What’s the impact on home buyers and sellers when the federal funds rate drops? Learn how a Fed rate drop impacts interest rates and home loans.

The Truth iokay now let's see if that worked n Lending Act (TILA) protects consumers from unfair lending practices. Find out what TILA requires and how it ca...

Real property is any land or anything attached to it that gives it value. Here’s how this concept works and why it matters to homeowners.

In real estate, “contingent” refers to conditions that must be met for a sale to proceed as planned. Learn how contingencies protect potential ho...

Conventional loans are a traditional mortgage option. Learn what a conventional home loan is, how it works and common lender requirements in our guide.

Need a little extra help covering your down payment or closing costs? A program like Fannie Mae's Community Seconds might be able to help.

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.

A mortgage contingency is a clause that sets up certain conditions for a real estate transaction. Learn how this can protect both home buyers and home.

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.

Some buyers are able to skip the appraisal process when purchasing their home. Learn more about appraisal waivers and their benefits with our complete guide.

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.

An abstract of title shows all legal documentation associated with a property. Learn why an abstract of title is important in real estate.

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 Loan Estimate lists the key details of a mortgage, like closing costs and interest rates. Find out what other critical loan terms and costs are in the form...

The alienation clause, or due-on-sale clause, requires all mortgage payments be made at the time of sale. Learn how it impacts borrowers and real estate.

An appraisal contingency can give home buyers peace of mind about a home's purchase price. Learn how appraisal contingencies work and when to use one.

An automated valuation model (AVM) is a data-based tool real estate sites use to offer estimated property value on searched properties. Explore how it works....

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