Key takeaways

• In most home sales, no repair is legally required after an inspection. Repairs become mandatory when a lender, an insurer, or a local rule requires them.
• Structural movement, outdated or overloaded wiring, and moisture problems are the findings most likely to change a deal.
• A specialist, such as a structural engineer or licensed electrician, can turn an alarming finding into a real repair estimate.
• An inspection contingency lets buyers back out and get their earnest money back, as long as they act before the contract deadline.

What fixes are mandatory after a home inspection? In most home sales, sellers aren’t automatically required by law to make repairs because an inspection uncovered problems. However, certain issues may need to be addressed to satisfy lender requirements, obtain homeowners insurance, or comply with local regulations.

That distinction matters more than the length of the report. Picture a first-time buyer who has an offer accepted on an older home, only to receive a 100-page inspection report revealing outdated wiring, foundation damage, and signs of mold. A structural engineer reviews photos of the foundation and warns that repairs could be costly. Because the buyer’s contract includes an inspection contingency, they’re able to cancel within the required timeframe and recover their earnest money, subject to the contract’s terms.. 

This scenario raises the questions most buyers and sellers face once a home inspection report arrives: What has to be fixed? Who pays? And when is a finding serious enough to end the deal? Here’s how to sort it out. 

What fixes are mandatory after a home inspection?

There’s no federal rule that requires a seller to fix the items in a home inspection report during a standard sale. The inspection gives the buyer information. What happens next depends on the purchase contract and on three outside parties that can make certain repairs mandatory: the buyer’s lender, the buyer’s insurance company, and the local government.

EXPERT TIP: A home inspection isn’t a pass-or-fail test.

“A home inspection is not a pass-or-fail evaluation, and inspection findings do not automatically obligate a seller to make repairs,” says Chuck Ryan, partner and chief inspector at Real Inspection Services. “While most repairs are negotiable, buyers should prioritize significant safety hazards, structural concerns, and major system deficiencies over minor cosmetic issues or routine maintenance.”

Beyond what’s required, most deal breakers fall into three groups. The first is a major defect that would cost a lot to fix, such as a severe foundation problem. The second is issues that could block financing, legal occupancy, or insurance coverage, such as aluminum wiring. The third is problems that matter to a specific buyer, like mold for someone with allergies. Knowing which group a finding falls into can help you decide whether to negotiate, ask for a credit, or walk away.

Lender-required repairs

Government-backed loans have the clearest repair rules. For an FHA loan, the appraiser checks the home against HUD’s minimum property standards, which focus on the safety, security, and soundness of the property. If the home falls short, the appraiser can require repairs before the loan closes.

Common items that trigger FHA repair conditions include:

• Peeling, chipping, or flaking paint on homes built before 1978, because of possible lead-based paint hazards
• Exposed or unsafe electrical wiring
• Missing or damaged handrails on stairs
• Active roof leaks or a roof near the end of its life
• Structural defects in load-bearing parts of the home
• Heating that doesn’t work or can’t keep the home at a livable temperature

VA and USDA loans have their own property requirements, and VA loans may require a termite inspection depending on the location. Conventional loans have fewer property conditions, but an appraiser can still flag safety issues that a lender wants resolved before closing. If you’re comparing types of home loans, it’s worth asking how each one handles repair conditions.

EXPERT TIP: Ask your lender about repair conditions before the appraisal.

“In Florida, no law requires a seller to make repairs after a home inspection; what becomes ‘mandatory’ is set by the purchase contract, the buyer’s lender, and the buyer’s insurance company,” says Desmond Langton, owner of Orlando Home Inspection Services. “Even so, safety hazards and problems such as active roof leaks or roofs near the end of their useful life, outdated electrical panels like Zinsco and Federal Pacific, polybutylene piping, and aging water heaters or HVAC equipment often must be addressed, because FHA and VA appraisers may require corrections before closing.”

Insurance-driven repairs

Your homeowners insurance company may care about some inspection findings as much as your lender does. Some insurers decline to cover homes with knob and tube wiring because of the fire risk. Others may charge a higher premium or require replacement within a set time. Older electrical panels and aging roofs can raise similar concerns.

Lenders commonly require homeowners insurance before closing, so an insurer’s refusal to cover the home can stall the loan. Request an insurance quote during your inspection period and share the report’s electrical and roof findings so there are no surprises later.

Local and state requirements

Some state and local rules apply at the time of sale. Some states and cities require working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before a home changes hands. In Massachusetts, sellers need a certificate of compliance from the local fire department. In New Jersey, sellers of one- and two-family homes need a similar certificate, and some towns require their own resale inspections or certificates of occupancy. Your agent or real estate attorney can tell you which rules apply where you’re buying.

Sample inspection findings and which ones could be mandatory

Inspection reports can feel overwhelming because serious findings and routine maintenance items sit side by side. This table shows how common findings break down, and which ones can become mandatory through a lender, an insurer, or a local rule.

EXPERT TIP: Start with the summary page.

“One thing buyers and sellers should understand is that not every finding in a home inspection report carries the same weight,” says Chris Griffin, president of LaRocca Inspections. “A loose cabinet handle and an unsafe electrical condition both deserve mention, but they call for very different responses.”

Home inspection deal breakers vs. normal findings

Every home has issues, including new construction. The goal is to separate findings that change the value or safety of the home from the ones you can handle over time.

Findings that deserve a closer look before you commit

• Horizontal foundation cracks or bowing walls. These can signal soil pressure pushing on the wall and need an engineer’s review.
• Active knob-and-tube wiring or an overloaded panel. These affect safety, insurance, and sometimes financing.
• Mold with an unknown moisture source. Cleaning the mold won’t help if water keeps getting in.
• A roof at or near the end of its life. Replacement is a large expense and may affect insurance.
• A pattern of deferred maintenance. Several neglected systems in one home can point to issues the inspector couldn’t see.

Structural problems and mold get extra attention because the cost to fix them is hard to estimate until a specialist looks closer.

EXPERT TIP: Deal with water issues first.

“Anything water-related MUST be dealt with, full stop,” says Ross Neag, founder of Chicago Building Inspections. “And another big one is stair safety, which is a leading cause of injury from loose handrails, uneven steps, or poor lighting.”

“Water entering the building is the single biggest threat to the structure, because it draws in every type of pest, including termites, and it feeds wood rot and mold,” says Charles Bellefontaine, owner of Chicagoland Home Inspectors, Inc.

Home inspection repairs that aren’t required

Many items in a report are cosmetic or routine. Buyers can still ask for these repairs, but sellers aren’t obligated to make them:

• Scuffed walls, chipped paint on newer homes, and worn floors
• Foggy double-pane windows with broken seals
• Older appliances that still work
• Overgrown landscaping or patchy grass
• Loose doorknobs, squeaky hinges, or missing cabinet hardware

For a longer list, see the most common home inspection problems.

Keep in mind that requirements can vary. While these issues typically don’t prevent a sale from moving forward, certain repairs may be required under the purchase contract, by a lender or insurer, or to comply with local regulations.

EXPERT TIP: Some electrical fixes are quick and low cost.

“Many of the electrical items I flag are inexpensive to correct, and a missing or failed GFCI is a good example: the part usually costs under $30 and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to replace,” says Charles Bellefontaine, owner of Chicagoland Home Inspectors, Inc.

Get a specialist’s opinion before you decide

A general home inspector looks at the whole house, but they don’t diagnose every system in depth. Inspectors often recommend that a specialist take a closer look at specific findings. In the buyer’s case, structural engineers who reviewed photos of the foundation said the repair could be expensive and that an on-site evaluation was needed to know for sure. That second opinion helped the buyers make a decision based on facts instead of fear.

Who to call depends on the finding:

• Foundation cracks or sloping floors: A licensed structural engineer
• Old wiring or panel concerns: A licensed electrician
• Mold or moisture: A mold or moisture specialist
• Roof concerns: A roofing contractor
• Slow drains or backups: A plumber for a sewer scope inspection
• Pest damage: A licensed pest inspector

Schedule these visits quickly. Your inspection contingency has a deadline, and a specialist’s estimate is much more useful when you still have time to negotiate or cancel.

EXPERT TIP: Book specialists inside your contingency window.

“When our inspectors identify concerns that warrant further evaluation by a qualified specialist, we strongly encourage buyers to follow up,” says Allie Jennings, director of sales and marketing at AJF Inspections. “This helps them better understand the condition, potential repair costs, and any necessary next steps before moving forward with their purchase.”

Why a longer inspection report isn’t a worse house

Report length reflects how the inspector documents what they find. Some include dozens of photos, explanations, and maintenance tips for every system. Others keep notes brief. A detailed report gives you more information to work with, and a short report can still contain serious findings.

You choose your home inspector. Your agent may share names of inspectors other clients have used, and you’re free to hire someone from that list or someone else. When comparing inspectors, consider:

• Membership in a professional group, such as ASHI or InterNACHI
• State license, where your state requires one
• A sample report so you can see how findings are explained
• Experience with the age and type of home you’re buying
• What the inspection includes and what costs extra, such as sewer scopes or radon tests

Who is responsible for repairs after a home inspection?

The seller isn’t legally required to fix what shows up in the report in most sales. Instead, the buyer can request repairs, a credit, or a price reduction, and the seller can agree, counter, or decline. The final agreement depends on the purchase contract, any lender or local requirements, and how motivated each side is to close.

EXPERT TIP: There’s no universal list of required repairs.

“There’s no universal list of repairs that sellers must make after a home inspection,” says Chris Kjeldsen, certified professional home inspector and president of Ground Floor Home Inspection. “However, issues involving safety, structural integrity, or certain loan requirements may need to be addressed for a sale to move forward.”

How much leverage you have can depend on the market. In September 2026, homes that sold took a median of 46 days to go off the market, and 20.8% of listings had a price drop, according to Redfin data. At the same time, 25.5% of homes still sold above asking. When homes take longer to sell, sellers may be more willing to make repairs or offer credits to keep a deal together. A well-priced home drawing multiple offers gives the seller less reason to negotiate.

Sellers can get ahead of repair requests with a pre-listing inspection. If you fix the items an inspector is likely to flag, there’s less for the buyer to ask for once the report arrives. Buyers often request repairs for issues above normal wear and tear, so getting ahead of them can keep negotiations simpler.

If a home is sold as-is, the seller has signaled they won’t make repairs. Buyers can still inspect an as-is home, and many contracts still allow them to cancel based on the results.

Your options after the inspection: Negotiate, ask for a credit, or walk away

Once you’ve reviewed the report and any specialist estimates, you have three main paths.

Ask the seller to make repairs

This works best for significant but fixable problems, such as a leaking roof or unsafe wiring, and for anything your lender requires. Support your request with contractor estimates, and focus on safety and structure rather than cosmetic items. Learn more about negotiating after a home inspection.

EXPERT TIP: A home inspection is an informational tool.

“The primary purpose of a home inspection is to serve as an informational tool, helping buyers understand the condition of the property they are purchasing,” says Josh Niehaus, chief revenue officer at Elite Group Inspection. “While certain loan programs may require specific repairs, such as a functioning heating system, most inspection findings are negotiable between buyers and sellers.”

Request a credit or price reduction

If you’d rather hire your own contractors, ask for a seller credit or lower price instead. This can speed up closing and gives you control over the work. Tell your lender about any change to the price or credits, since lenders limit how much sellers can contribute and repairs required for the loan may still need to be done before closing.

Walk away under your inspection contingency

If your purchase contract includes an inspection contingency, you may be able to cancel the purchase if the inspection reveals issues you’re uncomfortable with. Depending on the contract terms, canceling within the required timeframe may also allow you to recover your earnest money. Deadlines and terms vary by state and contract, so review yours with your agent or a real estate attorney.

