Featured resources

8-minute read

Home appraisal amount vs. loan amount

Understanding home appraisals is critical because they guide how much your home can be sold for or the amount of your mortgage loan.

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6-minute read

75% of Americans would rather renovate their home than take a dream vacation

A Rocket Mortgage survey reveals that, given the option, 75% of U.S. homeowners would rather renovate their home than spend that money on a dream vacation.

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5-minute read

Can I pay off my home equity loan early?

A home equity loan can give you purchasing power for home improvements or debt consolidation. But can you pay off a home equity loan early? Read on to find out.

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4-minute read

Basis points (BPS): A complete guide

Basis points are units of measurement that assess percentages. Learn how this financial tool can determine your mortgage cost and potential monthly changes.

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4-minute read

What Is A YOURgage® and how does it work?

If you'd like more choices than a 15- or 30-year mortgage, a YOURgage may be the solution. This Rocket Mortgage program lets you choose a custom loan term.

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8-minute read

What does pending mean in real estate?

If you’ve been house hunting, you might have wondered what “pending” means on a real estate listing. Read on to decode this real estate listin...

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13-minute read

What does it mean to be house poor and how can you avoid it?

Being house poor means most of your income goes toward your mortgage. Learn about how people often become house poor and how you can avoid or escap...

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8-minute read

Top 10 US cities for veteran home buyers

VA loans are a key home buying tool for veterans, and over 7% of homes were financed with them in 2025. Here are the top U.S. cities for veteran home buyers.

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6-minute read

Encroachment: Definition and what it means in real estate

Encroachment happens when a neighbor’s property crosses onto another owner’s land. Learn how it works, some issues it can cause, and how to resol...

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6-minute read

How much are closing costs on a VA loan?

VA loans have reduced fees, but you still need some cash to close. VA loan closing costs depend on your down payment and whether it's your first loan.

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7-minute read

Should you make or accept a backup offer on a home sale?

A backup offer on a home guarantees you a contract with the seller if the first offer fails. Find out if buyers and sellers should try this home sale strateg...

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6-minute read

Sweat equity in real estate: What is it and how to leverage it

Sweat equity is the unpaid time and effort someone puts into a project. Here’s how it works and how to leverage it in real estate to help boost your re...

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5-minute read

Mortgage payoff statement: Everything you need to know

A mortgage payoff statement tells you exactly how much you’ll need to fully repay your loan. Learn how to get it before you make your final mortgage payme...

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7-minute read

How to increase your home value: 9 tips

You can increase your home's value and maximize your return on investment with several renovation and remodeling projects. Learn about nine strategies.

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5-minute read

What is compound interest and how is it calculated? A guide

What is compound interest, and how does it work? Learn more about how compound interest differs from simple interest and which financial products use it.

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8-minute read

2026 USDA eligibility map: A guide for home buyers

The USDA eligibility map helps home buyers find properties that can be financed with a USDA loan. Learn more about the USDA eligibility loan map and how to use ...

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6-minute read

What is a co-op and how does it work?

A housing co-op is similar to condo living, but with unique ownership and financing requirements. Explore what a co-op is and who should buy one.

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5-minute read

Real property: Definition and examples

Real property refers to the rights of ownership that are attached to a property. Your real property rights can affect everything from privacy to leasing.

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