Featured resources

A girl playing with cardboard boxes during the unboxing of things possibly after shifting into a new home.

9-minute read

Mortgage origination fee: The inside scoop

Ready to apply for a mortgage and wondering if you should pay an origination fee? Find out how this common charge can actually save you money in the long run...

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Modular home, an image illustrating a modular home structure.

3-minute read

What is a chattel mortgage and how does it work?

A chattel mortgage is an option for purchasing a manufactured home where the home secures the loan. See how chattel loans differ from traditional mortgages.<...

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A man working on calculations with a calculator, possibly related to finances or budgeting.

3-minute read

Interest rate floor: Definition and how it works

An interest rate floor is the lowest agreed-upon rate for floating-rate loan products. Learn how interest rate floors work and uncover some examples.

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An agent showing a house, depicting a real estate agent presenting a property for sale or viewing.

7-minute read

What is manual underwriting and how does it work?

Manual underwriting is one of the ways a lender can review your loan application for approval. Learn more about what this means for you and your loan.

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A woman looking at mail, potentially in a home or personal finance context.

7-minute read

Regulation Z (the Truth in Lending Act): Defined and explained

Regulation Z protects borrowers by requiring that lenders provide important loan information like terms and APR. See how Reg Z works and what it enforces.

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An African American businesswoman smiling while using her laptop at a table, likely in a professional setting.

4-minute read

Interest rate caps: What are they and how do they work?

An interest rate cap limits how much your interest rate will rise on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Find out more about rate caps and how they work.

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Professional woman typing something with multiple screens in front of her.

5-minute read

Deficiency judgment: What is it and how does it work?

Read our guide to find out what deficiency judgments are in real estate, how they work in foreclosures and what mortgage borrowers should know about them.

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A couple discussing terms and condition possible for mortgage or related to real estate with an agent.

5-minute read

Forbearance agreement: What it means for your mortgage

A forbearance agreement allows borrowers to temporarily suspend their mortgage payments during unexpected financial hardship. Read about forbearance agreemen...

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A family in a living room, with an old man holding a clipboard, possibly discussing or organizing something.

7-minute read

What are seller concessions?

Seller concessions are closing costs that the seller has agreed to pay, but is it a reasonable request? Learn more about seller concessions and how they work.

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An illustration of a mortgage discussion and signing between a couple and an agent.

3-minute read

Who is a mortgagee, and what does it mean when buying a house?

If you’re considering buying a home, you’ve probably seen the term “mortgagee.” Learn who a mortgagee is, and what role they play in ...

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A handshake, symbolizing a mortgagor agreement or agreement between parties in a mortgage transaction.

4-minute read

Mortgagor: A definition

A mortgagor is an individual or organization that borrows money to purchase real estate. Learn about mortgagors versus mortgagees and their relationship.

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Potentially an image related to subordinate mortgages or financial agreements.

4-minute read

What is a subordinate mortgage?

A subordinate mortgage can be a complex topic with implications for borrowers. Uncover important realities you need to know about mortgage subordination.

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Entrance of a building with white and red colors possibly a school or hospital.

4-minute read

Blanket mortgages: Everything you need to know

Blanket mortgages finance multiple properties under one loan. Uncover the pros and cons of blanket loans to see if this type of financing is right for you.

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A Black woman with her daughters on a couch, looking at a computer, potentially in a home setting.

3-minute read

What is a dry closing and what states have dry funding?

A dry closing occurs when everything but payment is completed at closing. Find out what a dry closing is and which states allow dry closings.

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A family sitting comfortably on a couch, possibly in a home setting.

4-minute read

A guide to understanding bundle of rights in real estate

A bundle of rights describes the legal rights associated with property ownership: the right of possession, control, enjoyment, disposition and exclusion.

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A blonde woman writing notes while on the phone, potentially related to real estate or work-related tasks.

4-minute read

Mortgagee clause: Definition and how it works

A mortgagee clause protects a lender if a mortgaged property is damaged. Learn the components of a mortgagee clause and how their protections work.

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A women possibly calculating her taxes or finances.

7-minute read

The difference between forbearance and foreclosure

The words may sound the same, but there’s a difference between forbearance and foreclosure. Here’s what you need to know.

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What is Escrow in Activity Video

8-minute read

The red desk: What is escrow?

In this episode, we're going in-depth on everything you need to know about this critical, yet confusing, part of the home buying process -- what escrow is and h...

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