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.

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...

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.

A mortgage point is a fee you pay to help lower the interest rate on a mortgage. Using this guide, learn more about discount points and how they work.

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.

Concerned that you’re falling behind on your mortgage payments? Learn how to avoid mortgage delinquency, plus how to get out of it with help from your ...

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

A short sale happens when a homeowner in financial trouble sells their home for less than they owe on the mortgage. Learn more about the short-sale process.<...

Compound interest is the money you earn on the interest that accrues on an account, investment or loan. Learn how to calculate compound interest and more her...