Home buyers sometimes confuse contingent versus pending. Learn the difference between pending and contingent and what the two statuses mean in real estate.

A mortgagee is a financial institution that offers mortgages. Learn more about how it differs from a mortgagor and what you need to know about working with o...

Correspondent lending happens when a lender originates and funds a mortgage, but then sells it. Read more about correspondent lending and how it works.

A mortgage recast is when you make a lump-sum payment toward your principal balance to reduce your monthly payments. Learn how mortgage recasting works.

Underwriting is when your lender reviews your finances to determine if you qualify for a mortgage. Learn how it works and tips for a smooth experience.

Selling your home? Learn how capital gains tax on real estate works, how much you might owe, and strategies to reduce or avoid taxes when selling your home.

Buyers encounter both deeds and titles when finalizing ownership of their new property. This guide dives into the subtle difference between deeds and titles.

A conventional loan is a non-government-backed home mortgage. Learn more about down payment requirements, getting approved, and more.

A deed is a document that transfers ownership of real estate from one party to another. Understand how this works, the types of deeds, and why it's important.

Clear to close is an important milestone in the mortgage process. Learn what clear to close means, how it fits into underwriting, and what happens next.

Zombie foreclosures demonstrate the risks of leaving before foreclosure ends. Understand these homes and their potential to resurface and create problems later.

The prime rate is a desirable borrowing interest rate offered by lenders to creditworthy applicants. Here’s what mortgage applicants need to know.

Mortgage discount points can be purchased to lower the interest rate on a new loan. Use this guide to help you decide if you should buy them.

A short sale may be a solution when a homeowner is in a dire financial situation and needs to sell their home for less than they owe. Learn about this option.

A mortgage loan term is the time it takes a borrower to pay off their loan when making regular payments. Learn how to pick the right term for your goals.

Knowing the difference between appraised value vs. market value is key when purchasing a home. Learn more about the role each plays in real estate transactio...

A promissory note is a repayment agreement between a borrower and lender, but how does it differ from a loan? Read on to see how promissory notes affect you.

Collateral is an asset used to secure a loan. If a borrower defaults, the lender can take the collateral to recover losses.