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.

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.

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.

A subordinate mortgage can have complex financial implications for borrowers. Uncover important realities you need to know about mortgage subordination.

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.

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.

Appraisals are often mandatory during a real estate transaction. However, sometimes an appraisal waiver makes sense, can save you money, and expedite your sale.

A bundle of rights in real estate refers to the legal rights associated with property ownership: the rights of possession, control, enjoyment, disposition, a...

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.

An alienation clause requires a mortgage to be paid off when a home is sold or transferred. Learn how it works, common exceptions, and when it applies.