Waiving the inspection contingency to make an offer more competitive removes this protection. Buyers who waive it may lose their earnest money if they back out because of the home’s condition.

For sellers: What happens when a buyer walks after the inspection

A canceled contract doesn’t erase what the inspection found. In many states, sellers must disclose known material defects to future buyers, and that can include problems identified in a previous buyer’s inspection. Before relisting, consider your options:

• Fix safety and structural issues so the next buyer’s inspection goes more smoothly
• Get repair estimates you can share with future buyers
• Adjust the list price to reflect the home’s condition
• Offer a repair credit up front

EXPERT TIP: Fix safety items before you relist.

“I would suggest to buyers and sellers alike that they consider repairing anything that is found within a home inspection labeled as a safety issue,” says Tim O’Neall, founder and lead inspector at AZ Property. “When a home inspector finds electrical deficiencies such as over-fusing or double-tapping inside of an electrical panel, or exposed splices and/or improperly wired outlets, they should be corrected by a qualified electrician as soon as possible due to fire danger.”

FAQ: What fixes are mandatory after a home inspection?

Is a seller required to fix anything after a home inspection?

Not in most sales. Repairs become required when the buyer’s lender, insurer, or local rules require them, or when the seller agrees to make them as part of the purchase contract.

Can I back out of buying a house after the inspection?

Yes, if your contract includes an inspection contingency and you give written notice before the deadline. Without the contingency, backing out may cost you your earnest money.

Is knob and tube wiring a deal breaker?

It depends on whether the wiring is still in use, its condition, and whether you can get insurance. Have a licensed electrician evaluate it and get an insurance quote before your contingency deadline.

Does an FHA loan require repairs after a home inspection?

The FHA appraisal, not the home inspection, determines required repairs. FHA doesn’t require a home inspection, but the appraisal checks that the home meets HUD’s minimum property requirements. If the appraiser flags repairs needed to meet those standards, the lender has to follow HUD’s repair requirements. That generally means completing the work before closing, though in some cases repairs that can’t be finished in time may be held in a repair escrow account. Ask your lender how it handles repair conditions.

What happens if mandatory repairs aren’t made?

The loan may not close, which can delay or cancel the sale. Depending on the contract, the buyer may be able to cancel and get their earnest money back.

Bottom line

What fixes are mandatory after a home inspection? In most sales, only the ones a lender, an insurer, or a local rule requires. Everything else is open to negotiation between the buyer and seller. Focus on safety, structural, and water-related findings first, and bring in a specialist before your contingency deadline so you’re working from a real repair estimate instead of a guess. From there, you can ask the seller to make repairs, request a credit, or walk away if your contract allows it. If you’re not sure which findings matter most, a Redfin agent can help you sort the must-fix items from the nice-to-haves, and we’re with you every step of the way.

The post What Fixes Are Mandatory After a Home Inspection? What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Key takeaways

• A pre-listing home inspection shows your home’s condition before buyers see it.
• Finding issues early helps you price accurately, plan repairs, and cut down on renegotiation.
• Anything the inspection reveals may need to appear on your seller’s disclosure, depending on your state.
• It pays off most for older homes, homes with known issues, and markets where buyers have leverage.

Getting your home ready to sell involves more than making repairs and preparing for showings. A pre-listing home inspection can help you identify potential problems before buyers do, giving you more time to address repairs, set a competitive asking price, and prepare for negotiations.

This can be especially helpful in a market where buyers have more options. Nationwide, 14% of home-sale agreements that went under contract in July 2026 fell through, the highest share in nearly three years, according to Redfin. That share has held between about 13% and 14% for the last four years, higher than during the 2020 to 2022 seller’s market.

Redfin agents point to unaddressed maintenance issues and overpricing as common reasons buyers back out. A pre-listing home inspection helps you get ahead of both. Here’s what it is, the benefits and drawbacks, and how to decide if it’s right for your sale.

What is a pre-listing home inspection?

A pre-listing home inspection is a home inspection that a seller orders before putting the home on the market. A professional inspector evaluates the home’s major systems and components, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, windows, and doors, then delivers a written report. 

The main difference is timing. A buyer’s inspection happens after an offer is accepted, on the buyer’s schedule, during the inspection contingency period. A pre-listing inspection happens on your schedule, before you set your price.

A standard home inspection costs between $300 and $500, and larger homes, older homes, and add-on inspections can push that higher. Common add-ons include pest, sewer scope, radon, and roof inspections. See Redfin’s full breakdown of home inspection costs.

Pre-listing inspection vs. buyer’s inspection

Both inspections look at the same parts of the home. The difference is who orders the inspection, when it happens, and how the report gets used.

What a pre-listing inspection covers

A general home inspection is a visual, non-invasive review of the home’s accessible areas. Most reports cover:

• Structure: foundation, framing, and signs of settling or water intrusion
• Roof and exterior: roof covering, gutters, siding, drainage, decks, and grading
• Plumbing: visible pipes, fixtures, water heater, and drainage
• Electrical: service panel, wiring, outlets, and safety devices
• HVAC: heating and cooling equipment and visible ductwork
• Interior: walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and stairs
• Attic and insulation: ventilation and visible insulation

A general inspection doesn’t include everything. Sewer lines, pests, radon, mold, and chimneys may require a separate inspection by a specialist. If your home is older or you’ve noticed a specific problem, ask your inspector which add-ons make sense.

6 benefits of a pre-listing home inspection

1. Find repairs before buyers do

A buyer’s inspection report can turn a small issue into a big negotiation. When you know about a leaky pipe, an aging water heater, or a worn roof ahead of time, you can address it on your terms instead of during escrow, when deadlines are tight.

2. Price your home with the full picture

Choosing a listing price depends on market conditions, comparable sales, and your home’s value. Condition matters too. With an inspection report in hand, you can decide whether to make repairs and market the updates or leave things as they are and price the home to reflect its condition.

3. Reduce renegotiation after the buyer’s inspection

When buyers uncover problems during their inspection, they may ask for repairs, credits, or a lower price. If you’ve already fixed key issues or disclosed them and priced accordingly, there’s less to renegotiate. 

EXPERT TIP: Negotiate with real repair costs

“A pre-listing inspection helps us price a home with a clearer understanding of its condition,” says Tara Vaught, real estate agent. “Having repair estimates allows sellers to negotiate using actual costs instead of uncertainty, which can lead to inflated credit requests.”

4. Lower the risk of your deal falling apart

Inspection surprises can give buyers a reason to walk. Redfin found that cancellations are highest in the strongest buyer’s markets, where buyers have plenty of other homes to choose from. Fewer surprises during the inspection period means fewer reasons for a buyer to cancel.

EXPERT TIP: Transparency keeps deals on track

“When sellers understand potential deficiencies upfront, they can choose to make repairs, adjust their pricing strategy, or disclose existing conditions rather than face unexpected negotiations after accepting an offer,” says Tristan Page, owner and certified home inspector at Summit Property Inspections. “This transparency can strengthen buyer confidence and reduce the likelihood of last-minute repair demands, closing delays, or canceled contracts.”

5. Control repair timing and contractors

Repairs requested mid-transaction come with a deadline. Inspecting early gives you time to collect multiple quotes, hire contractors you trust, and pull any required permits. Buyers will also have less room to dictate how or by whom repairs are completed.

6. Build buyer confidence

A home with documented repairs, receipts, and a clear account of its condition signals that you’re a serious, prepared home seller. That transparency can help buyers move forward with confidence, especially when their own inspection confirms what you’ve shared.

Drawbacks to consider

A pre-listing inspection isn’t the right call for every home seller. Weigh these tradeoffs before you book one.

• Upfront cost. You pay for the inspection out of pocket, with no guarantee buyers will rely on it.
• Disclosure obligations. Once you know about a material defect, your state’s disclosure laws may require you to share it. Each state has different seller disclosure laws, and a seller who knowingly hides a material issue could face legal action. Review Redfin’s guide to seller’s disclosures and talk with your agent about your state’s requirements.
• Buyers will still inspect. Redfin recommends buyers get a home inspection even when a detailed seller’s disclosure is provided, so a pre-listing report doesn’t replace the buyer’s inspection. Two inspectors may also reach different conclusions.
• It may reveal issues you can’t afford to fix. You still have options: adjust the price, offer a credit, or sell the home as-is.

EXPERT TIP: You don’t have to fix everything

“In reality, the inspection provides valuable information that allows sellers to make informed decisions about which repairs to address, which to disclose, and which to consider during negotiations,” says Butch Gilley, professional inspector at Precision Property Inspections. “I recommend that sellers evaluate the age and condition of their home, their local market conditions, and the potential financial impact of unexpected repairs.”

When a pre-listing inspection makes the most sense

It’s worth considering if:

• Your home is older or has deferred maintenance
• You know or suspect there’s an issue with a major system, such as the roof, foundation, or sewer line
• Buyers in your area have plenty of options and more negotiating power
• You have time to make repairs before listing

You might skip it if:

• Your home is new construction or was inspected recently
• Homes in your area are selling quickly with multiple offers
• You plan to sell as-is and have priced the home with that in mind

Local norms matter too. In some housing markets, pre-listing inspections are standard practice, and buyers may expect one. Your agent can tell you what’s common where you live.

EXPERT TIP: Weigh age, maintenance, and market

“To figure out whether it’s worth the cost, I look at three things: the age of the home, how much deferred maintenance there is, and how competitive the local market is,” says Laxmi Penupothula, real estate agent. “For a newer, well-maintained home in a hot market, it may matter less, and I’m always honest with my clients about that.”

Should you share the report with buyers?

You have two main approaches:

• Share it upfront. Providing the report before buyers make an offer gives them a clearer understanding of the home’s condition and may help reduce unexpected repair negotiations later.
• Keep the report but encourage buyers to do their own due diligence. You can allow buyers to conduct their own inspections while still meeting applicable seller disclosure requirements. However, keeping the report private doesn’t eliminate your responsibility to disclose known defects when required by law.

Either way, disclosure rules apply. Talk with your agent about the right strategy for your home, and consult a real estate attorney with any legal questions.

EXPERT TIP: Sharing the report can lead to cleaner offers

“When a seller shares the inspection report upfront, buyers tend to write offers with more confidence, which often means cleaner offers and fewer contingencies,” says Laxmi Penupothula, real estate agent. “It also lets us price the home based on what we actually know about its condition, instead of guessing and then renegotiating later.”

How to choose a home inspector

The value of a pre-listing inspection depends on the quality of the report. When comparing inspectors, ask:

• Are you licensed or certified? Requirements vary by state, so confirm the inspector meets yours.
• Can I see a sample report? Look for clear photos, plain-language explanations, and notes on which issues are urgent.
• What’s included, and what costs extra? Get the price and scope in writing.
• How soon will I get the report? Build that into your listing timeline.

Your agent can also share inspectors they’ve worked with locally. You’re free to choose any inspector you like.

How to prepare for your pre-listing inspection

A little prep helps the inspector see everything and keeps the appointment on schedule.

• Clear access to the attic, crawl space, electrical panel, water heater, and HVAC equipment.
• Turn on all utilities so the inspector can test systems and appliances.
• Replace burnt-out bulbs and HVAC filters so minor items don’t clutter the report.
• Gather records for past repairs, upgrades, warranties, and permits.
• Plan to be available for questions at the end, or ask the inspector to walk you through the findings by phone.

What to do after your pre-listing inspection

1. Sort the findings. Group items into safety issues, major systems, and cosmetic fixes.
2. Get repair estimates. Collect quotes for the items that matter most to buyers.
3. Decide on a plan for each item. Repair it, offer a credit, or reflect it in your listing price.
4. Keep documentation. Save receipts, permits, and warranties to share with buyers.
5. Update your disclosure. Work with your agent to make sure your seller’s disclosure is accurate.

