Answers by Mehrooz Misaghian

To find your official property lines, especially if you’ve had disputes, the most reliable approach is to start with your property deed, which contains the legal description of your land, and then use your county’s online GIS map for a general visual reference. However, these maps aren’t legally precise, so the best step is to hire a licensed land surveyor who can physically measure your property, locate or place boundary markers, and provide a certified survey that holds up legally. You can also check for existing markers or review a plat map from your title report, but these aren’t always accurate on their own. Since you’re planning to sell, getting a professional survey and resolving any boundary issues now will help avoid delays, disputes, or disclosures that could impact your sale.

There isn’t a single perfect time to sell, but you can tell if the market is right by looking at a few key factors: if homes in your area are selling quickly and prices are stable or rising, and there isn’t much competition, that’s a strong sign it’s a good time. In 2026, the market is more balanced—buyers are still active, but more selective due to higher interest rates and increased inventory—so well-priced, move-in-ready homes tend to perform best. Timing also helps, with spring usually being the strongest season. Ultimately, the right time to sell is when both the market conditions and your personal situation (equity, next move, financial readiness) align, and when your home can stand out and be priced correctly to attract serious buyers.

There isn’t a single perfect time to sell, but you can tell if the market is right by looking at a few key factors: if homes in your area are selling quickly and prices are stable or rising, and there isn’t much competition, that’s a strong sign it’s a good time. In 2026, the market is more balanced—buyers are still active, but more selective due to higher interest rates and increased inventory—so well-priced, move-in-ready homes tend to perform best. Timing also helps, with spring usually being the strongest season. Ultimately, the right time to sell is when both the market conditions and your personal situation (equity, next move, financial readiness) align, and when your home can stand out and be priced correctly to attract serious buyers.

You don’t need a large savings account to buy a home—many first-time buyers get in with as little as 3%–3.5% down, and some programs even allow 0% down. On top of that, closing costs (usually 2%–5%) can often be covered by the seller or through assistance programs, meaning your total out-of-pocket cost could be very low—sometimes just a few thousand dollars. The process starts with getting pre-approved for a mortgage, then finding a home, making an offer, and completing inspections and closing. While your income and credit still matter, the key is finding the right loan program and strategy, which can make owning a home much more achievable than most renters think.