A prenup outlines how spouses will handle assets and financial matters in case of divorce or death. Learn how to protect your future assets with a prenup her...

Was your mortgage application denied during the underwriting process? Read our article about the steps you can take to improve your chances when applying again.

An appraisal gap occurs when a home appraisal comes in lower than an accepted offer. Learn more about what an appraisal gap is and how this process works.

Discover effective strategies to make your mortgage-backed offer compete with cash buyers. Learn how to strengthen your position in a competitive market.

An escrow agent upholds the escrow agreement in a real estate transaction. Read on to learn how this entity protects the property and assets in escrow.

A loan modification changes the terms of your existing loan to bring you current by adding past-due payments back to the balance. Understand how it works.

Joint tenancy is a legal agreement in which two or more people have equal rights to – and ownership interests in – a property. Learn how it works, a...

For homeowners dealing with financial hardship, relief options include forbearance and deferment. Learn more about mortgage forbearance versus deferment.

Your lender can demand a repair if an appraisal reveals a problem with the home you’re buying. Learn how an escrow holdback can keep your closing day o...

Appraisals and inspections are critical steps in the home buying process. Learn how to identify the key differences in appraisals versus inspections.

Buying your dream home may be more realistic than you think. Explore our guide to learn what might help increase your mortgage preapproval amount.

Mortgage default can occur if you stop making payments, and it can lead to foreclosure. See how to avoid delinquency and what to do with a mortgage in default.

A mortgage banker is an individual or entity that originates, services, and sells mortgages. Read on to learn more about their responsibilities to borrowers.

Owner-occupied investments are properties in which the landlord both owns and lives in a home. Understand the pros and cons of owner occupancy before you buy...

The MERS System is an online registry that tracks a mortgage loan’s servicing rights and ownership interests. Learn more about t...

A mortgage amortization schedule shows a breakdown of your monthly mortgage payment over time. Figure out how to calculate your mortgage amortization.

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.

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.