Featured resources

6-minute read
What to look for when buying a house: A guide for home buyers
If you’re about to begin the home buying process, there are some things you should keep in mind. Read on to learn about what to look for when buying a hou...
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7-minute read
Native American home loans: What you need to know
Native Americans looking to buy a home on tribal land may qualify for specialized government loan programs. Explore these and other mortgage financing options.
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5-minute read
How economic occupancy can maximize your rental income
Economic occupancy helps real estate investors see whether their properties’ earnings match the full income potential. Find out about this key metric here...
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6-minute read
40-year mortgage: An explanation and the pros and cons
A 40-year mortgage can lower monthly payments, but it costs more and isn’t widely available. Learn how a 40-year home loan works, pros and cons, and al...
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5-minute read
Can you break a fixed-rate mortgage?
A fixed-rate mortgage has many benefits, including a reliable payment for the entire term. If you want to end your contract prematurely, it may cost you.
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6-minute read
Home loan options for seniors
You can take out a home loan at any age. Mortgage loans for seniors range from conventional loans to asset-backed funding.
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7-minute read
6 questions unmarried couples should ask before buying a house
Buying a house as an unmarried couple is a huge milestone, but may come with a few extra hurdles. You can protect yourself with some paperwork.
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4-minute read
Wraparound mortgages explained: Everything you need to know
Wraparound mortgages offer the convenience of seller-backed financing, but they aren’t without risk. Learn more about this mortgage loan type here.
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6-minute read
The mortgage constant explained
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.
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9-minute read
Understanding power of sale, mortgage notes, and foreclosure proceedings
A power of sale clause means that the homeowner faces a speedier foreclosure but walks away without a deficiency judgment on their record.
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9-minute read
What is a refinance appraisal? How the process works
Learn what a refinance appraisal is, why lenders require it, what appraisers look for, and tips to help your appraisal refinance go smoothly.
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5-minute read
How are VA loan interest rates determined?
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.
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10-minute read
How often do contingent offers fall through?
Learn how often contingent offers fall through, why deals fail, and what buyers or sellers can do next. Review risks before making or accepting an offer.
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9-minute read
Breaking a lease to buy a house: A guide
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.
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8-minute read
PUD meaning: What is a Planned Unit Development and how does it work?
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.
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8-minute read
Earnest money: What is it and how much is enough?
Earnest money can help you bolster a home purchase offer. Learn how much you need to offer and if you can get it back.
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6-minute read
Offer dates in real estate: What buyers and sellers need to know
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.
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5-minute read
Single-parent home loans: Programs, resources, tips, and strategies
Learn about single-parent home loan options, assistance programs, and resources that can make homeownership more affordable, plus tips and strategies to help.
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