Mortgage servicing rights (MSR) explain who manages your loan after closing. Learn what mortgage servicing rights are, why lenders sell them, and what they chan...

An abstract of title shows all legal documentation associated with a property. Learn why an abstract of title is important in real estate.

 An appraisal contingency lets you renegotiate or walk away if a home appraises below your offer price. Learn how it works, and when waiving it may be risk...

Your mortgage payment includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, also known as PITI. Learn how PITI can help you budget effectively for buying a home.

If you fall behind on payments and get a foreclosure notice, all hope is not lost. The right of redemption may allow you to keep your home.

A mortgage is typically secured because your home serves as collateral. Learn how secured vs. unsecured debt works, what happens if you miss payments, and more.

Making an extra mortgage payment each year could help you save on interest. Use this guide to figure out how much difference it will make for your finances.

A loan estimate, or a “good faith estimate,” is a standardized document detailing your loan’s terms. Here’s how to use one before get...

A deed in lieu of foreclosure is an option that could allow you to stay in your home and protect your credit. Here’s how it works.

Preapproval and prequalification are both important steps toward getting a mortgage, but what’s the difference? Learn when you need each and what to do ne...

Many factors can determine whether you qualify for a mortgage. Learn what influences your mortgage qualification and how you can improve your chances at the rig...

Mortgage forbearance lets you pause or reduce payments during financial hardship. See how it works, what it covers, and what to expect when the pause ends.

A lender may charge a prepayment penalty when you pay off your mortgage early. Find out what triggers the penalty, how much it can cost, and how to avoid it.

Confused about a property tax assessment vs. market value? The two similar terms both have to do with property value, but they are determined differently.

A mortgage rate lock protects your interest rate from changing before you close. Learn what it is, how long it lasts, and how to use it to your advantage.

Understanding how mortgage interest works can help you estimate costs and choose a loan that fits your goals. Get the full details on mortgage interest here.

Manual underwriting is one of the ways a lender can review your loan application for approval. Learn more about what this means for you and your loan.