenas is giving the real estate game another try.

A former member of the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, and Orlando Magic NBA teams, Arenas is now asking $3.8 million for his longtime Encino, CA, manse.

Arenas purchased the Los Angeles–area home in 2007 for $3.1 million, according to Realtor.com®. He listed it for $3,495,000 back in 2015. It was relisted in 2016 and 2018. And now, Arenas, 40, is taking another shot at selling the home.

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Photo courtesy of Tanner Homes via Houzz

Would-be home sellers have been facing quite a conundrum for the past few months. Sky-high mortgage rates and inflation have kept homebuyers from coming in droves like they did last year, and that, in turn, has caused homeowners to consider one crucial question: Should I list now or wait until the real estate market cools?

If you’re choosing to sit tight and have refocused your efforts on home improvement, we suggest you invest your time and money in your bathroom. Like the kitchen, the bathroom holds a lot of value, and updating it is likely to pay off if and when you do put your home on the market.

“After hitting the one-year mark in your home, the first places that I’d update are bathrooms, especially a powder or guest bathroom used often by visitors,” says Jay Jeffers of JayJeffers in San Francisco.

Your bathroom can be easily and affordably improved without the need for a gut renovation. Here are a few smart ideas.

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What a difference just a few months can make. As the year comes to a close, the red-hot housing market has been brought to its knees by soaring mortgage interest rates.

It now appears to be in a standoff as just about everyone suddenly feels stuck. Home prices are beginning to fall from their peaks in some of the nation’s hottest markets—but not enough to make up for the higher mortgage rates. So more and more buyers simply can’t afford to buy. Sellers, who are typically also buyers, don’t want to give up their low mortgage rates to purchase new properties. Renters can’t afford to move. And many new homeowners fear they bought at the peak of a rapidly deteriorating market.

“No one wants to catch a falling knife,” says economist Yelena Maleyev of KPMG US. “No one wants to buy in a market when prices are falling. You want to wait it out.”

So what’s next as 2022 comes to an end? Will mortgage rates continue to rise? Could prices come down even more? And will buyers return to the market?

After two years, dead skin cells, bugs, dust mites, and their droppings make up one-third of your pillow’s weight.

“Washing your pillows is essential,” agrees Chris Brantner, founder of SleepZoo.com, a site that emphasizes the importance of sleep health. “You should be washing them every quarter, or three months.”

Granted, the pillow washing process can be mystifying. Should you stuff your high-end memory foam pillow into a washing machine? Do down pillows need to be dried on the highest setting? Can all pillows be cleaned together? (The answers are no, no, and definitely not.)

While you should always consult the care instructions from your pillow’s manufacturer, these vital cleaning tips from pillow experts will help you rest a little easier.

Down alternative or polyester pillows

These synthetic pillows tend to be the least expensive, which explains why they also have the least amount of staying power. The life span of a cheap pillow is around 12 to 18 months. A pillow protector can help you get to the far end of that estimate, but two to four times a year, you should still clean it somehow.

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No, it’s not leaping into buyer mode by picking out a real estate agent who has pretty homes, setting up a home inspection, and then moving in your sectional couch.

Real estate agents agree that long before you peruse listings or check out open houses, you should talk to a lender about your credit score, so that you can secure a mortgage.

“Talk to your bank or a reputable mortgage company to see what you qualify to purchase,” explains Rosanne Nitti, a Realtor® with RMN Investments & Realty Services, in Laguna Beach, CA.

Here are more step-by-step home-buying details, including information about down payments, closing costs, mortgage rates, pre-approved mortgages, and more. Once you’ve figured out this (seemingly) long-term financial process, a real estate agent can help you become a home buyer with these next steps, like choosing between apartments or single-family homes, home inspections, and so on.

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Though it might seem like a weird and highly unromantic question, there are plenty of reasons to ponder this possibility. Basically, this means that although you two might live in the home together, only you would technically “take title” to the property—a fancy way to say that you own it and have your name on the deed. It’s legal—and more common than you might think.

“This is always an option,” says Zachary D. Schorr, a Los Angeles real estate attorney. “People are free to take title to property however they want.”

Plus, however it might look at first glance, keeping your spouse off the deed isn’t necessarily a vote of no confidence in the marriage. Particularly for couples entering second or late-in-life marriages, it can make a whole lot of sense. Here’s why you might consider this arrangement, including the pros and cons.

Benefits of buying a house without your spouse

Having only one name on a property’s deed can be a good move for several reasons.

