Featured resources

A man and women unboxing cardboard boxes after moving into the new residence.

4-minute read

What is the loan-to-value ratio and how is it calculated?

Your loan-to-value ratio measures your loan amount against the value of the home you’re buying. Figure out how your LTV ratio is calculated.

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Pool in tropical home.

6-minute read

What are jumbo loans and how do they work?

A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds current conforming mortgage limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Learn more about how jumbo loans work.

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Family moving into a home, unloading boxes and settling into their new living space.

8-minute read

How to get a mortgage in 7 steps

Getting a mortgage can feel daunting if you’re a first-time home buyer. Learn the steps you must take to prepare for and successfully apply for a mortgage...

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Woman snuggling fluffy dog on couch.

7-minute read

How to avoid capital gains taxes on real estate

There are several ways to defer capital gains taxes on real estate investments. The right one for you depends on your situation. Learn about your options.

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Ranch-style home with tan siding, stone accents and a beautifully manicured lawn.

9-minute read

How much house can you afford on $100K?

Starting your home buying journey with a salary of $100,000 a year? Find out your mortgage options and how much house you can afford with $100K.

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A woman signing a contract, suggesting engagement in a real estate agreement or mortgage-related documentation.

10-minute read

What is a real estate purchase agreement, and why is it important?

A real estate purchase agreement is a contract covering the details of a real estate transaction. Learn more about purchase agreements and their key componen...

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A bustling city street lined with houses and trees, capturing the essence of urban living.

3-minute read

Utility easements, explained

A utility easement is what allows public utilities like sewage, electricity, water and more to exist. Learn about how utility easements can impact homeowners.

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A woman and child sitting in a room, engrossed in conversation and surrounded by cozy furniture.

5-minute read

What is a down payment and how does it work?

A down payment is the percentage of a home's purchase price you pay up front. Learn how down payments work and how much you should put down on a house.

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Buying a house for sale by the owner, symbolizing a direct purchase from a homeowner.

9-minute read

FSBO meaning: Buying a house that’s for sale by owner

Buying a house that's listed as for sale by owner (FSBO) is different from buying through a real estate agent. Discover the process of buying a FSBO home.

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An olive green home with a terracotta roof, displaying distinctive exterior design elements.

5-minute read

These are the 6 top tax benefits of owning rental property

If you’ve invested in rental property, you may enjoy some tax benefits. Learn the top 6 tax benefits of owning rental property from deduction to depreciat...

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A family in front of a porch, depicting a home setting and family-oriented lifestyle.

4-minute read

Can I look at a house without mortgage preapproval?

While you can tour homes without it, mortgage preapproval makes it easier to find a real estate agent and it can persuade sellers to take your offer seriously.

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Image representing a house in flood zone, potentially relating to real estate or insurance discussions.

6-minute read

A guide to buying a house in a flood zone

If you’re considering buying a house in a flood zone, you should weigh pros, cons, and potential risks. Read on to learn more about moving into a flood zo...

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Rooftops in a neighborhood, portraying a community or residential area.

6-minute read

Restrictive covenants explained

Restrictive covenants are rules in the deed that limit how the homeowner can use their property. Learn more about these rules and how they may affect you.

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Businesswoman working on a laptop, indicating remote work or managing finances in a professional setting.

5-minute read

How to find the ideal real estate investment partner

Searching for real estate investors? Explore the top ways to find real estate investors and factors to consider when pursuing partnerships.

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Couple snuggling on couch and reviewing information online on open laptop.

6-minute read

How to apply for a home equity line of credit (HELOC)

Review the basic requirements for a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and check out step-by-step instructions on how to apply for one.

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Senior couple having coffee in screened in porch at beachhouse.

5-minute read

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) explained: Definition and requirements

A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage is a government-insured loan that allows seniors to convert their home equity into cash. See if a HECM is right for you.

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A clean white lounge with furniture depicting modern living rooms.

7-minute read

Understanding current jumbo loan rates

Considering whether to refinance your jumbo loan? Learn more about the refinancing process, plus how to compare today’s jumbo refinance rates.

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A couple leaving their house probably leaving for their jobs.

7-minute read

A guide to the home inspection contingency

A home inspection contingency allows buyers to respond to results within a specific time frame. Learn how to successfully navigate and reply to an inspection.

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