THE LESSON LIBRARY

Learn at your own pace.

Choose a chapter and follow the lessons in order, or jump to the question you have today.

14 short lessons

Buying a Home

Understand mortgages, down payments, offers, inspections, escrow and closing.

01Getting started · 3 minAre you ready to buy?Start with your life, your budget, and your cash cushion—not a listing price.02Getting started · 3 minRenting or buying: compare the whole pictureBoth options provide a home. Compare flexibility, ongoing costs, and the time you expect to stay.03Money & mortgages · 3 minWhat a home really costs each monthThe loan payment is only one part of an ownership budget.04Getting started · 3 minPreapproval and credit: what is actually checked?A letter can help you shop, but its value depends on the review behind it.05Money & mortgages · 3 minHow mortgages and loan types workSeparate the loan program, repayment length, and rate structure.06Money & mortgages · 3 minDown payment, closing costs, and cash to closeKeep the purchase contribution, transaction costs, and remaining savings separate.07Getting started · 3 minChoose a home that fits your everyday lifeA useful search starts with a few nonnegotiables and realistic trade-offs.08Offers & closing · 3 minWhat goes into an offer?Price is only one of the promises in a purchase agreement.09Offers & closing · 3 minContingencies protect a decision windowKnow what must be investigated and what changes when a protection is removed.10Offers & closing · 3 minUse inspections to understand the work aheadA report is a guide to condition, priorities, and further questions.11Offers & closing · 3 minWhen the appraisal and price differAn appraisal affects financing; it does not replace an inspection.12California essentials · 3 minEscrow and title: two different jobsLearn how money is held and how ownership claims are reviewed.13California essentials · 3 minHow to read California seller disclosuresUse the disclosure package to ask better questions before you commit.14Offers & closing · 4 minClosing, recording, and getting the keysMake time for document review and verify money instructions through a trusted channel.

4 short lessons

Owning a Home

Understand equity, property taxes, insurance and maintaining your home.

01California essentials · 3 minCalifornia property taxes and Proposition 13Understand assessed value, the base tax, and charges that can make a bill larger.02Owning a home · 4 minInsurance, wildfire, flood, and earthquake riskCheck availability, coverage, and deductibles early—then review them as an owner.03Owning a home · 3 minBuild a maintenance plan and repair reservePrepare for ordinary wear and occasional large expenses without relying on one rule of thumb.04Owning a home · 3 minEquity, HELOCs, and home equity loansEquity is value minus debt. Accessing it can create new costs and obligations.

6 short lessons

Selling a Home

Understand preparation, pricing, offers, disclosures, escrow and closing.

01Selling a home · 3 minPrepare your home and your paperwork to sellPlan the work, records, and move before deciding what to spend.02Selling a home · 3 minPrice and present a home with a clear planUse relevant evidence and a written marketing agreement instead of a promised sale price.03Selling a home · 3 minFrom sale price to seller net proceedsThe amount you receive depends on payoffs, negotiated costs, credits, and adjustments.04Selling a home · 3 minCompare offers beyond the headline priceConsider the money, obligations, and likelihood of completing the transaction.05Selling a home · 3 minSeller escrow, moving out, and the handoverCoordinate your obligations through recording and the agreed delivery of possession.06Selling a home · 4 minHome sale taxes: gain is different from proceedsUnderstand the basic framework and collect records before tax time.