Don’t get homeowners insurance wrong — it will cost you. Insurance companies quote you based on what's cheap, not what actually covers rebuilding your home in a high-cost market. In the Bay Area, the gap between "cheap coverage" and "adequate coverage" can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. Here's what you need to know about getting properly insured—and some practical strategies to afford the coverage you actually need.

The appraisal can make or break a real estate deal. Understanding how appraisers determine value—and what happens if an appraisal comes in low—can help buyers navigate the home buying process with fewer surprises.