Featured resources

8-minute read

What is an encumbrance in real estate?

Encumbrances limit the ways in which you can use your property. They range from zoning laws to utility easements, and some are inextricably tied to the land.

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7-minute read

How much does a 1% mortgage rate change affect your payment?

Is saving 1% on your mortgage interest rate worth it? Whether you’re shopping for a mortgage or refinancing your current loan, the savings are signific...

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3-minute read

Married people – especially men – are the most satisfied with their living situation

Married people – especially men – report much higher satisfaction with their living situation than singles, according to a Rocket Mortgage and Redfi...

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12-minute read

How buying a house with tenants works

Buying a house with tenants means earning income and assuming responsibility for maintaining it immediately. Find out what it means to buy a house with tenants.

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7-minute read

USDA vs. conventional loans: What's the difference?

The application process for USDA loans and conventional loans is quite different. USDA loans have a more narrow focus but flexible credit terms.

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5-minute read

Does mortgage preapproval affect your credit score?

Mortgage preapproval can cause your credit score to dip by a few points because it requires a hard inquiry on your credit report. Here's what you need to know.

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7-minute read

Your guide to buying a house after a divorce

Buying a house after a divorce requires re-evaluating your finances and credit and deciding whether to stay in your current home or move on to a new one.

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7-minute read

What to expect with a remote closing on a house

Are you planning to buy a home and want to minimize in-person meetings? Learn how a remote closing on a house works and why this type is becoming more common...

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6-minute read

What is a home equity agreement?

A home equity agreement is a contract that gives homeowners money in exchange for their home equity and future appreciation. Learn more here.

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7-minute read

10 tips for buying a house out of state

Making a long-distance move can be stressful, but virtual tours and closings can simplify things. Check out our tips for buying a home in another state.

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6-minute read

Selling a house after a year: How soon can I sell?

Is it too soon to sell? Learn how timing, equity, taxes, possible penalties, and your local market affect whether selling your home now makes financial sense.

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4-minute read

Fixed-rate HELOCs: Pros and cons

Lenders sometimes offer HELOC borrowers a choice between fixed-rate HELOCs and variable-rate HELOCs. Learn how fixed-rate options work and how to choose.

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5-minute read

Pest inspection: Is it a requirement to get a mortgage?

Checking for pests before you buy a home is always a good idea. If you have a government-backed loan, a pest inspection may be mandatory where you live.

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10-minute read

13 common first-time home buyer mistakes and how to avoid them

First-time home buyers can run into many preventable setbacks throughout the purchase process. Learn 13 common home buying mistakes and how to avoid them.

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6-minute read

Tax lien investing: What you need to know

Tax lien investing involves purchasing property tax debt. Once you own the debt, the homeowner owes you their property taxes within a short time frame....

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5-minute read

What is depreciation recapture, and how can I avoid it?

If you deducted depreciation on an investment property and sell it for a profit, you may be subject to depreciation recapture. Learn more about the process.

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10-minute read

The pros and cons of bridge loans

A bridge loan is a short-term loan that lets a homeowner use the equity in their home when buying a new home. Learn about the pros and cons of bridge loans.

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7-minute read

Are timeshares worth it? How to decide if buying one is right for you

Are timeshares worth it? It depends on contract details and your personal needs. Read the benefits and risks to see if a timeshare is worth it for you.

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