Featured resources

13-minute read
Surprising factors that can help or hurt a home appraisal
Your home’s location, layout, and curb appeal can all hurt your appraisal, among other things – but there are steps you can take to boost the value.
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7-minute read
Should I pay off my mortgage or invest?
Deciding whether to pay off a mortgage or invest can be tricky. Get familiar with all of the potential financial risks and rewards before making this decisio...
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10-minute read
VA renovation loan: How to qualify and apply
A VA home renovation loan lets you bundle your home purchase and renovation costs into a single loan. Learn about veterans' renovation loans and requirements.
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10-minute read
8 HELOC alternatives to know
A HELOC can help you get the money you need, but it may not be the best option for everyone. Explore these HELOC alternatives and decide what’s right for ...
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5-minute read
HELOC vs. second mortgage: Which is right for you?
A home equity line of credit is a type of second mortgage. Learn how HELOCs compare to other options to determine which is right for you.
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4-minute read
Choosing a bridge loan vs. a HELOC: What's right for you?
Bridge loans and HELOCs can cover you financially if you need to buy and sell a house at the same time. Learn more about which is best for you.
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6-minute read
How much money can you borrow with a HELOC?
Considering a home equity line of credit (HELOC)? Learn how to calculate how much money you can expect to borrow, alternative financing options, and more.
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9-minute read
How long does it take to get a home equity loan?
It takes time to apply and get approved for a home equity loan. Find out about how long the process takes from start to finish, as well as what to expect.
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6-minute read
Buying a house as is: What to know
Thinking about buying a house as is? Learn what it means, how to protect yourself, and whether skipping the inspection is ever a smart move.
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7-minute read
Can a new grad buy a house? A guide to home buying after college
Buying a house with student loans can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. New grads may be able...
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6-minute read
How much is a mortgage on a $500K house?
A mortgage on a $500,000 home could cost you between $3.2K and $4.1K a month, but there’s more to account for. Here’s how to determine if you can af...
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7-minute read
A guide for understanding home improvement loans
Home improvement loans can help you finance anything from a few cosmetic changes to a major renovation. Figure out what loan option is right for you.
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8-minute read
HELOC vs. home equity loan: Which is best for you?
Deciding between a HELOC and a home equity loan? Learn the key differences in interest rates, flexibility, and repayment to choose which is better for you.
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5-minute read
A guide to home equity loan closing costs
Home equity loan closing costs typically range from 3% – 6% of your loan amount. Learn what fees are included and how to lower your total borrowing cos...
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5-minute read
What is home value and how do you determine it?
Knowing how much your house is worth helps you set a realistic sale price and more. Learn more about estimating your current home value.
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7-minute read
Home buying tips for the new empty nester
Many empty nesters choose to move to a smaller home. Downsizing to a smaller home can help you tap into equity, lower your bills, and more.
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6-minute read
The pros and cons of buying a house
Buying and owning a home has many advantages, but it’s not for everyone. Consider the pros and cons of buying a house before you decide to apply for a ...
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6-minute read
What does collateral mean and how does it work?
Collateral is an asset used to secure a loan. If a borrower defaults, the lender can take the collateral to recover losses.
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