Featured resources

8-minute read
IRA withdrawal for a home purchase: What you need to know
Using an IRA withdrawal for a home purchase may come with penalties and tax implications. These funds may also need to be repaid if the sale falls through.
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8-minute read
Life estate: What is it and how does it work?
A life estate can help transfer a home to an heir while letting you live there for life. Learn what a life estate is, how it works, and key pros and cons.
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4-minute read
How long do sellers have to accept an offer? What to expect after you submit
Learn how long sellers have to accept an offer to purchase real estate in most circumstances. Learn what affects timing, plus what to do if there’s no res...
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8-minute read
Your mortgage fell through on closing day? What to do now
Did your mortgage fall through on closing day? Don’t panic! Learn why it may have happened, the steps you can take to fix it, and how to get back on tr...
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9-minute read
Living in 55 and over communities: Pros, cons, and costs
Considering 55 and over communities? Learn about the pros and cons, costs, amenities, HOA rules, and more to see if an over 55 community is right for you.
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8-minute read
What happens to a mortgage when someone dies?
Learn what happens to a mortgage when someone dies, including who is responsible for it, how inheriting works, and options like assuming, refinancing, and selli...
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5-minute read
What to know about condo associations: Your guide to rules, fees, and insurance
A condo association (sometimes called a condo homeowners association) manages shared spaces, rules, and fees. Learn how they work and what buyers should know.
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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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