Want to protect yourself from higher mortgage rates? Read our article to learn all about the float-down option and how it can work with a mortgage rate lock....

Discover how Ginnie Mae guarantees mortgage-backed securities, supports the housing market, and helps make homeownership more affordable.

If you need help getting a mortgage, a co-borrower or co-signer can bolster your application. Learn more about buying a home with a co-borrower or co-signer....

You have an underwater mortgage if you owe more than your home is worth. Learn the early indicators and what to do if your mortgage is upside down.

A lien gives a lender or creditor the ability to claim a property to pay off a debt. Learn how they work and about other types of property debt.

The 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.

Transfer tax is a one-time fee for the transfer of property ownership. Learn how transfer tax is assessed, rules by state and local governments, and how it work...

Mortgage rates tend to fluctuate, but certain indicators can signal they’re going to drop. Learn when experts predict home interest rates to go down.

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...

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.

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.