The mortgage constant is the annual principal-and-interest cost as a percent of your loan. You can use it to compare fixed-rate loans and debt service costs.

A power of sale clause means that the homeowner faces a speedier foreclosure but walks away without a deficiency judgment on their record.

Learn what a refinance appraisal is, why lenders require it, what appraisers look for, and tips to help your appraisal refinance go smoothly.

VA loans offer military personnel, veterans, and their eligible spouses lower interest rates when buying a home. Learn more about how VA loan rates are set.

Buyers can place different types of contingencies on their proposed offer. Learn more about contingencies and their impact on the rate of acceptance.

Breaking a lease to buy a house is possible, but it has consequences. Learn what happens if you break a lease and which options and alternatives you have.

A PUD (planned unit development) is a community with shared common areas. Learn how PUDs work, what fees to expect, and how they compare to condos and HOAs.

Earnest money can help you bolster a home purchase offer. Learn how much you need to offer and if you can get it back.

In some real estate transactions, the seller decides to set an offer review date for their home. Learn about what this means for buyers and sellers.

Learn about single-parent home loan options, assistance programs, and resources that can make homeownership more affordable, plus tips and strategies to help.

We rounded up the most common types of houses and provided their key features, pros, cons and photos so you can find the home style that best fits you.

Tenancy by entirety allows married couples to each own 100% of the property as a single entity. Learn more about the pros and cons of this type of ownership.

An appraisal gap happens when a home appraises for less than your offer. Learn how appraisal gap coverage works and options to help keep your deal on track.

A short-term mortgage lets you pay off your home much faster, but it comes with higher payments. If you can afford it, though, you'll save huge on interest.

Are you wondering, "Are adjustable-rate mortgages bad for my short-term ownership plans?" Find out whether an ARM is worth it and see a year-by-year breakdown.

FHA down payment assistance comes from state, local, and nonprofit programs, as well as employers and lenders. Learn how it works, and where to find programs.

Refinancing after bankruptcy may be possible. Learn about typical waiting periods and steps to improve approval odds after Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

A CMO is a type of mortgage-backed security that pools mortgage loans and sells them as investments. Here's how a collateralized mortgage obligation works.