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What Is a HUD Home and Is It a Good Deal?
HUD homes get a reputation as hidden bargains — and sometimes they are. But the buying process is different from a typical purchase, and not every listing is the deal it looks like on paper. Goree & Thompson breaks down exactly what a HUD home is, how to bid on one, and what to check before you fall in love with the price.

Zoritha Thompson
10 hours ago6 min read


How to Sell a Probate Property: A Simple Guide for Families
Selling a home that's part of an estate is different from a typical sale — there's court oversight, extra paperwork, and often several family members involved. Goree & Thompson breaks the process down into clear, manageable steps so you know exactly what to expect.

Zoritha Thompson
Jul 256 min read


5 Listing Photo Mistakes That Kill Home Sales
97% of homebuyers start their search online — and your listing photos are the first showing your home will ever get. Make these five mistakes and buyers scroll right past you. Here's what to avoid, what to fix, and how to make your home impossible to ignore.

Zoritha Thompson
Jul 2214 min read


Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Home: What You Need to Know
Most home sellers never owe a dime in capital gains tax — but the ones who do often find out too late. Goree & Thompson breaks down the exclusion rules, the math behind your gain, and the moves that can legally reduce what you owe.

Zoritha Thompson
Jul 186 min read


Should You Sell Your Home As-Is or Make Repairs First?
Every seller reaches the same fork in the road: fix it up, or sell it as-is? The right answer isn't about how the home looks — it's about math, timeline, and buyer psychology. Goree & Thompson breaks down exactly how to decide, room by room and dollar by dollar.

Zoritha Thompson
Jul 176 min read


Should You Sell Your Home As-Is or Make Repairs First?
Every seller reaches the same fork in the road: fix it up, or sell it as-is? The right answer isn't about how the home looks — it's about math, timeline, and buyer psychology. Goree & Thompson breaks down exactly how to decide, room by room and dollar by dollar.

Zoritha Thompson
Jul 116 min read


Home Staging on a Budget: Tips That Actually Move the Needle
Professional staging can cost $2,000–$5,000 or more. But the most impactful staging moves don't require a staging company, a decorator, or a big budget. In this guide, Goree & Thompson shares the practical, high-return staging tips that actually move the needle — many of them free.

Zoritha Thompson
Jul 913 min read


The Best Time of Year to Sell Your Home (And Why It Matters)
Timing your home sale can mean the difference between a bidding war and a price reduction. In this guide, Goree & Thompson breaks down the best time of year to sell your home — by season, by month, and with Sacramento-specific data — so you can list at exactly the right moment.

Zoritha Thompson
Jun 2810 min read


How to Price Your Home Right the First Time
The price you put on your home on day one is the most consequential decision in the entire selling process. Price it right and you attract multiple buyers, strong offers, and a fast, clean sale. Price it wrong — even slightly — and you can trigger a chain of events that costs you tens of thousands of dollars. Here's how to get it right the first time.

Zoritha Thompson
Jun 2611 min read


What to Look for During a Home Inspection (And What to Walk Away From)
A home inspection is your last line of defense before one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. In this guide, Goree & Thompson walks you through every major area inspectors check, the red flags that should make you pause, and the deal-breakers that should make you walk — so you never buy a money pit by mistake.

Zoritha Thompson
Jun 412 min read


How to Buy a Home With Little or No Down Payment
One of the biggest myths in homebuying is that you need a 20% down payment to get started. The truth is, millions of Americans buy homes every year with 3.5%, 0%, or even no money down at all — using the right loan programs. In this guide, Goree & Thompson breaks down every low and no down payment option available to buyers in 2026.

Zoritha Thompson
Jun 210 min read


What Happens After Your Offer Is Accepted? A Week-by-Week Timeline
Getting your offer accepted is an incredible feeling — but it's also just the beginning. The next 30–45 days are filled with inspections, negotiations, paperwork, and preparations that determine whether you actually make it to closing day. Goree & Thompson walks you through every single week so you know exactly what to expect and never feel caught off guard.

Zoritha Thompson
May 227 min read


10 Hidden Costs of Buying a Home Most People Don't Know About
Most homebuyers focus on the down payment and monthly mortgage — but the purchase price is only part of what you'll pay. In this guide, Goree & Thompson reveals the 10 hidden costs of buying a home that surprise even experienced buyers, and exactly how to budget for each one.

Zoritha Thompson
May 198 min read


How to Win a Bidding War Without Overpaying
Bidding wars can feel overwhelming — but winning doesn't always mean offering the most money. In this guide, Goree & Thompson shares the exact strategies experienced buyers use to craft winning offers that don't blow their budget or leave them with buyer's remorse.

Zoritha Thompson
May 88 min read


Renting vs. Buying: Which Makes More Financial Sense Right Now?
The rent vs. buy debate has never been more relevant than it is in 2026. With shifting interest rates, rising rents, and evolving market conditions, the answer isn't one-size-fits-all. Goree & Thompson breaks down the real numbers and life factors to help you decide which path makes the most financial sense for you right now.

Zoritha Thompson
May 67 min read


What Credit Score Do You Really Need to Buy a House in 2026?
Your credit score is one of the biggest factors lenders look at when you apply for a mortgage — but you don't need perfect credit to buy a home. In this guide, Goree & Thompson breaks down exactly what credit score you need in 2026 depending on your loan type, and what you can do if your score isn't quite there yet.

Zoritha Thompson
Apr 305 min read


How to Buy a HUD Home: Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Buyers
HUD homes can be an incredible opportunity for first-time buyers looking for below-market prices. In this guide, Goree & Thompson walks you through every step of the HUD homebuying process — from understanding what a HUD home is, to submitting your bid and closing the deal successfully.

Zoritha Thompson
Apr 294 min read


How AI Tools Are Changing the Home Search Process
Discover how AI tools are transforming the home search process with smarter recommendations, faster listings, and better buyer insights.

Zoritha Thompson
Nov 20, 20252 min read


Top Homebuying Trends in 2025: What Today’s Buyers Really Want
Discover the top homebuying trends in 2025 and what today’s buyers really want in a home, from tech features to flexible spaces.

Zoritha Thompson
Nov 18, 20252 min read


What Are Contingencies and Why Do They Matter?
Real estate contingencies protect buyers and sellers during a sale. Learn why they matter and how to use them wisely.

Zoritha Thompson
Jul 10, 20252 min read
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