Lighter-lift alternatives

If a full inspection isn’t in your plans, these steps can still help you prepare:

• Walk through the home with your agent to spot visible issues buyers will notice.
• Hire a handyman for a punch list, such as peeling paint, leaky faucets, loose handrails, burnt-out bulbs, and gutter downspouts.
• Book targeted inspections or service, such as an HVAC tune-up, sewer scope, roof inspection, or pest inspection. 

FAQ: Pre-listing home inspection

How much does a pre-listing home inspection cost?

A standard home inspection costs between $300 and $500. Price depends on the home’s size, age, and location, plus any add-on inspections.

Will buyers still get their own inspection?

Most likely. Redfin recommends that buyers get a home inspection even when a seller provides a detailed disclosure, so plan for the buyer to order one.

Do I have to disclose what a pre-listing inspection finds?

Disclosure rules vary by state. Sellers who knowingly withhold required disclosures can face legal consequences, so review your state’s requirements with your agent.

When should I schedule a pre-listing inspection?

Schedule it early enough to get the report, collect repair quotes, and finish any work before your listing date. Booking several weeks ahead gives you room for repairs that need a specialist or a permit.

Does a pre-listing inspection speed up closing?

It can help. Fewer surprises during the buyer’s inspection means fewer repair requests to negotiate. Your closing timeline still depends on the buyer’s contingencies, financing, and appraisal.

Can I still sell my home as-is after a pre-listing inspection?

Yes. An inspection doesn’t require you to make repairs. You can sell as-is and price the home to reflect its condition, as long as you meet your state’s disclosure requirements.

Talk with an agent before you list

A pre-listing home inspection is one tool for a smoother sale, and whether it’s worth it depends on your home and your local market. Redfin agents can help you weigh repair costs against your likely return and set a list price that fits your market. For more steps, see Redfin’s home selling guide.  Buying your next home after you sell? Get pre-approved so you’re ready to make an offer when you find the right place.

The post Pre-Listing Home Inspection: Is It Worth It? appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Key Takeaways

• No single factor sets a home’s price. Financing costs, local competition, location, and the home itself all play a part.
• Prices can hold steady even as affordability worsens, so a flat price tag doesn’t always mean a healthier market.
• Condition, updates, and list price are the factors sellers can influence most.
• Local data usually tells you more than national headlines.

Home prices are constantly changing, but what actually causes them to rise or fall? From mortgage rates and local housing supply to location and property condition, several factors influence what buyers are willing to pay for a home.

For example, the median U.S. home-sale price fell 0.1% year over year to $389,601 in the four weeks ending Oct. 25th, 2026, the first decline in more than three years. While that change may seem small, it highlights how home prices can shift as market conditions evolve.

Whether you’re pricing a bungalow in Atlanta, GA or weighing offers on a house in Tampa, FL, understanding what affects home prices can help you make more informed decisions.. Some factors, like mortgage rates and housing supply, are beyond your control. Others, such as home improvements and pricing decisions, are things you can influence. Here are 10 key factors that affect home prices and why they matter.

What’s the difference between home prices and home values?

While often used interchangeably, home prices and home values aren’t exactly the same. A home’s market value is an estimate of what it’s worth under current market conditions, while its list price is what a seller asks for it. The sale price is what a buyer ultimately pays. When discussing broader housing trends, home prices typically refer to asking or sale prices across a particular market.

Understanding these differences can help buyers and sellers see how market conditions influence both individual properties and overall housing prices.

>> Read: List Price vs Sell Price: What’s the Difference?

Market forces that shape home prices

1. Mortgage rates and affordability

Mortgage rates can directly affect how much buyers can afford to spend on a home. According to Redfin’s late-October 2026 data, the average mortgage rate was 7.32%, with a median monthly mortgage payment of $2,786, up 10.7% from a year earlier.

To put that into perspective, a buyer with a $2,000 monthly budget for principal and interest could afford a loan of approximately $291,000 at 7.32%, compared to about $373,000 at a 5% rate. That’s roughly $82,000 less in purchasing power simply because of the higher interest rate. This example assumes a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and excludes taxes and insurance. Use Redfin’s mortgage calculator to see how different rates affect your budget.

Johnetta Dillard of Newhouse Alliance Realty in Metro Atlanta weighs in on this topic:

“We’re seeing an interesting dynamic in Metro Atlanta: home prices have remained relatively stable even as sales have slowed and buyers have more options. Higher mortgage rates have also reduced purchasing power, which means fewer buyers may be able to afford the same home they could a year ago. That’s why sellers can’t rely solely on what their neighbor’s home sold for last year or how much they’ve invested in their property. I often remind sellers that a home’s value isn’t determined by what they need to walk away with, but by what qualified buyers are willing to pay in today’s market.”

Dillard also points to new developments that offer rate buydowns and closing cost assistance. Resale sellers may need similar flexibility to compete.

2. Local supply and competing listings

The number of homes for sale in a market can influence how much buyers are willing to pay. When inventory is low, buyers have fewer options, which can increase competition and drive prices higher. When more homes are available, buyers have greater negotiating power, and sellers may need to adjust their pricing to attract offers.

“The single biggest factor in a home’s sale price is competition. Most homeowners focus on past sales, but no active buyer is touring a home that has already closed. Buyers are comparing your home to the other homes on the market right now. Those are the listings that shape buyer feedback, set expectations, and decide which home gets the offer.” — Sarah Leonard of the The Sarah Leonard Team

3. Location

Location plays a major role in determining home prices, and even small differences between neighborhoods can affect what buyers are willing to pay. Homes near desirable schools, employment centers, parks, and everyday amenities may attract more interest and command higher prices. On the other hand, factors like heavy traffic, noise, or limited access to amenities can reduce demand.

Annie Rocks of Rocks Realty explains how much prices and buyer interest can vary within the same market:

“Real estate is incredibly local, sometimes right down to the neighborhood or even the street. I call it a microclimate. Here in Tampa Bay, we can see homes in one community attracting multiple offers while properties just a few miles away struggle to generate showings.”

4. Local economy

Job growth, wages, and the strength of nearby employers shape how many buyers are in a market and what they can spend. A region adding jobs may see more buyers competing for homes. One losing major employers may see demand soften. These shifts tend to build gradually, so they often show up in local sales data well before they reach national headlines.

The home itself

5. Condition and maintenance

Buyers tend to pay more for homes that show signs of care. An aging roof, an older HVAC system, or plumbing problems can become negotiating points after an inspection, and they may lead to repair requests or lower offers. Handling routine maintenance before listing can cost less than conceding on price later.

6. Size, layout, and lot

Square footage, bedroom and bathroom count, and lot size are key factors in determining a home’s value.  form the baseline for most comparisons. Layout matters too. Two homes with the same square footage may sell for different prices if one has a more functional floor plan. Because these features are hard to change, they often play a significant role in how a home is priced compared to similar properties.

7. Updates and renovations

Home improvements like fresh paint, better lighting, refreshed flooring, and kitchen and bathroom upgrades can make a property more appealing to buyers and potentially increase its value.  However, not all renovations offer the same return on investment. Spending beyond what nearby homes typically sell for may mean you don’t recover the full cost. Before starting a renovation, consider local home values and which improvements are most likely to appeal to buyers in your market.

Pricing, costs, and timing

8. Pricing strategy

A home’s listing price doesn’t necessarily determine its market value, but it can influence buyer interest and the final sale price. Pricing too high may discourage buyers and lead to longer days on market or eventual price reductions. A competitive price, based on recent comparable sales and current market conditions, can help attract serious buyers.

>>Read: How to Price Your Home for Sale Without Leaving Money on the Table

9. Ownership costs

Property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, and utilities add to the monthly cost of a home, so buyers often weigh them alongside the list price. Two similarly priced homes can compare very differently if one carries higher recurring costs. Taxes and insurance premiums vary by location and by property, and a local tax assessor’s office is a reliable place to check figures for a specific address.

10. Seasonality

Buyer demand and the number of homes available for sale often fluctuate throughout the year, influencing how homes are priced and how quickly they sell. Spring typically brings more buyers into the market, which can increase competition. A recent analysis found that homes listed in late April were 18% more likely to sell above asking price than those listed during the rest of the year. Still, seasonal trends differ by location, and sellers should weigh market conditions alongside their own timing needs.

Which factors affecting home prices can you control?

While many factors influencing home prices are outside your control, sellers can take steps to make their property more appealing to buyers. Understanding which factors you can influence can help you focus your time and budget where they may have the greatest impact.

For sellers, focusing on your home’s condition, presentation, and competitive pricing can help attract buyer interest. While these improvements won’t necessarily increase how much your home is worth dollar for dollar, they may help it stand out in the current market.

Putting the factors together

No single factor tells the whole story. Rates, local supply, and a home’s features all interact, and their weight differs from one neighborhood and price point to the next. Understanding what affects home prices where you live can help you set realistic expectations before you list or make an offer. When you’re ready to compare properties, you can search homes for sale and review available listing details as you narrow your search.

FAQs

What affects home prices the most?

It varies by market and price point. Financing costs and local supply and demand often set the baseline, and a home’s condition and list price influence where it lands within that range.

Do home prices always fall when mortgage rates rise?

Not always, and not right away. Higher rates reduce affordability and may slow sales first. Prices can hold steady if few homes are for sale, and the effect can differ widely by market.

How can I tell what a home is worth?

Start by comparing it with similar nearby homes, including both recent sales and current listings. Online tools such as Redfin’s home value estimate can offer a starting point, though estimates may differ from a final sale price. A local real estate agent can prepare a comparative market analysis, and lenders typically order an appraisal when a buyer uses a mortgage.

The post What Affects Home Prices? 10 Factors That Shape Value appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

How much should you budget for the photos that introduce your home to buyers? Many buyers start their search online, so listing photos often shape a first impression. Prices for that first impression vary widely.

Whether you’re listing a larger house in Austin, TX or a condo in Arlington, VA, real estate photography pricing depends on several factors, and the package that fits one property may not fit another. Understanding what drives those costs can make it easier to compare quotes and decide what is worth paying for.

What affects real estate photography pricing

Rates vary by listing because photographers price based on a variety of factors, including the amount of time and editing required. Comparing package details is often more useful than comparing totals. Quotes typically account for:

• Property size: Larger homes take more time to shoot and edit, so many photographers scale prices by square footage.
• Photo count: Some packages cap the number of edited images, while others do not.
• Location and travel: Distance from the photographer’s base and local market rates can change the price.
• Turnaround time: Same-day or next-morning delivery may cost more than a standard schedule.
• Add-ons: Drone images, video, 3D tours, floor plans, twilight shots, and virtual staging are often priced separately or bundled.

How photographers structure their pricing

Photographers commonly build their rates around either the size of the home or the number of photos in a package. Each model can work well, but they affect how easy it is to predict your total and compare quotes.

Pricing by square footage

Some photographers price by home size rather than by image count. This approach can make the cost easier to predict, since the fee is tied to the size of the property instead of the number of photos ordered. WadeVision, based in Loudoun County, VA, describes how their approach works:

“Our basic real estate photography starts at around $170. I used to charge based on the number of photos, but I found that larger homes often required more coverage than clients originally ordered, so I switched to pricing primarily by square footage.

My basic package now includes professionally edited HDR photos with no strict photo limit, typically delivered within 24 hours, while additional packages offer floor plans to help buyers understand the layout, as well as 3D tours, video walkthroughs, and virtual staging.

My advice to sellers is to focus on complete, high-quality property coverage and choose services that best support their marketing goals rather than simply selecting the cheapest package.”

Pricing by square footage tends to work well for homes of varying sizes, since the fee scales with the amount of space to be photographed. It is not the only model, though, and many photographers build their pricing around package tiers and photo counts instead.

