Featured resources

Lake house image, likely showcasing a house near a lake or waterfront property.

8-minute read

The pros and cons of buying a lake house

Before you buy a lake house, you should understand the financial implications of owning one. Here’s a comprehensive list of pros and cons to help you.

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House against a bright blue sky background.

6-minute read

When is the best part of the month to close on a house?

The day of the month you close affects when your first payment is due, how much interest you pay at closing, and your taxes. Learn about the best time to clo...

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Family engaging in a painting activity, possibly related to home improvement or creative bonding.

4-minute read

How often can you refinance your home?

How often can you refinance your mortgage? Technically, you can refinance as many times as you want. Learn the pros and cons of refinancing more than once.

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Couple with daughter smiling among boxes inside newly moved into home.

4-minute read

What is a kick-out clause and should you include one?

A kick-out clause allows sellers who’ve accepted an offer to continue showing their home. Learn about other features of a kick-out clause in real estat...

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Image of a woman sitting in a yellow chair, with a dog in her lap, working on a laptop.

7-minute read

Buying a house with low income: Loan options, assistance programs, and tips

Becoming a homeowner is still possible with a low income. See what low-income house buying programs and strategies can help when applying for a mortgage.

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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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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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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 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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