If you have a mortgage, you already have one lien on your property. However, there are other types of liens, and some can make it harder to sell the property.

Fee simple ownership provides you with full, indefinite ownership of your private property and land. Learn more about how it works and which forms exist.

When you buy a home, you want to be sure that no one but you and your lender hold claim to the property. Find out how a warranty deed protects you.

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 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.

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.

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.

Ready to apply for a mortgage and wondering if you should pay an origination fee? Find out how this common charge can actually save you money in the long run...

A variable interest rate changes according to a specific index and market fluctuations. Here’s how this can affect your monthly budget and long-term goals...

An automated valuation model (AVM) is a data-driven tool that estimates property values. Learn how AVMs work, how accurate they are, and when they can help.<...

A note on a mortgage is the legal document that details your loan terms, payments, and interest rate. Discover why mortgage notes are so essential.