Photo counts, packages, and per-listing spending

Other photographers build packages around a set number of images. This structure can make it easy to see exactly what a package covers, and many tiers pair the photos with extras such as floor plans or faster delivery. A package’s starting price can differ from what a listing ends up costing once add-ons are included, so it helps to look at both numbers. Scott Golmic, owner of The Real Estateographers, serving in northeast Florida, including the Jacksonville area, explains how that structure can work:

“At The Real Estateographers, professional photography starts at $225 for 25 edited photos, including a measured floor plan, blue-sky guarantee, property website, marketing kit, and next-morning delivery. On average, we find that agents invest approximately $425 per listing.

For the best value, we recommend choosing services that not only showcase the property beautifully and give buyers a more complete understanding of the home, but also help agents stand out from the competition.”

Typical package tiers 

Beyond the pricing model, local market norms and package tiers shape what sellers see on a quote. The photographers below describe typical starting points and what moves a package from basic to premium

Standard packages and local pricing

Local market norms also shape what photographers charge. Rates in one metro area can differ from those in another, so a price estimate you see online may not match what photographers near you actually charge. Jeremy Blum Photo, based in Louisville and Lexington, KY, describes what a standard package typically looks like:

“Most sellers can expect to pay $200 to $250 for a standard photo package, which typically includes 30-50 professionally edited photos and a 24-hour turnaround. We also offer additional services like drone shots, video walkthroughs, and virtual staging for those looking to maximize their visual marketing impact.

Pricing often scales with square footage. The pricing of most photographers in our area falls within a similar range, so sellers should focus on choosing the photographer whose work they like best.”

When most local photographers charge within a similar range, price alone may not separate them. Browsing recent listings in your area and reviewing portfolios can help you judge style and quality, which may matter more than a difference of a few dollars.

Starter packages and premium upgrades

Entry-level photography packages tend to focus on the basics, while upgrades add other formats. Many photographers organize their pricing in tiers, with a base photo package and optional extras that show different parts of a property, such as its layout or its surroundings. Perfect Real Estate Visuals, based in South Florida outlines how its tiers are organized:

“Professional real estate photography is an investment that helps your property stand out and attract potential buyers.

Our packages start at $125, with pricing varying based on property size, location, and services selected. Basic packages focus on high-quality HDR photography, while premium options can include aerial drone photography, walkthrough videos, Matterport 3D tours, and floor plans.

Sellers can get the best value by choosing a package that highlights their property’s unique features, maximizes online exposure, and makes a lasting first impression.”

How add-ons and bundles change the total 

Add-ons are where totals can climb fastest. Photo-only packages are often the lowest-priced option, while video, aerial images, and 3D tours can raise the cost or move a listing into a bundle.

Photo-only ranges and full marketing bundles

Photography packages can span a wide price range, from a basic set of interior photos to a bundle that combines several media types. At the higher end, bundled media packages can cost considerably more than photos alone, and the difference often comes down to how many formats a seller adds. Shutter Zone Media, serving Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin, explains how its photo-only options compare with its premium bundles:

“Real estate photography pricing varies by market, but at Shutter Zone Media, photo-only options generally range from $130-$400, with interior photography and complimentary exterior photos when captured during the same appointment. Premium packages offer combinations of photography, drone coverage, video walkthroughs, and 3D tours, with more comprehensive options reaching $1,500 or more.

Home size, location, travel requirements, and selected add-ons all affect the final cost.

For the best value, sellers should work with their agent to choose media that highlights the property’s strongest features, such as drone images for acreage or a 3D tour to showcase the layout. Comparing package inclusions, bundling services, and having the home fully ready before the appointment can help maximize the investment and avoid additional visits.”

Video pricing and bundle discounts 

Many photographers offer video alongside photos, and add-ons are often priced individually. That means the final cost can depend as much on which extras you choose as on the base photo package. Andrii Sosnovskyi, Real Estate Media Director at DMV SKY Real Estate Photography, a company serving Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, breaks down how those pieces add up:

“In 2026, short-form video has become the must-have in a listing package: one-minute social media Reels start at $400, while MLS walkthrough videos start at $230.

Photography remains the foundation, with flash photography for homes under 3,000 sq. ft. starting at $180. The final price is built from there by property size, turnaround time and add-ons.

Bundling brings costs down. For example, floor plans drop to $80 when paired with Matterport.

In the end, the smartest strategy isn’t adding more services, but choosing the right mix for the property and how it will be marketed.”

How to budget for listing photography

Prices vary by photographer, market, and property, so it helps to approach quotes with a plan. A few habits can make quotes easier to compare and help you avoid surprise charges. 

• Get itemized quotes. Ask what is included, such as photo count, turnaround time, and exterior or twilight shots.
• Ask how the fee is calculated. Square footage, photo count, and flat packages can produce very different totals.
• Price add-ons separately. Drone, video, floor plans, and 3D tours may be bundled, so ask for each price on its own.
• Ask what could change the total. Larger square footage, travel, and rush delivery can raise a quote.
• Talk with your listing agent. Your agent can suggest which media suits your property and local market.
• Prepare the home first. Decluttering and cleaning to prepare before the shoot can help you avoid a second appointment.
• Consider virtual staging. For a vacant home, virtual staging can cost less than traditional staging.

Choosing the right photography package

Photography pricing ranges from a basic photo set to a full media bundle with video, aerial images, and 3D tours. The best fit depends on your home’s size, features, and how your agent plans to market it. Photography is also one line in a larger budget, so it helps to review how much it costs to sell a house overall before you commit to add-ons.

If you’re getting ready to list, connect with a Redfin agent to talk through which media fits your home and budget. You can also explore homes for sale on Redfin to see how other sellers present their listings.

FAQ: Real estate photography pricing

1. How much does real estate photography cost?

Pricing varies by market, home size, and package. Basic packages start in the low hundreds, while bundles with video, drone photos, or 3D tours cost more. Get itemized quotes from local photographers to find exact rates.

2. Who pays for listing photos?

It depends on the listing agreement and local practice. Some agents include photography in their services, and others bill it separately. Ask your listing agent how photography costs are handled before you sign.

3. Do I need drone photos, video, or a 3D tour?

Not every property needs them. Aerial images may suit a home on a large lot, and a 3D tour or floor plan may help show a layout. Your agent can help you decide which formats make sense for your property and price point.

4. What is the difference between a floor plan and a 3D tour?

A floor plan is a diagram that shows how rooms connect and, in many cases, their measurements. A 3D tour is an interactive digital walkthrough that lets viewers move through the space online. Some photographers offer both, either separately or as part of a bundle.

5. Is virtual staging worth it for a vacant home?

Virtual staging digitally adds furniture to photos of vacant rooms to help buyers visualize the space. Though usually cheaper than traditional staging, its value depends on the home, price point, and marketing strategy. Consult your agent to balance the cost with your goals.

The post Real Estate Photography Pricing: What Sellers Can Expect to Pay appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Picture a clear winter afternoon with the sun low and a mug of something hot in your hand. Your porch or patio is right there, but it probably feels more like a place to walk past than a place to sit. The chairs are cold, the breeze cuts through your jacket, and the light starts to fade before you’ve settled in. So you head back inside, and the space you enjoyed all summer sits empty until spring. 

Whether you’re clearing snow off a deck near Boulder, CO, sitting out a damp evening in Seattle, WA, or enjoying a crisp night in Boston, MA, winter looks different from place to place. The good news is that a few small changes can make a porch, patio, or deck usable for more of the year no matter what type of winter you’re experiencing. These easy ways to make your outdoor space comfortable for winter focus on what tends to matter most: shelter, warmth, light, soft layers, and keeping your furniture in good shape.

1. Start with one small seating area

You don’t need to winterize an entire yard to enjoy it in the colder months. Choosing one spot to focus on keeps the project manageable and makes it easier to heat, light, and keep tidy. Colin Davies of Security Pacific Real Estate shares how he approaches it in the East Bay:

“I’d focus on one small seating area, preferably sheltered from wind and rain, ready for the dry breaks between storms. An outdoor heater can help on chilly evenings, or a small fire pit is a great option in an open area away from structures and overhead cover. Add quick-drying cushions, warm throws, and soft, outdoor-rated lighting around the chairs and along the path back inside. Keep cushions and throws just inside the back door so they stay dry and are easy to grab when the weather clears.”

2. Add cover and plan for drainage 

A covered area, a clear path for water to drain, and an entry that stays free of snow and ice make every other upgrade more useful. In places with heavy snow, those basics can decide whether a patio gets used at all. Hillary Johnson of SmartPads explains how this plays out in the Rocky Mountains:

“The Rocky Mountains bring their own set of challenges, from heavy snowfall to strong winds and freezing temperatures. Covered entries, smart rooflines and proper drainage all matter if you want your outdoor spaces to be usable in January. Inside, a well-insulated, airtight home with radiant heating makes a big difference in both comfort and energy efficiency. These are the things we obsess over at SmartPads, because we’d rather you spend your time enjoying the view than pushing a shovel.”

If your yard has no cover at all, an awning, pergola, or porch roof can give you somewhere dry to start. Even a corner against the house can cut down on wind.

3. Block the wind and choose a heat source

Wind can make a patio feel colder than the temperature alone suggests, so it’s worth planning for before you buy a heater. Shaina McAndrews, team leader of the Shaina McAndrews Team at eXp Realty, shares how she approaches both in Greater Philadelphia:

“Most Greater Philadelphia winters are less snow globe and more 38 degrees and damp, so plan for raw wind and drizzle instead of blizzards: clear vinyl curtains on a covered porch or pergola block the breeze without hiding the view, and an infrared heater warms people directly instead of losing heat to the open air. Follow the sun, too, because moving your seating to the spot that catches late-afternoon light, especially against a brick or stone wall that holds warmth, can make a noticeable difference.”

Electric, propane, tabletop, and infrared heaters, along with outdoor fireplaces and chimineas, each suit different setups, so match the heat source to how enclosed your space is. Whichever you choose, review the manufacturer’s guidance on clearance, ventilation, and outdoor ratings, especially if you plan to enclose a porch with curtains. Local fire codes and HOA rules may also apply. 

4. Layer on light and soft textiles

Gray days and early sunsets mean lighting and textiles do more work in winter. Together they make a space feel warmer even before a heater turns on. A few layers to consider:

• String lights: Run them along the porch edge or zigzag them over the seating area.
• Ceiling fixtures: If your porch has a ceiling fan, you may be able to add a light kit or swap in a fixture with built-in lights.
• An indoor-outdoor rug: It creates a barrier between your feet and cold concrete or deck boards, dries quickly, and gives pets a comfortable place to rest.

When considering how a textile or lighting might function in the space, McAndrews adds “Pick wool or performance throws over cotton which can get soaked in humid climates. Put warm, low lighting along steps and walkways since dark, icy entries are a bigger hazard in the winter.”

For more ideas on laying out a porch or patio, these outdoor living space design tips cover how to divide a yard into usable zones.

5. Add a gathering spot and protect your furniture

A focal point gives people a reason to step outside. A fire pit, a chiminea, or a cluster of comfortable chairs can anchor the space, and weather-ready furniture helps it last. Rain, ice, and repeated freezing and thawing take a toll on outdoor pieces, so protecting them between uses is worth the effort. Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty shares how this works in New England:

“A fire pit can make an outdoor space feel inviting even as the temperatures drop. Add weather-resistant seating, cozy blankets and soft patio lighting to create a comfortable spot for enjoying the clear, crisp New England weather. Covering furniture between uses helps keep it clean and dry while extending its life for future seasons.”

Fitted covers help during the season, and wiping pieces down before you store them can keep grime from setting in. If you have a garage or shed, moving cushions and lightweight pieces indoors gives them extra protection. A yearly home maintenance schedule can help you fit these tasks into the rest of your seasonal to-do list. For the indoor and exterior steps that go along with them, see these tips on how to winterize a house.

