Featured resources

6-minute read
Appraisal gap: What home buyers need to know
An appraisal gap happens when a home appraises for less than your offer. Learn how appraisal gap coverage works and options to help keep your deal on track.
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6-minute read
What is joint tenancy? Definition, pros, and cons
Joint tenancy is a way to co-own property with the right of survivorship. Learn how joint tenants share ownership and what happens if one owner dies.
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5-minute read
Pros and cons of mortgage forbearance
Mortgage forbearance can be a lifeline for many homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments. Find out whether mortgage forbearance is a good idea.
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13-minute read
7 common real estate scams and how to avoid them
Real estate scams are becoming more common – and more sophisticated. Learn what to be on the lookout for and how to protect yourself from real estate scam...
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6-minute read
Deficiency judgment: What it is and why it matters after foreclosure
A deficiency judgment can leave you owing money after foreclosure. Learn what a deficiency judgment is, when lenders pursue it, and how to avoid one.
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5-minute read
Close of escrow: What it means for home buyers
Learn what close of escrow means, how it differs from other parts of the closing process, and what home buyers should expect before getting the keys.
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8-minute read
Chain of title in real estate: What it is and why it matters
Chain of title is a property’s ownership history. Learn what documents it includes, how a title search works, and what can cause title problems.
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4-minute read
What is a subordinate mortgage?
A subordinate mortgage can have complex financial implications for borrowers. Uncover important realities you need to know about mortgage subordination.
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4-minute read
How to find liens on a property: A home buyer's guide
It's essential to find and clear any liens on a property you plan to buy. Here’s how to look for, find, and resolve liens on a property before you buy it.
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6-minute read
Tenancy in common (TIC): What is it and how does it work?
Tenancy in common is when two or more people share ownership of a property. Learn more about tenants in common and how they compare to other tenancy types.
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6-minute read
Escrow refund: What is it and when does it occur?
An escrow refund is excess money returned by your lender from your mortgage escrow account. Here’s how it works.
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4-minute read
Mortgage par rates: What are they and how do they work?
Your mortgage par rate is essentially the baseline rate offered to you by a lender. You may be able to bring this rate down through discount points and more.
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4-minute read
How to remove a name from a mortgage
If you’re going through a divorce or you purchased a home with a fellow investor, there may come a time when you need to remove a name from a mortgage. We...
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5-minute read
The appraisal waiver: What home buyers should know
Appraisals are often mandatory during a real estate transaction. However, sometimes an appraisal waiver makes sense, can save you money, and expedite your sale.
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5-minute read
A guide to understanding bundle of rights in real estate
A bundle of rights in real estate refers to the legal rights associated with property ownership: the rights of possession, control, enjoyment, disposition, a...
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8-minute read
Buydown: A way to reduce interest rates
Buydowns are methods used by buyers and sellers to lower interest rates in the early years of a new mortgage. Find out if a buydown is right for you.
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7-minute read
Should you pay off your mortgage early?
Thinking about paying off your mortgage early? Learn the pros and cons, how to decide if it’s the right choice for you, and some strategies to make it hap...
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5-minute read
Escrow fees explained: What they are and how escrow costs work
Escrow fees are part of your total escrow costs and help protect both buyers and sellers. Learn what they include, why they matter, and who usually pays them.
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