Learn what a joint mortgage is, how co–borrowers qualify and share responsibility, plus key pros, risks and exit options before you apply with confidence.

When you buy a home, you may not be able to finance the entire loan. Your loan-to-value ratio, or LTV, determines how much you need to put down in cash.

A mortgage preapproval letter shows you how much a lender has conditionally approved you for. It lasts for a few months and may strengthen your offer.

Mortgages are loans that allow you to purchase a home. The right loan for you may depend on your preferred down payment, interest terms, and more. 

In a dry closing, everything but the payment is completed at closing. Learn how dry closings work, what risks are involved, and what states allow dry funding.

A desktop appraisal is a property valuation that is completed remotely by a professional appraiser. Find out whether a desktop appraisal is right for you.

Mortgage lenders use many factors when approving you for a mortgage, including the contents of a tri-merge credit report. This report contains your scores.

Encumbrances limit the ways in which you can use your property. They range from zoning laws to utility easements, and some are inextricably tied to the land.

In real estate, “contingent” means that certain conditions must be met before the sale closes. Learn how contingencies protect all parties involved.

HUD refers to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Learn more about how HUD works, what it does, and how it helps renters and home buyers.

The interest rate determines how much you'll pay the lender to borrow money while APR factors in additional costs for a more complete picture of a loan's cost.

A deed of trust is a legal document used to secure a home loan in some states. Learn how it works, how it compares to a mortgage, and what happens in a default.

The mortgage constant is the annual principal-and-interest cost as a percent of your loan. You can use it to compare fixed-rate loans and debt service costs.

A power of sale clause means that the homeowner faces a speedier foreclosure but walks away without a deficiency judgment on their record.

Earnest money can help you bolster a home purchase offer. Learn how much you need to offer and if you can get it back.

Tenancy by entirety allows married couples to each own 100% of the property as a single entity. Learn more about the pros and cons of this type of ownership.

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.

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.