6. Keep some greenery going

Once the practical pieces are in place, plants add a finishing touch. Empty summer planters can make a porch look closed for the season. Small pines or evergreens, hardy ivy, and other cold-tolerant plants can keep pots looking full. In milder climates, pansies and violas may also work. Many evergreens can be moved into the yard when spring arrives, so the pots can pull double duty.

A quick winter patio checklist

• Pick one small seating area to focus on.
• Check that the space has cover, drainage, and a clear path to the door.
• Block wind with curtains, screens, or a spot against the house.
• Pick a heater or fire feature, and check the instructions and local rules.
• Add layers of light for the seating area, steps, and walkways.
• Lay down an indoor-outdoor rug and add weather-ready throws.
• Refresh planters with evergreens or other cold-tolerant plants.
• Cover or store furniture before heavy rain, ice, or snow.

Make the most of your outdoor space this winter

A comfortable winter patio rarely takes a full renovation. Shelter, a safe source of warmth, good lighting, and a few soft layers go a long way toward making your outdoor space easier to enjoy throughout the winter months. With a few of these easy ways to make your outdoor space comfortable for winter, a porch or deck can stay part of your daily routine all season.

Whether you’re improving the home you have or looking for a place with a porch or patio you can use year-round, you can browse homes for sale on Redfin or connect with a Redfin real estate agent to talk through what you want from your outdoor space.

FAQ: Ways to make your outdoor space comfortable for winter

1. What is the cheapest way to warm up an outdoor space in winter?

Layering is usually the lowest-cost place to start. Blankets, wool or performance throws, and an indoor-outdoor rug add comfort without equipment. Moving seating to a sunny, wind-protected spot can also help at no cost.

2.Can I use a heater on a covered porch?

It depends on the heater and space. Verify it is rated for covered outdoor use, follow clearance and ventilation rules, and keep it clear of fabrics and furniture. Re-check guidelines if enclosing the porch.

3. How can I keep outdoor cushions dry in winter?

Choose quick-drying cushions and store them somewhere sheltered, such as in a garage or in a deck box. Cover furniture between uses so rain and snow don’t soak in.

4. Can I put a fire pit on my deck or patio?

Safety rules vary. Place fire pits in open areas away from structures and overhead cover. Consult your local fire code, HOA rules, product instructions, or fire department if uncertain.

5. What plants work for a winter porch?

Porch planters often use small evergreens and hardy ivy, while milder climates can support pansies and violas. Check with your local cooperative extension office for regional recommendations.

The post 6 Ways to Make Your Outdoor Space Comfortable for Winter appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Moving to a new location can be an exciting time. You’re thrilled to explore a new city but also anxious to find an apartment to call home as soon as possible. However, there’s more than just rent and location to consider when apartment hunting. Whether you’re planning on moving across the country or to a new building in your current city, we put together information to help you prepare for the costs associated with moving into a new apartment, such as the security deposit, renter’s insurance, broker’s fee, and furniture essentials, to name a few.

Read on for answers to common questions like:

• How much is rent?
• How much do apartments cost based on location?
• What other costs come with renting an apartment?
• How can I reduce my expenses?

To understand how much an apartment costs, you’ll need to learn what factors contribute to rental costs. Most cities have apartments for rent at a range of different prices. To focus your search on units you can reasonably afford, keep in mind the rule of thumb that says your income should be at least 3x your rent. That means to afford an apartment that rents for $2,000 per month, your monthly income needs to be at least $6,000 per month.

How much is rent? The national average cost to rent an apartment

The national median asking rent for an apartment was up 2.1% year over year in December 2025, according to Redfin.

• The median asking rent for newly listed units was $1,901 in December 2025, per Redfin.
• The median gross rent (rent plus utilities) for all renters was $1,487 in 2024, per the Census Bureau.

Asking rent reflects what landlords list for available units, while gross rent reflects what renters report paying, which is why the two figures differ.

Redfin also reported that rental costs were still rising on a year-over-year basis but had started to decline month over month. At the same time, homebuying costs fell which narrowed the gap between the income needed to buy and the income needed to rent. While rent trends are shaped by local supply and demand, actual rent changes vary from state to state and city to city.

How much does an apartment cost in your state?

The national average rental rate for apartments is helpful as a rough estimate for what you should expect to pay for your next apartment, but costs will vary by state and size of the city. For example, an apartment in a large city will typically cost more than an apartment in a suburban or rural area.

Below is a table that lays out median gross rent for one and two-bedroom apartments in every state and the District of Columbia for 2025.

(Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates)

Because rents vary by state and city, you may be wondering what’s the best way for a renter to estimate how much they should budget for their next apartment. A helpful way to start budgeting for the costs of renting is with the 30% rule.

Follow the 30% rule

What is the 30% rule? 

The 30% rule is originally from the Brooke Amendment of 1969 that measures rental affordability. This amendment helped to ensure that low-income renters in housing programs would not pay more than 25% of their income for housing, which in 1981, Congress raised the cap to 30%. Though this rule can certainly be applied to anyone and not just low-income renters.

How does the 30% rule work? 

This rule recommends that any household not spend more than 30% of its gross (before tax) income on housing costs. This rule is considered a helpful benchmark for anyone to gauge how much rent they can afford. Any renter can apply the 30% rule to evaluate their rental options and find an apartment that fits reasonably within their rental budget.

For example, say the national median asking rent is $1,901 per month. In this instance, the household income should be about $6,300 per month to cover rent and have enough left for food, utilities, and other expenses.

The 30% rule isn’t universally applicable, as everyone has a unique financial situation. Many people have student loans, car loans, or other recurring monthly debts to pay down. This means that even if their household income suggests they meet the 30% metric, they may need an apartment that costs much less to live comfortably. If that’s the case, consider an apartment that rents 20-25% of your gross income. Keep in mind the other costs you incur as a renter, which will affect the amount you can comfortably pay in rent each month.

Other costs to consider when renting an apartment

When considering apartment costs, you also need to look at the amount of money it’ll take to move into your new apartment, which varies by location and even by building. For example, in New York City, the FARE Act took effect on June 11, 2025. According to the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, a landlord or a landlord’s agent can no longer collect a fee from a tenant for a broker’s services. Under the law, the party who hires the agent pays the agent, so a renter who hires their own agent may still owe a fee. Ask who hired the agent before you apply.

Massachusetts is another example of how much the rules can differ by state. Christopher Chadzynski, owner of Northeast Realty + Co., which works with renters in Greater Boston, described what that looks like in practice:

“In Greater Boston, renters should budget well beyond the monthly rent: Massachusetts landlords can collect first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit of up to one month’s rent at signing, so move-in costs can approach three times the rent. Under the state’s 2025 broker fee reform, tenants generally no longer pay the fee when the landlord hired the agent, but it’s worth confirming before you apply. Keeping rent at or below 30% of gross income is a good starting point, and in older housing stock it pays to ask for last winter’s heating costs, since oil or gas heat can add a few hundred dollars a month. To save, look a few stops further out on the transit line, avoid the September 1 rush when competition peaks, and ask whether a longer lease can get you a lower rent.”

9 additional costs to consider when renting an apartment

1. Moving expenses: Whether moving yourself or hiring professionals, expect to see additional costs during the process. Local movers can charge between $875 to $2,546, with long-distance movers charging even more. Request quotes from multiple movers to find the best price.
2. Security deposit: State laws limit security deposits, but they often reach a total equalling one month’s rent. Paying a deposit plus first and last month’s rent upfront can total 3x rent – about $5,700 for a unit at the $1,901 national median asking rate.
3. Application fees: When you apply to rent an apartment, the property manager or landlord may charge you for the background check they run, which can cost between $20-$100. 
4. Pet deposits: Pet-friendly apartments typically require a pet deposit in addition to your security deposit. A pet deposit can range anywhere between $25 to $500 per animal, and while it is refundable, you may also have to pay a per-month pet rent, which can add an additional $25-$50 per month to your total rent. 
5. Parking: You may have to pay extra to park your car at your apartment, whether or not it’s your own designated parking spot. Some apartments offer garage rental for an additional monthly cost, which you can use for your car, bike, sporting equipment, or other large items you want to store safely.
6. Renters’ insurance: The average cost of renters insurance in the U.S. is $172 per year. Your final total will of course depend on what you have covered in your insurance policy and vary from person to person.
7. Utilities: The cost of utilities (water, gas, electricity) may not be included in your rent. When paid separately, costs vary by size, location, season, and usage, averaging $125 monthly for a one-bedroom and $196 for a two-bedroom.
8. Laundry: Some apartment buildings have coin-operated machines available for tenants to use, shared with everyone in the building. The average cost per load will likely match the local laundromat price or come in slightly higher for the convenience of having onsite laundry facilities.
9. Other expenses: If your rental has amenities like a gym or exercise room, pool, or sauna, the upkeep costs could be included in your rent.

9 tips to reduce your monthly expenses

1. Location: Renting further from the city center often lowers costs. Choose carefully, considering more than rent, and use Walk Score or local advice to assess walkability.
2. Wants vs. needs: Choosing a smaller unit often reduces rent. If extra space isn’t necessary, opting for a one-bedroom over a two-bedroom can save money.
3. Lease terms: Month-to-month leases usually cost more than 12-month agreements. If you’re remaining in the area, a two-year lease can lower monthly rent and save on moving expenses, new deposits, and renewal fees.
4. Energy consumption: Heating your apartment to 70°F in winter or cooling it to 65°F in summer can be costly. Setting temperatures to 65°F in winter and 72°F in summer helps lower gas and electricity bills. 
5. Roommates: A roommate can help save money on an apartment if you have the space. You can split all costs and put the extra into savings.
6. Furniture: It’s nice to have a well-furnished apartment, but keep your budget in mind when purchasing your furniture. You may find you can put up with a hand-me-down couch from a friend or family member if it saves you an extra $500.
7. Cable: Forgo cable or expensive satellite television services. With all the programs available on various streaming services, you’ll find that you won’t miss programming as much to save money every month.
8. Home cooking: Eating out can add up quickly. Even with scarce freezer space, you can keep a few protein, fruit, and vegetable staples on hand to whip up a homemade meal.
9. Transportation: In larger cities such as Los Angeles, CA, or Chicago, IL, parking costs can run hundreds of dollars monthly. While some renters forgo vehicles, factor public transit and commuting expenses into your overall budget.

Final thoughts

Your apartment search comes with excitement and anticipation of living in a new area – but uncertainty about apartment costs can throw you for a loop. Now you have a rough budget to guide your apartment search so you can focus on finding your new home in a location that suits your lifestyle. When considering how much an apartment costs, use the 30% rule as a starting point and factor in additional costs and your financial situation.

FAQ: How much does an apartment cost

1. Can I negotiate the rent or move-in costs?

Sometimes. In buildings with several vacant units, some landlords may offer concessions such as a free month of rent, waived fees, or a flexible move-in date. Results depend on the building and local demand, so it doesn’t hurt to ask before you sign.

2. What should I ask a landlord before signing a lease?

Ask for a full fee schedule and what the rent includes, such as water, trash, or parking. It also helps to ask how renewals work, how much notice you’ll get before a rent change, and how maintenance requests are handled. Get the answers in writing when you can.

3. Do I need renters insurance if my landlord already has a policy?

A landlord’s policy generally covers the building, not your belongings or your liability. Some landlords also require tenants to carry renters insurance, so check your lease and ask for the requirements before move-in.

4. What happens to my security deposit when I move out?

Rules on returning deposits vary by state, including how long a landlord has to return it and what deductions are allowed. Taking dated photos at move-in and move-out, and keeping a copy of any condition checklist, can help if there’s a disagreement about damage.

