Dena Landon

Minneapolis-St.Paul

Freelance Writer at Freelance

Freelance writer. Bylines in The Washington Post, Salon, Good Housekeeping. Mom. Feminist. Pronouns are she/her. #binders

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Articles

Is It Possible to Get Homeowners Insurance on a Home You Don’t Own? Find Out!

1 month ago | homelight.com | Dena Landon

Did your parents pay off the mortgage on your childhood home years ago? While they’ve likely kept up with property taxes, you could nonetheless have some concerns about homeowners insurance. Or maybe you’re inheriting a great-aunt’s house that’s been sitting empty for years. Now, you’re wondering: can I get homeowners insurance on a home I don’t own? Curious how much your home is worth today?
Clever Real Estate Reviews: How the Discount Agent Matching Service Works

Jan 17, 2025 | homelight.com | Dena Landon

Finding a good real estate agent can feel like finding a needle in an ever-shifting haystack — you’ll know it when you find it, but where to begin? There are several websites that offer to match homeowners and buyers with great agents. Clever Real Estate is an agent referral website with a different slant — they provide matches with agents who’ll accept a lower commission or flat fee. Saving money when you sell or buy a home is a common goal.
I’m Ready to Buy a House, But Can’t Afford Much: How Do I Find Cheap Houses?

Oct 11, 2024 | homelight.com | Dena Landon

We all know someone who’s amazing at finding the best deals around. They don’t have to wait until Black Friday to score a cheap television, and they shop at thrift stores but always look like a million bucks. Is there a way to do that with real estate, where finding a cheap home can save you thousands of dollars in interest and fees? Lauren Rosin is a real estate agent in Arizona who works with investors looking for deals.
Top 5 Best Home Warranty Companies in Vermont - Today's Homeowner

Sep 23, 2024 | todayshomeowner.com | Lee Merrill |Dena Landon |a Master

Did you spend a few days stuck at home during a nor’easter last year? Or deal with a flooded basement during a rainy summer? A home repair can go from a minor inconvenience to a major problem if it takes too long to solve, which is one reason many homeowners consider buying a home warranty. Limited Time:Limited Time:Limited Time:Limited Time:Home warranty companies sell plans that cover home systems, appliances, or both.
What Is a Down Payment (And Why Is It Important)?

Sep 6, 2024 | homelight.com | Dena Landon

You’ve no doubt heard the phrase “no money down!” on a late-night infomercial — but what exactly does that mean? It means that you’ll finance 100% of the purchase price of the item in question, without paying any of your money upfront to own it. While this is an option at some car dealerships, it’s rarely an option with a house. For first-time homebuyers especially, understanding the down payment can be a big hurdle to clear before you can buy a house.
Here’s the Minimum Credit Score to Buy a House (Is Yours Enough?)

Aug 26, 2024 | homelight.com | Dena Landon

Could you buy a house today if you wanted to? The answer largely depends on one critical factor: your credit score. This key number can significantly influence your mortgage eligibility and may even affect how much of a down payment you’ll need. Factors like the type of mortgage loan and the location of the property also play a role, but a strong credit score can make the home-buying process much smoother.
Buying a House, But Don’t Want to Join the HOA? Here’s What You Can Do

Aug 9, 2024 | homelight.com | Dena Landon

One thing you knew when you began shopping for houses was this: You did not want any part of an HOA. But now you’ve found what you think is the home of your dreams, and it’s in a neighborhood with — you guessed it — an HOA. Can you refuse to join a homeowners association? Is that an option? Glenda Gerbstadt and her teammate, Howard Watts, often work with buyers purchasing homes or condos subject to an HOA.
Top 4 Best Home Warranty Companies for First Time Buyers - Today's Homeowner

Aug 7, 2024 | todayshomeowner.com | Lee Merrill |Dena Landon |a Master

For many people, homeownership is the realization of the American dream. However, when you were picking up paint samples for your bathroom, you probably weren’t dreaming about a broken toilet. The realities of homeownership and the cost can set in sooner than you might want. Limited Time:Limited Time:Limited Time:Limited Time:Home warranty coverage offers financial protection for first-time homeowners who might be a little short on cash after closing.
Sundae Real Estate Reviews for Selling a House 'As Is'

Jun 26, 2024 | homelight.com | Dena Landon

At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts. Editor’s note: Information in this article is current as its publication date. Processes, rates, and services from real estate companies can change based on market conditions, housing trends, changes in technology, and customer needs. A home is most American’s largest asset — but sometimes it can feel like a liability.
The 5 Best Home Warranty Companies in West Virginia - Today's Homeowner

May 10, 2024 | todayshomeowner.com | Lori Zaino |Dena Landon |a Master

Did you spend a few days sweating it out during the sweltering July heat last year because your air conditioning compressor failed? While West Virginia saw below-average temperatures last summer, Charleston has already had ten days above 90 degrees in 2024, which means you’re going to want working A/C. Limited Time:Limited Time:Limited Time:Limited Time:But what if your air conditioning fails this summer?