Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored enterprise that buys mortgages from lenders. It also determines conforming loan limits, which may impact your loan.

Many factors can determine whether you qualify for a mortgage. Learn what factors affect your mortgage qualification and how you can improve your chances.

A transfer tax is a one-time fee for transferring property ownership. Learn how transfer tax is assessed, state and local government rules, and how it works.

The mortgage principal is the amount you borrowed for your loan, while interest is the fee for use of the loan. Learn how each makes up your monthly payment.

The fair market value (FMV) of a home is defined primarily by how much someone would pay for it. Learn how...

Seller concessions are a way for home buyers to bring down their closing costs. However, concessions must be negotiated. Learn more about this process before yo...

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.