5. What costs can come up after I move in?

Costs after move-in can include late fees, renewal fees, charges for damage beyond normal wear, and fees for ending a lease early. Rent can also change at renewal. Your lease spells out which fees apply, so read it closely before you sign.

The post How Much Does an Apartment Cost? appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Key takeaways: 

• Strategies to “waive” closing costs usually involve shifting them to the seller, offsetting them with lender credits, or financing them over time.
• Taking a higher interest rate for a lender credit or rolling fees into your principal reduces your cash-to-close today, but increases monthly costs.
• Seller concessions depend on market dynamics and loan type caps, while local grants can provide non-repayable help for eligible buyers.

Closing costs can add thousands of dollars to the price of buying a home, often catching buyers off guard right before the finish line. Whether you’re browsing  or exploring , understanding these fees can help you plan for the true cost of buying.

While closing costs usually can’t be completely eliminated, there are legitimate ways to reduce them, shift who pays them, or effectively “waive” them through credits and assistance programs. In most cases, “waived” means the costs are covered or offset by another party, not erased entirely.

This Redfin article breaks down when closing costs can be waived and the most realistic strategies to lower or avoid paying them up-front.

What are closing costs?

Closing costs are the fees, taxes, and prepaid expenses required to finalize a real estate transaction. They typically range from 3% – 6% of the home’s purchase price and are paid at closing alongside your down payment to complete your total cash to close.

• Lender fees: Loan origination, processing, underwriting, and credit report fees.
• Third-party services: Appraisal, home inspection, survey, title insurance, and escrow or settlement fees.
• Prepaid expenses and government charges: Prepaid homeowners insurance, property taxes, daily prepaid interest, government recording fees, and transfer taxes.

Some of these costs are lender-controlled, some are third-party fees, and others are government-mandated, which affects how flexible they are.

Can closing costs actually be waived?

In most cases, closing costs aren’t truly “waived” or erased – but they can be covered, reduced, or rolled into other parts of the transaction. When buyers talk about waived closing costs, they usually mean one of the following:

• The seller pays them through negotiated seller concessions.
• The lender covers them in exchange for a higher mortgage rate (lender credit).
• They’re rolled into the loan balance (when permitted by loan guidelines).
• A grant or assistance program pays them on your behalf.

Understanding this distinction is important because each option changes where the cost shows up – either up-front, over time, or in the purchase price.

1. Ask the seller to pay closing costs (seller concessions)

One of the most common ways to reduce or avoid paying closing costs up-front is to negotiate seller concessions. This strategy shifts some or all of your closing costs to the seller as part of the purchase agreement, lowering the amount of cash you need at closing.

How seller concessions work

The seller agrees to cover a set dollar amount or percentage of your closing costs at settlement out of their sale proceeds. You can negotiate concessions directly in your initial purchase offer or request them as a credit following home inspection findings. Seller concession flow:

• Step 1: Buyer offers $400,000 purchase price.
• Step 2: Seller agrees to a 3% seller concession ($12,000 credit).
• Step 3: $12,000 credit is applied directly to eligible closing costs at settlement.
• Result: Buyer’s out-of-pocket cash to close is reduced by $12,000.

When seller concessions may be more realistic

Seller concessions are easier to secure in specific market environments:

• Buyer’s markets: High inventory gives buyers increased leverage.
• Properties on market 30+ days: Sellers with aged listings are often more willing to offer credits to seal a deal.
• New construction sales: Builders frequently offer closing credits in lieu of lowering base home prices.

Seller concessions are at record highs, with sellers offering credits in 44.7% of U.S. home sales as buyers gain more negotiating power. They are most common in Sun Belt markets like Atlanta and Nashville – where roughly seven in 10 buyers receive concessions – and least common in tight markets like the Bay Area and New York. Additionally, about 15% of buyers are landing a “double discount,” securing both a price cut and a seller concession toward closing costs.

Limits to seller concessions

Mortgage guidelines enforce caps on seller concessions based on loan type and down payment size:

Seller concessions can significantly reduce your cash-to-close, but they’re often offset by a higher purchase price or different negotiation terms.

2. Use lender credits (higher rate, lower up-front costs)

Another common way buyers “waive” closing costs is by using lender credits. Instead of paying all closing costs out of pocket, you trade a slightly higher interest rate for a credit from the lender that covers some or all of your up-front fees.

How lender credits work

You agree to a higher mortgage rate, and in return, the lender applies a credit toward your closing costs at closing. This reduces the amount of cash you need to bring to the table.

To see how this trade-off works in practice, compare a standard loan offer against a lender credit option on a typical $400,000 mortgage:

How to run the break-even

While a lender credit reduces your cash burden on closing day, it comes at the cost of a higher interest rate and a higher monthly mortgage payment. To decide whether taking a credit makes financial sense, you need to calculate your break-even point – the exact month where the cumulative cost of that higher monthly payment catches up to the up-front cash you saved.

If you expect to move, sell, or refinance before reaching the break-even point, taking the lender credit saves you money. If you plan to hold onto the mortgage well past that threshold, paying your closing costs up-front is usually the cheaper path.

You can calculate your break-even point with a simple formula: Break-even period (Months) = Up-front closing cost savings ($) ÷ Additional monthly payment ($)

Illustrative example: If a lender credit saves you $6,000 up-front but increases your monthly mortgage payment by $100, your break-even point is:

$6,000 ÷ $100 = 60 months (5 years)

If you stay in the home or keep the loan for less than 5 years, the lender credit saves you money overall. If you keep the loan longer than 5 years, paying costs up-front would have been cheaper.

When lender credits may make sense

• You’re short on cash up-front
• You plan to refinance or sell within a few years
• You value lower cash-to-close over the lowest possible rate

The trade-off is higher interest costs over time. Because of that, lender credits tend to work best for short-to-medium holding periods rather than long-term homeownership.

3. Roll closing costs into the loan (when allowed)

Some loan programs allow certain closing costs to be financed into the loan balance rather than paid out of pocket at closing. This approach can lower your up-front cash requirement, but it increases the amount you borrow, and typically your monthly payment. This is more common with:

• VA loans (especially for refinances)
• FHA Streamline refinances
• Certain renovation loans

For standard purchase loans, rolling closing costs into the loan is relatively uncommon and usually requires:

• The home appraising above the purchase price
• Staying within loan-to-value limits

While financing closing costs can make buying or refinancing more accessible, it’s important to weigh the higher loan balance and long-term interest costs against the short-term savings at closing.

4. Use down payment and closing cost assistance programs

Many state, local, and nonprofit programs offer grants or forgivable loans that can help cover closing costs, down payments, or both. These programs are designed to make homeownership more accessible and can significantly reduce the amount of cash you need at closing.

These programs are often available to:

• First-time home buyers
• Moderate-income buyers
• Buyers purchasing in specific areas

Assistance may cover:

• Closing costs
• Down payment
• Both

Some programs require:

• Income limits
• Home buyer education courses
• Living in the home for a set number of years

Availability and requirements vary widely by location, so it’s best to ask your lender or real estate agent about assistance programs early in the process, as they can affect timelines and loan eligibility.

5. Compare lenders and negotiate fees

Not all closing costs are fixed, and many buyers don’t realize they have more room to negotiate than they think. Lenders can charge different rates for the same services, and some fees – especially lender-controlled ones – vary widely from one Loan Estimate to another. 

Taking the time to compare offers and ask questions can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs at closing. You may be able to reduce costs by:

• Comparing loan estimates from multiple lenders
• Asking lenders to match or beat fees
• Questioning origination or processing fees
• Shopping for title and escrow services (where allowed)

Even small reductions can add up to meaningful savings.

6. Close at the right time

The timing of your closing can influence how much cash you need up-front. While it won’t eliminate closing costs entirely, choosing the right closing date can help reduce prepaid expenses – costs that cover interest, taxes, and insurance before your first mortgage payment is due. You may lower prepaid costs by:

• Closing later in the month (less prepaid interest)
• Choosing a time when property taxes or insurance payments are lower

These timing adjustments won’t remove closing costs, but they can reduce the total amount due at closing and make your cash-to-close more manageable.

What closing costs usually can’t be waived

While many closing costs can be reduced or shifted to another party, some fees are difficult, or impossible to avoid. These costs are typically set by government agencies or required by lenders and third parties, leaving little room for negotiation. Fees that usually can’t be waived include:

• Government recording fees
• Transfer taxes (where applicable)
• Required insurance premiums
• Certain third-party charges

Because these costs are mandatory, most “waived” closing cost strategies focus on who pays the fees rather than eliminating them altogether.

What if you still can’t afford closing costs?

If your estimated cash-to-close exceeds your available funds, take these structured steps before giving up on a transaction:

1. Revisit seller and lender options: Ask your agent to request a late seller concession credit or ask your lender to recalculate terms using a higher interest rate with an increased lender credit.
2. Layer local assistance: Check local HFA databases for emergency down payment or closing cost grants.
3. Ask for a clear cash-to-close breakdown: Request updated Loan Estimates comparing up-front cash required under different financing scenarios side by side.

Is waiving closing costs worth it?

Whether waiving closing costs makes sense depends on your financial priorities and how long you plan to own the home. While reducing up-front costs can make buying more accessible, it often comes with trade-offs that affect your long-term expenses. 

Waiving or reducing up-front closing costs can help if:

• You’re cash-constrained
• You want to preserve savings for repairs or emergencies
• You plan to move or refinance within a few years

Paying closing costs up-front may be better if:

• You want the lowest long-term interest cost
• You’re buying a long-term home
• You can comfortably afford the up-front expense

Weighing both the short-term cash savings and the long-term cost impact can help you choose the option that best fits your homeownership goals.

FAQ about getting closing costs waived

Is there a way to pay no closing costs?

Yes. You can achieve a $0 cash-to-close impact for closing costs by combining seller concessions, lender credits, or assistance grants. However, the underlying fees are paid by someone else or built into a higher mortgage rate rather than erased entirely.

What should you not say to a mortgage lender?

Avoid making false statements about your income, employment status, undisclosed debts, or the source of your down payment. Never state that gift funds are a loan that must be repaid. Always provide complete, accurate documentation, and feel free to negotiate on origination and administrative fees.

Will banks waive closing costs?

Some banks and credit unions may waive specific internal fees (like application or processing charges) as part of promotional offers or loyalty programs. However, banks rarely waive mandatory third-party fees (like title insurance or appraisals) without offering a lender credit offset by a higher interest rate.

Can I borrow money for closing costs?

Unsecured personal loans are generally not permitted as a source for closing costs under mortgage underwriting rules unless fully secured by a collateral asset. However, acceptable options include approved down payment assistance loans, forgivable second mortgages, or allowable loan programs that permit fee financing.

How do I ask for a lender credit?

Ask your loan officer: “Can you show me a scenario that includes a lender credit to cover my up-front closing costs, and tell me how much that changes my interest rate and monthly payment?” Compare this directly against standard rate quotes to calculate your break-even point.

The bottom line on getting closing costs waived

While closing costs rarely disappear completely, buyers can successfully minimize up-front cash requirements through strategic negotiation, lender selection, and program assistance. By weighing immediate cash savings against long-term interest expenses, you can choose the strategy that best aligns with your financial goals.

The post Can Closing Costs Be Waived? 6 Ways Buyers Can Lower Costs at Closing appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Luxury buyers often scroll through dozens of listings that all look polished. Photos can show what a home has, but they rarely show what it feels like to be there. A video that moves through the entry, catches the morning light in the kitchen, and ends on the view at dusk can fill that gap.

Whether you’re listing a desert estate in Scottsdale, AZ or a harbor-view home in Newport Beach, CA, your audience may be searching from another city or even another country. They may compare many properties before booking a single showing, and a well-made video gives them a reason to keep watching.