If you have that bag of perfectly squishy marshmallows for s’mores, some new outdoor chairs, and a friend who tells a chilling ghost story, a DIY fire pit is all you need to bring all of these elements together for summer—as well as spring, fall, and winter—nights in your backyard or on your concrete patio.

According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, backyard fire pits were 2016’s top outdoor design element. And they’re a perfect DIY project. Sure, you can buy all kinds of premade outdoor fire features, or even a tabletop fire pit. But if you want to go full paleo, check out these tips on how to build a DIY fire pit in your backyard, from why you need a fire pit liner to the choice between wood-burning fire pits and gas fire pits.

Building a DIY fire pit

Gisela Hausmann, an avid DIY home improver who wrote a book about building your own fire pit, stresses that you never set one up near low-hanging branches or close to a structure that could easily catch fire, including a deck. Choose a flat, level spot in your yard or on your patio that has plenty of room for the seating area. Also consider the size of the pit.

If you decide to construct a fire pit on your concrete patio, be aware that the heat will eventually damage or mar the surface. It’s a safe place to build a fire ring, if you don’t mind a permanent mark on the concrete.

“If you plan to grill hot dogs and watch the flames dance, a standard 36-inch-wide pit will do fine,” says Hausmann. Just make sure to stake out the DIY pit before building so you can eyeball the dimensions.

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Sure, rent is expensive, and sometimes that means you’ve got to take on a roomie in order to pay the monthly bills. But what happens if your roommate turns to the dark side—i.e., doesn’t pay rent, invites his entire rugby team over every night for drinks until dawn, or otherwise makes your home environment too hard to handle? Can you evict your roommate, or are you stuck with this person for good?

To get the lowdown on what’s legal, we talked to Robert Pellegrini, president of PK Boston, a real estate and collections law firm with offices in Boston.

Here’s what renters can do when a roommate relationship heads south.

Evicting a roommate who’s not paying rent

This one seems clear-cut, but it can get messy if the terms of your payments aren’t carefully spelled out in your lease. For instance, if the rent is $1,000 per month but the lease doesn’t break it down between the two tenants, then you’re jointly responsible for paying it. So if your roommate falls short, “both of you would probably get evicted if rent is not met, even if you’ve paid your half,” says Pellegrini. 

This is a question that often comes up when you’re purchasing a home with a down payment of less than 20%, or refinancing your home with less than 20% in home equity. That’s when lender will typically require private mortgage insurance—better known as PMI.

You’re financing the home purchase with less skin-in-the-game when you make a smaller down payment, so mortgage lenders view these loans as slightly riskier than loans with an 80% or lower loan-to-value ratio. Your lender will reduce the risk to the financial institution and still be willing to approve a loan for you by requiring PMI, which is insurance that protects the lender in case you default on the loan.

Private mortgage insurance costs

While PMI covers the lender, you will be required to pay the premiums. The amount you will pay is up to the private mortgage insurance provider and will be based on your credit score and the loan-to-value ratio on the property you are purchasing. For example, someone with a credit score below 700 who makes a down payment of 5% will pay a higher premium than a borrower with a credit score of 760 who makes a down payment of 15%.

Your private mortgage insurance payments will automatically be canceled when your loan-to-value ratio reaches 78% according to your loan amortization schedule; but if you pay extra to reduce your principal balance, your home rises in value over time, or you make significant improvements that increase its value, you can pay for an appraisal and request that your PMI be canceled earlier.

Options for paying PMI

There are three common ways of paying PMI that most lenders offer. You can sometimes combine two of these options if you prefer.

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The best way to seal granite countertops is a bit of knowledge that you’d better have if you’re a homeowner—that is, if this granite surface is where you prep your meals. While this natural stone countertop might seem invincible, granite is actually porous (much like marble), which means that substances can easily seep in.

“Oil, water, juice, ink—any liquids or spills, really—can soak in and stain granite,” says Emily Long, a home improvement expert with SafeWise. To keep this from happening, most granite countertops are covered in a sealant. But this layer can wear off over time, so it’s up to you to reapply to your granite as needed.

Luckily, sealing granite countertops is something most homeowners can do themselves by purchasing granite sealer at their local hardware store. If you want your granite to continue looking great and last for ages, check out these steps on how to seal granite countertops.

How often should you seal granite countertops?

The answer for sealing depends on what type of natural stone you have installed on your kitchen countertops.