Author | Rocket Mortgage

How Often Do Contingent Offers Fall Through? What You Should Know

Home Buying - 5-minute read

Dan Rafter - April 04, 2024

Wondering how often contingent offers fall through? Learn more about what you should know when it comes to how and why contingent offers can fall through.

Homestead Exemption, Explained

Mortgage Basics - 7-minute read

Dan Rafter - April 03, 2024

If you qualify for a homestead exemption, you can protect yourself from bankruptcy, property taxes and creditors. Learn about this exemption and its benefits.

Freddie Mac: What Is The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC)?

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Dan Rafter - March 29, 2024

Freddie Mac is a government-sponsored agency charged with keeping mortgage markets liquid. Learn more about FHLMC – and how it impacts home buyers and sellers.

How To Find Fixer-Upper Homes: Everything You Need To Know

8-minute read

Dan Rafter - March 28, 2024

Are you searching for a fixer-upper to be your dream home or your next fix-and-flip? Learn how to find and buy a fixer-upper that won’t turn into a money pit.

A Guide To The FHA MIP Refund Chart

Mortgage Basics - 4-Minute Read

Dan Rafter - March 28, 2024

Borrowers who refinance their FHA loan within 3 years may be eligible for a refund. Read here to understand the FHA MIP refund chart and what you may get back.

Fee Simple: What Is It In Real Estate And How Does It Work?

Mortgage Basics - 4-minute read

Dan Rafter - March 26, 2024

Fee simple refers to a landowner’s absolute ownership of real property. Read our article to learn about how fee simple determines real estate or land ownership.

The Implications Of ‘Active Under Contract’ In Real Estate

Home Buying - 5-minute read

Dan Rafter - March 25, 2024

Active under contract means an offer has been accepted but certain conditions must be met. Learn how a status of “active under contract” works in real estate.

What Is Total Debt Service And The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)?

Mortgage Basics - 6-minute read

Dan Rafter - March 25, 2024

Lenders use total debt service to measure your ability to repay a mortgage. Learn what a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) is and how to calculate it yourself.

Understanding Tri-Mortgage Credit Reports: Here’s What You Should Know

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Dan Rafter - March 13, 2024

Tri-merge credit reports help mortgage lenders determine the size and type of your loan. Learn more about the role this report plays in your application.

Eminent Domain, Defined And Explained

Home Buying - 10-minute read

Dan Rafter - March 12, 2024

Cases of eminent domain have been happening since 1876 and still affect us today. Learn about what they are, how they’re used and eminent domain examples.

Your Guide To Understanding The MERS And Its Relationship To Your Mortgage

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Dan Rafter - March 06, 2024

The Mortgage Electronic Registration System (MERS) is an online registry that tracks a mortgage loan’s servicing rights and ownership interests. Learn more about MERS.

Self-Employment Tax: How To Calculate And File For 2023

Servicing - 5-minute read

Dan Rafter - February 25, 2024

Self-employment tax is a tax that self-employed individuals have to pay to the IRS. Learn about what this tax is, who pays it and how it’s calculated.

What Does Collateral Mean And How Does It Work?

Home Buying - 7-minute read

Dan Rafter - February 15, 2024

Collateral means any asset that a lender accepts to secure a loan. Learn about the different types of collateral loans, how they work, and their pros and cons.

American Residential Warranty Reviews For 2024

Home Buying - 7-minute read

Dan Rafter - January 11, 2024

American Residential Warranty provides coverage for many types of home appliances and systems. Learn more about their plans, prices and customer ratings here.

Deficiency Judgment: What Is It And How Does It Work?

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Dan Rafter - December 20, 2023

Read our guide to find out what deficiency judgments are in real estate, how they work in foreclosures and what mortgage borrowers should know about them.

Understanding The Right Of Redemption In Real Estate

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Dan Rafter - August 29, 2023

A right of redemption helps homeowners recover their homes if they are at risk of foreclosure. Understand your legal protections as a borrower with our help.