What is video marketing in real estate?

Video marketing means using video to promote a property, a listing, or an agent’s services. In real estate, it can take several forms:

• Cinematic walkthroughs: Planned, edited films that move through the home and highlight its best features.
• Drone footage: Aerial views of the lot, outdoor spaces, and surroundings.
• Short social clips: Brief videos built around one feature, such as the entry or the view.
• Longer edits: Extended cuts for an agent’s website, email outreach, or buyer presentations.

For luxury listings, the goal is usually to show what a home is like to live in, not just to list its features. Video can show:

• How rooms connect and flow
• How light changes through the day
• How the property sits in its setting

Video enhances professional photography by capturing movement, scale, and atmosphere – qualities still photos cannot convey alone. Effectively using video marketing to sell luxury homes begins with knowing what each medium does best. When used as part of a broader marketing strategy, video can also help sellers showcase their property’s standout features across multiple channels.

How to use video marketing for luxury homes 

A strong luxury listing video is planned well before the camera comes out. Start with how the home feels to live in, then build the footage, edits, and distribution around that. In practice, that comes down to six steps:

1. Prepare the home so it looks its best on camera.
2. Center the video on how the home feels to live in.
3. Show the setting and view that make the property different.
4. Highlight the details and craftsmanship.
5. Plan the video like a short film.
6. Create separate versions for each channel.

1. Start with preparing the home before filming

Preparation affects the final result as much as equipment does. A home that is clean, uncluttered, and ready for the camera gives the crew more to work with and can save time on shoot day. 

Before filming, consider this checklist: 

• Declutter surfaces and put away personal items, documents, and valuables.
• Follow the same steps you would for photos, using these staging tips for listing photos as a guide.
• Schedule the shoot for the times of day when the home’s best light and views appear.
• Confirm the drone operator follows FAA rules for commercial flights.
• If using drone footage, confirm the operator has the appropriate FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and follows applicable commercial drone and airspace rules.
• Check that the video does not show alarm panels, security codes, or other sensitive details.

2. Showcase the lifestyle the home offers

A strong listing video starts with a point of view. Instead of walking room to room, a videographer can help pick the moments a buyer would care about.  

Jacob Feingold, owner of Real Estate Photographers, based in Arizona, describes his approach this way:

“Luxury buyers are buying a way of life as much as a house, and video is the best way to show it. We build each film around how the home is actually lived in, like morning light in the kitchen, the arrival at the front entry, or the view from the patio as the sun goes down. Every listing video we do is shot on professional cinema cameras and paired with drone footage, so the home looks as refined on screen as it does in person. We also cut separate versions for the MLS, social media and the agent’s own marketing, so the same story reaches buyers wherever they’re looking. When a buyer can picture their life in the home before they ever visit, the showings that follow are with people who are already serious.”

For sellers, the takeaway is to think beyond simply showing every room. Consider what makes living in your home special. That might be the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, a kitchen designed for entertaining, or a peaceful view from the primary bedroom. These details can help buyers picture how they might use the space themselves.

>> Read: How to Balance Personal Style With Buyer Appeal in High-End Homes

3. Sell the setting, not just the square footage

In high-end markets, comparable sales only tell part of the story. A home with a rare view or an unusual setting needs to show buyers what makes it different. 

House of Pix, based in Orange County, CA shares this perspective:

“In Southern California markets, a luxury listing is generally considered anything over $3 million. Properties at this level often attract buyers from outside the immediate area, including international clients and relocating executives. Because these are unique properties, they are no longer sold simply based on price-per-square-foot comparisons. Instead, the focus is on selling high-end finishes and lifestyle, such as views of Downtown LA, the Hollywood sign, or the ocean. 

House of Pix goes on to say, “While photography captures these features, video adds a powerful emotional element. It allows prospective buyers to envision themselves living in the space, rather than just scrolling past still photos. For example, a five-second video clip showing a yacht moving past a window in a Newport Beach home creates an exciting, luxurious feeling that photography alone cannot convey.”

If your listing has a defining feature like this, build a short clip around it. Aerial footage can also show lot size, outdoor space, and how the property sits in its surroundings.

For example, a waterfront property might benefit from footage showing the relationship between the home, its outdoor spaces, and the water. A property in the mountains might highlight expansive views and access to outdoor amenities. The goal is to help buyers understand what makes the location and setting valuable.

4. Highlight the details that set the home apart 

Some luxury buyers make offers without walking through the home first. For them, the video has to carry the full experience, including the details that took time and skill to create. Elaina Spear, managing partner at Spearhead Media, says:

“Oftentimes, luxury buyers never see a home in person before submitting an offer, so the video must let them see and feel it as if they were standing inside. It starts with the details, telling the story that lives within the craftsmanship: a custom wine door that spent six months at sea, crossing three oceans and two continents, or bespoke stonework that took years to complete. We capitalize on those signature touches by capturing how light moves across each surface, reflecting off stone and glass and casting shadows that shift with every hour of the day. Buyers at this level have seen countless homes, and the ones they remember are the ones that made them feel something. Those moments are what draw them back to the listing and ultimately to the offer table.”

Your listing agent can help identify these stories. Original materials, custom work, and notable design choices are all worth documenting.

5. Plan the video and choose the right videographer

The best luxury videos are planned before anyone picks up a camera. That means deciding what the first shot will be, how the camera will move, and which details deserve a close look.

Ivone Cornejo, CEO and co-founder of MC Productions NJ, explains how her team approaches it:

“We approach a luxury listing the way we approach a cinematic film: we plan the story, open with the home’s most breathtaking moment, and use slow, stabilized movement, natural light, and aerial footage to show how the property flows and how it connects to its surroundings. Small details matter at this level, like the craftsmanship in a staircase or the view from the primary suite at sunset, and a professional captures them in a way photos alone can’t. The result is a film that attracts serious, qualified buyers, travels well with out-of-state and international audiences, and justifies the price before the first showing.”

If you’re working with a real estate agent, ask whether they have experience marketing luxury properties through video or work with a professional videographer. Before scheduling a shoot, consider asking:

• Can I see examples of videos you’ve created for similar properties?
• What’s included in the videography package, and what costs extra?
• Will the video include drone footage, interior walkthroughs, or both?
• Will you create different versions for social media and property listings?
• How will the finished video be used to reach potential buyers?

These questions can help sellers understand what they’re paying for and how the video fits into the overall marketing plan.

6. Create versions for each channel

One long film rarely fits every platform, and luxury buyers may find your listing in several different places. Whether you have the skills to bring the video to life yourself or you’re hiring a videography team, plan on creating multiple versions from the same footage. A single shoot can often produce several edits:

• MLS version: A clean, unbranded walkthrough that follows MLS media rules, which vary by market.
• Social clips: Short vertical videos that focus on one feature, such as the view or the entry.
• Agent marketing: A longer cut for email, a listing website, or a presentation to prospective buyers.
• Aerial teaser: A brief drone sequence that shows the lot and surrounding area.

Planning these cuts before the shoot helps you capture the right footage the first time, whether you’re behind the camera or working with a crew. For more distribution ideas, see these creative ways to market a house for sale.

How much does luxury real estate video marketing cost?

The cost of a luxury listing video depends on factors like property size, filming time, drone footage, editing, and the videographer’s experience. A simple walkthrough will typically cost less than a cinematic video with multiple filming sessions and edited versions.

Before hiring a videographer, ask your listing agent whether video production is included in their marketing services or comes at an additional cost. While a professional video can help showcase your home’s unique features and attract buyer interest, it doesn’t guarantee a faster sale or higher price.

Final thoughts

Luxury buyers often look at many properties before they pick one to visit. Knowing how to use video marketing to sell luxury homes means planning a story, capturing the details that set the property apart, and sharing it through the channels buyers actually use.

If you’re thinking about listing or buying at this level, explore homes for sale on Redfin or connect with a real estate agent to talk through marketing options for your market.

FAQ: How to use video marketing to sell luxury homes

1. How long should a luxury listing video be?

There is no single right length. A main film often runs a few minutes, while social clips are usually much shorter. Your agent and videographer can suggest lengths based on where the video will appear.

2. Does video replace professional photography?

No. Photos and videos do different jobs. Photos let buyers study each room at their own pace, while video shows how spaces connect and what the home feels like to move through. Most luxury listings benefit from both. 

3. Should a luxury listing video include a drone?

Aerial footage can show the lot, outdoor spaces, and surroundings in ways ground-level shots cannot. Whether it makes sense depends on the property, local rules, and the operator’s certifications.

4. When should the video be filmed?

Many agents schedule filming before the home goes live so the video is ready at launch. Choose a time of day when natural light flatters the home and its views.

5. Who pays for listing videos?

Arrangements vary by agent, brokerage, and market. Ask your listing agent what is included in their marketing plan and what costs extra.

6. Is video marketing worth it for luxury homes?

Video can be a useful addition to a luxury home’s marketing strategy, particularly when the property has distinctive architectural details, expansive grounds, or features that are difficult to capture in still photos. However, its value depends on production quality, distribution, and how well it complements the rest of the listing’s marketing efforts.

The post How to Use Video Marketing to Help Sell Luxury Homes: 6 Tips For Sellers appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Picture a buyer on the couch after dinner, thumb moving steadily through listings on a phone. A driveway, a front door, a hallway: after a few dozen, many of them start to look alike. Then one video opens on morning light spilling across a kitchen, and the thumb stops. The buyer hasn’t seen the price or read a single word of the description yet, but the listing has already earned something most of the others haven’t: a few more seconds of attention.

Whether you’re selling a condo in San Jose, CA, or a ranch-style house in Greenville, SC, your listing competes for that same pause. Videographers often describe the first three seconds as the window that matters most. This Redfin article looks at how videographers can help capture buyers early, what they tend to open with, and how sellers can prepare their homes before the camera arrives.

Why video is important in real estate listings

Buyers often meet a home online before they ever step inside, so the way a listing presents itself matters. Video adds something a gallery of still images can’t: a sense of how the home moves, flows, and feels. The Febre Frameworks team shares their perspective on this: 

“A great listing video gives buyers a reason to stop scrolling. NAR’s 2025 report found that 48% of buyers’ agents rated videos as more or much more important to their clients. Opening with the home’s strongest feature, then showcasing its layout and details, helps create the connection that can lead to a showing and a strong offer.” While there isn’t a universal three-second rule, choosing an engaging opening shot can help make the most of that initial attention.

A listing video gives buyers more than a list of features. It shows how the rooms connect and what the home feels like to move through, and a strong opening can be what makes someone stop and keep watching. To see where video adds the most value, it helps to look at how it works alongside the photos buyers already expect to see. 

Real estate photography vs. videography

Video and photography do different jobs, and they tend to work best as partners. Strong professional listing photos remain the foundation of a listing, giving buyers a clear, detailed look at each space. Video builds on that foundation, and here is how the two tend to differ: 

• Motion: Photos capture a single moment. Video can show how light moves through a room or how one space leads into the next.
• Sequence: A photo gallery lets buyers pick their own order. A video controls the order, so a videographer can open with the strongest feature and build from there.
• Pacing: Video uses camera movement and timing to shape how long a buyer looks at each space.
• Detail: Photos let buyers pause and study a room. Video gives a broader sense of layout and scale.

Neither format replaces the other. Photos give buyers a fast, detailed look at each space, while video can add the sense of flow and atmosphere that stills may not convey on their own. 

