Summertime is an ideal time to acquire valuable real estate knowledge, and these real estate professionals have provided some helpful content.

In this round-up, we’ve gathered six detailed guides that cover key financial aspects of both buying and owning a home. You’ll learn how mortgage lenders calculate your income, how post-bankruptcy credit affects your buying power, and what to consider when choosing between FHA and conventional loans.

We also take a close look at what’s included in your monthly mortgage payment, how to budget for the ongoing costs of homeownership, and how much cash you need to buy a house.

Whether you’re planning your first purchase or reassessing your finances as a current homeowner, these articles provide a clear and practical overview to help you make informed decisions.

Conflict is Rare, But When it Happens…

Real estate transactions typically progress smoothly, but when tensions do arise, they can escalate rapidly due to the emotional stakes and financial pressure involved.

Chris Highland draws on decades of experience to explain how most real estate disputes can be avoided through thoughtful planning and transparent communication. The article walks through the common causes of conflict—such as vague contracts, unmet expectations, and unequal information—and emphasizes the importance of clarity in agreements.

By using precise language in contracts and setting realistic expectations upfront, agents and clients can prevent many issues from developing in the first place.

The post is structured around three levels of conflict management: prevention, resolution during a transaction, and escalation when needed. It offers practical communication strategies, like using “I” statements and verifying understanding, to keep discussions productive.

The article includes real-world examples, such as appraisal shortfalls and repair disputes, to illustrate how calm negotiation and creative solutions often lead to successful outcomes.

When deeper intervention is required, the article explains how mediation, arbitration, and legal action fit into the process. It concludes with a helpful checklist to guide clients and professionals through conflict-free transactions.

The Drawbacks of Open Houses

Open houses are often promoted as an effective marketing tactic, but Luke Skar challenges that assumption with a critical look at their real-world results.

According to the article, open houses rarely attract qualified buyers and may serve more to benefit the agent than the seller. Some agents use open houses to build their client list, not necessarily to sell the property in question.

Security risks, nosy neighbors, and unqualified visitors further complicate the picture, creating opportunities for theft, gossip, and wasted time. Even serious buyers typically prefer the focused attention of a private showing.

The article outlines several drawbacks, including missed opportunities when agents can’t give individual attention during a crowded event and unintended help to the competition, which may use your open house to adjust their pricing or staging.

While Skar concedes that open houses might offer value in ultra-competitive markets or for vacant homes, he emphasizes that these are exceptions. For most sellers, the cons outweigh the pros and aren’t worth it for most homeowners. The final takeaway is a cautionary one: if a real estate agent leans heavily on open houses in their strategy, it’s worth asking why and considering other options.

What About Seller Privacy?

In the Privacy Paradox, Joe Boylan explores what happens when personal privacy clashes with the realities of public real estate listings.

Through the story of Sarah Chen, a successful entrepreneur whose home sale became office gossip, Boylan highlights how digital exposure can spill into a professional’s personal life.

Sarah’s experience, from coworkers touring her home under pretenses to speculation about her private affairs, highlights a growing concern for business owners and high-profile individuals: how to sell property without compromising their privacy.

Joe introduces a solution: Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings. This option enables homes to be listed in the MLS without being immediately visible on public websites. Sellers maintain professional exposure through real estate agents while pausing online syndication, giving them control over the timing and audience of their listing.

Backed by the Clear Cooperation Policy, this strategy strikes a balance between transparency and discretion. It’s beneficial for luxury properties, executive relocations, and sensitive situations, such as estate sales and other high-value transactions.

For sellers who value privacy and timing, this approach offers a practical, middle-ground marketing solution.

Seller Paperwork

In this article, Paul Sian walks home sellers through essential documents they will encounter throughout the real estate process, from listing to closing. It begins with the listing agreement, which outlines the sale terms, commission, and duration of the contract.

Sellers must also sign required disclosures, such as lead paint or property condition forms, depending on local laws and regulations.

Real estate agency disclosures clarify the agent’s role in the transaction. Though many of these documents can be signed electronically, Sian stresses the importance of reading everything carefully and correcting errors early.

Once the home is listed, sellers may need to sign listing addenda for changes like price adjustments or updated timelines. If a buyer submits an offer, the seller must review and sign the purchase contract, along with any inspection-related or financing-related addenda that may follow.

At closing, the paperwork is shorter but just as important, including the deed transfer and a final settlement statement.

The article recommends reviewing draft documents in advance and consulting a real estate attorney when necessary. His advice is clear: sellers should understand every form they sign to ensure a smooth and legally sound transaction.

Can I Get a Mortgage After Bankruptcy?

This article outlines the options available to buyers seeking a mortgage after filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. While most conventional loans require a waiting period of up to two years post-discharge, FHA loans offer more flexibility.

Borrowers may qualify for an FHA loan even while still making bankruptcy payments, provided they’ve completed at least 12 on-time installments and received trustee approval.

FHA loans allow credit scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment. Those with scores between 500 and 579 may still qualify with a 10% down payment. Subprime loans are technically an option sooner, but come with steep down payments and less favorable terms.

The article also covers different scenarios, before discharge, after discharge, and in the event of a dismissal, and provides a comparison chart of waiting periods for various loan types.

Generally, a history of consistent payments and the trustee’s permission are key factors. The writer emphasizes that while national banks often adhere to longer waiting periods, some FHA lenders can accommodate buyers more quickly.

Applicants need a stable two-year work history, verifiable income, and a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. The article concludes with a comprehensive FAQ that covers everything from credit score requirements to required documentation and refinancing options.

The Costs Involved in Buying a Home

This comprehensive guide, written by Michelle Gibson, examines the full range of upfront and ongoing costs associated with purchasing a home. She begins with the down payment, typically the most significant initial expense, and outlines what’s required for conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.

Next, she explains closing costs, which often total 2% to 5% of the home’s price and include lender fees, title charges, and prepaids.

Additional upfront costs, such as prepaid property taxes, insurance premiums, and escrow reserves, can add thousands more. Gibson also walks through the immediate post-purchase costs, such as moving expenses, furniture, and utility deposits.

Beyond the upfront cash, the article breaks down monthly obligations, including mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, PMI, and HOA fees.

Income and debt-to-income (DTI) guidelines help readers determine what they can realistically afford. Gibson offers practical advice on budgeting for maintenance, establishing an emergency fund, and exploring programs to lower costs.

With multiple examples and real-world figures — such as total out-of-pocket estimates for a $400,000 home — the article provides clear guidance for buyers trying to understand how much money they’ll need.

In Summary

Understanding the complete financial picture of homeownership helps you make smarter, more confident decisions, whether you’re applying for a mortgage, rebuilding credit, or managing monthly expenses.

These six articles offer a clear path through what can often feel like a maze of numbers and requirements. Reading real estate blogs like this one is a straightforward way to stay informed, identify new opportunities, and avoid common pitfalls.

The more you learn, the better prepared you’ll be for your next move or your next milestone.

PREVIOUS REAL ESTATE ROUNDUPS

• Real Estate Roundup for June 2025 – see a review of last month’s roundup.
• Real Estate Roundup for May 2025 – review the best of the best in May.

Realtor Chris Highland with eXp Realty in Central Maryland has been helping people buy and sell residential real estate in and around Frederick, Maryland, for over 33 years. “We’re passionate about educating consumers about the ins and outs of residential real estate and the local market and equipping them with realistic expectations about buying and selling a home.”