Does Mortgage Pre-Approval Affect Your Credit Score? What Homebuyers Should Know

Colorful houses with porches at sunset.

Getting pre-approved is one of the most important first steps in the homebuying process—but many buyers hesitate because they’re worried it will hurt their credit.  Written for Redfin by Marissa Crum. Edited by Silvestri Properties. Whether you’re buying a house in Durham or Burlington, understanding how credit inquiries work can help you start your search with…

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How to Save for a House: 9 Steps to Reach Your Goal Faster

Modern two-story house with white siding and green door.

One of the biggest hurdles of buying a home is saving up for one. by Alison Bentley, Marketing Program Manager at Redfin, Edited by Silvestri Properties From down payment to closing costs and moving expenses, it can be expensive to buy a home. If you’re just beginning to think about buying a house then you may need to…

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How to Use Your Home Equity

Silvestri Properties

Your home is a valuable asset — see if it makes sense to harness that value. Written by Shawnna Stiver on December 19, 2025Reviewed by Megan Swindells, Edited by Alycia Lucio & Silvestri Properties One benefit of owning a home is the ability to tap into your home equity. Equity is the portion of your home’s value that you own, which…

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