How a listing video helps your home stand out 

If you’re deciding whether a listing video is worth it, it helps to understand what happens behind the camera. Beyond Listed, based in Greenville, South Carolina, shares a marketing perspective:

“In today’s fast-paced digital market, the first three seconds of a listing video can determine whether a buyer keeps watching or scrolls past. Professional real estate videography goes beyond simply documenting a property. It strategically combines cinematic visuals, intentional storytelling, and lifestyle-driven marketing to help buyers envision themselves experiencing the home before ever stepping inside. By highlighting a property’s most compelling features and creating an emotional connection, video can generate stronger interest, encourage more qualified showings, and ultimately help position a listing for more competitive offers.”

1. The power of an opening shot

One of the first things to understand is how the video begins. Anthony, owner of Modern Angles, explains why the opening seconds are planned so carefully and what that means for your home:

“Buyers scroll fast, and a listing video has about three seconds to earn their attention. That’s why we open with the home’s strongest moment, whether it’s a sweeping aerial, a sunlit great room, or the view from the back deck, instead of a slow walk up the driveway. A professional videographer knows how to use light, smooth camera movement, and pacing to make a home feel spacious and livable in a way phone footage can’t. When buyers feel that connection early, they book showings, and more showings lead to stronger offers.”

Your home’s strongest moment may not be the one you’d pick. It might be a view, a renovated kitchen, or a layout that flows well. A videographer can help you decide which one leads.

2. The importance of video order

A good video does more than open well. It also guides viewers through the home in a deliberate order. Alex Cruz, founder of New Horizon Media Group and Rendr, describes how that works:

“Buyers decide in the first three seconds whether a listing video is worth their time, so we never open on the front door. We lead with the one moment that makes someone stop scrolling, like morning light pouring across the kitchen or a drone shot pulling back to reveal the backyard, then walk the home in the order a buyer would actually experience it. That’s what sellers can’t do with a phone: knowing which feature carries the house and how to light, frame and pace it so buyers feel it before they ever visit. When buyers show up already sold on the feeling, showings turn serious, and serious buyers write stronger offers.”

3. Helping buyers picture life in your home

Buyers don’t just compare features. They try to imagine themselves in a space and create a story. Carmelo De Mitri, creative lead director of In D Sky Homes based in the Bay Area,  says this is the heart of the work:

“In a world this noisy, attention is a currency, and a professional listing video is how you capture it in the first few seconds. As a videographer and storyteller, my job is to find the property’s best features and show them in ways a seller can’t on their own: morning light across the kitchen, the first steps through the front door, the backyard where weekends are spent with family and friends. The goal is for buyers to taste what life could be like if it were their home. That feeling turns a scroll into a showing, and more showings give a seller a stronger shot at a great offer, while the agent builds a brand people remember and recommend.”

You know your home better than anyone, but a videographer sees it the way a first-time viewer will. Sharing what you love most about the home can help them decide what to highlight.

4. Using video to shape how buyers feel about your listing

Buyers who feel something while watching may be more likely to take the next step. The Lighthouse Visuals team explains how movement and storytelling can turn a listing into something a viewer can picture themselves in:

“The most powerful real estate videos don’t just show you a home. They make you feel what life could be like inside it. In those first three seconds, we have an opportunity to capture someone’s imagination and create an emotional connection. You can feel the warmth of family gathering in the kitchen, imagine slow mornings with coffee on the porch, or picture the memories waiting to be made. That’s the beauty of professional videography: bringing a home to life through movement, emotion, and storytelling. When buyers begin to feel a lifestyle rather than simply see a property, they’re no longer just watching a listing. They’re imagining their future, and that’s what inspires them to take the next step.”

What to ask and do before you invest in a listing video

Before you commit, talk through the details with your agent. These questions can help:

• Is video part of the listing plan, or an added cost? Ask who arranges it and who pays for it.
• Who will film it, and can I see their past work? Reviewing earlier videos can show you their style and pacing.
• What will the video open with? Share the feature you think carries your home and ask for their view.
• How will the video be used? Ask where it will appear, such as the listing page or social media.

Preparation also affects the result. Video shows how rooms connect and how light moves through a space, and it fits into a broader checklist of things to do before selling. Before filming day, sellers can:

• Declutter and clean. Prepare the home as you would for photos, and finish any minor repairs.
• Consider staging key rooms. Furniture placement can show how a space is meant to be used.
• Check the exterior. Tidy the yard and clear the driveway if the video includes outdoor shots.
• Review the finished video on a phone. Make sure the first few seconds read clearly on a small screen.
• Confirm the footage is accurate. The video should represent the home as it is.

Final thoughts

The first few seconds of a listing video can set the tone for everything that follows and help capture a buyer’s attention. Video doesn’t replace strong photos or guarantee showings and offers, but paired with a clear plan, it can help a listing earn the attention it needs. Whether it makes sense for your home depends on your property, your price range, and your market, so it’s worth talking it through with your agent, or browse homes for sale on Redfin to see how other listings present themselves.

FAQ: How videographers can help capture buyers

1. Is a listing video worth considering when I sell my home?

Whether a video is worth it depends on your home, price range, and market. Videography can help to capture buyer attention within the critical initial three-second window, though this is an industry rule of thumb rather than a strict standard. Consult your real estate agent to evaluate the costs against potential benefits.

2. Does a listing video replace professional photos?

No. Strong photos are still the foundation of a listing, and video tends to work alongside them by adding a sense of flow and atmosphere. In NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Staging, 73% of buyers’ agents rated photos as more or much more important to their clients.

3. Will a listing video lead to more showings or higher offers?

Not necessarily. Video can increase interest, but there is no guarantee. Price, condition, location, and market conditions also play a role, and survey figures about video reflect agents’ views rather than sales outcomes. 

4. How can I prepare my home for video?

Declutter, clean, and finish minor repairs, and consider staging key rooms. Share the feature you think matters most with your agent and videographer, and review the opening of the finished video on a phone screen.

The post How Videographers Can Help Capture Buyers in the First 3 Seconds appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Key takeaways

• El Centro, Yuma, and Lake Havasu City are the sunniest cities in the U.S., enjoying cloudless skies for 75% of the year.
• America’s sunniest cities are largely located in the Southwest, in the Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan Deserts. 
• While warm weather has drawn people to the Sun Belt for decades, the sunniest cities in the country can have major climate risks.

Are you craving some vitamin D or looking for a change of scenery? Well, you’re not alone. Since the pandemic, home buyers and remote workers across the U.S. have been moving to sunnier cities in search of warmth and affordability. Cities in the Sun Belt – a region stretching across the southern third of the U.S. – have generally been the most popular destinations, home to plenty of new housing and world-class winter weather. 

This trend continued in 2026, even as risks of extreme weather grew, influencing housing markets across the country. 

So, if you’re considering a move to a sunnier city but aren’t sure where to look, we’re here to help. Redfin compiled a list of the sunniest cities in the U.S. to help guide your decision. Read on to see which places topped the list, what to consider before packing your bags, and how to find your perfect home.

The sunniest cities in the U.S.

El Centro, Yuma, and Lake Havasu City are the sunniest cities in the U.S., seeing strong sunlight for around 270 days per year. While El Centro sees slightly more clear days, Yuma is the sunnier city by most measures.

Please see the methodology for how we determine a “sunny” day, and what percentage of possible sunshine and solar radiance mean. 

When measuring by season, desert cities are sunniest from April through June, before the monsoon season begins in late summer. The sunniest cities later in the summer are further north in California, led by Sacramento and Chico.

In short: If you want the most overall sunlight and warmth year-round, head to Yuma; if you want two additional sunny days, head to El Centro. 

Why are these cities so sunny?

Nearly all of the sunniest cities in the U.S. are located in the American Southwest, in the hot and dry Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan Deserts. These places are sunny for two primary reasons:

• They’re located in a subtropical high-pressure zone, which is a phenomenon that occurs at around 30° in latitude both north and south of the equator that helps create many of the globe’s deserts. 
• They’re in a rain shadow behind multiple mountain ranges. 

Let’s break down a few notable cities to understand their climates.

Yuma is commonly cited as the sunniest city in the world. It receives over 4,000 hours of sunlight per year, according to the World Meteorological Organization, more than desert cities in Egypt and Namibia. According to our estimates using recent NASA data, Yuma sees sunlight for about 89% of all daylight hours (~3,950 hours) – a lower value, but still the highest in the nation and likely the world if we expanded the same measurement globally. Yuma’s hot, dry, sunny climate has helped it become an agricultural leader for sun-hungry crops like lettuce.

El Centro, in California’s fertile Imperial Valley, has a largely identical climate to Yuma, although it’s a bit drier. El Paso is the only city on the list located in the Chihuahua Desert, which helps it see many of the same patterns as Yuma and Phoenix.

Lastly, Oxnard has some of the best weather in the country, home to a sunny and cool Mediterranean climate. It sees completely clear skies for nearly a third of the year, never gets too hot or too cold, and has very low humidity. Nearby Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo have similar climates. All three cities are among the most expensive places to live in the U.S., though.

Why sunshine matters when choosing where to live

Sunny weather is undeniably pleasant when it’s not too hot. It can make spending time outdoors easier, encourage an active lifestyle, and boost your mood. This is one reason why cities across the Sun Belt have been attracting new residents recently.

The Sun Belt has actually been a popular spot for home buyers for over 60 years, helping cities in the region grow rapidly over the time. People have long been attracted to new economic opportunities and growing communities. 

However, that popularity has come at a cost. The pandemic-era migration boom sent home prices soaring in many Sun Belt cities, pricing out local buyers and making once-affordable markets increasingly expensive. Now, as demand cools, prices are falling in some of those same cities, giving buyers more negotiating power.

But lower home prices don’t necessarily mean lower housing costs. Rising insurance premiums and HOA fees, especially in Florida, are adding thousands to the cost of homeownership, while climate risks like extreme heat, hurricanes, and flooding are pushing some residents out. Before relocating somewhere sunny, it’s worth looking beyond the surface and weighing the full cost of living there.

If you’re looking to move, you can explore how much sunlight an individual property gets directly on Redfin.com. Simply click on any home to see its typical daily sunshine hours, or explore a simulated 3D model for a more detailed look at sun exposure throughout the day. You can also check a property’s climate risks, average monthly temperature and precipitation, and more. Redfin partners with Shadowmap, the Weather Company, and First Street (now owned by MSCI) to display this data for nearly every property in the U.S.

>> Read: Where Should I Live? 10 Questions to Help You Decide

Methodology

Sunniness is typically divided into three categories: sunny, mostly sunny, and partly sunny. Sunlight is only measured from sunrise to sunset. 

• Sunny: less than 1/8th of the sky is covered with clouds
• Mostly sunny: 1/8-3/8ths of the sky is covered with clouds
• Partly sunny: 4/8-5/8ths of the sky is covered with clouds

To determine the “sunniest” cities, we ranked U.S. metropolitan areas (“cities”) with populations over 100,000 based on their combined average annual number of “sunny” and “mostly sunny” days. 

We also included each metropolitan area’s percent of possible sunshine, estimated cloud cover (%), and solar irradiance, though these didn’t factor into the rankings. 

• The percent of possible sunshine is calculated by dividing the estimated minutes of recorded sunshine that reaches the ground by the total possible sunshine minutes from sunrise to sunset. We estimated this by combining NASA’s monthly clearness index and the Angstrom–Prescott relation with standard FAO-56 coefficients, combined across 12 months and weighted by daylight hours.
• Estimated cloud cover measures the average hourly percentage of the sky that was covered by clouds from 2001–2025.
• Solar irradiance (“solar energy”) measures the strength of the sunlight that reaches the ground in kWh/m²/day, indicating how strong the sun is. Places further from the equator will generally see lower values because the sun sits lower in the sky.

All data comes from NASA Power from 2001-2025 into a total or average monthly value. NASA Power measures global atmospheric conditions using satellite-derived data on a 1° x 1° grid (roughly 110km x 85km). Due to its breadth, metros that were closer to each other sometimes received identical values. When this happened, we grouped them together under the largest one.

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