Featured resources
5-minute read
Holding a mortgage: Defined and explained
With a holding mortgage, a home seller acts as the lender to a buyer. Find out what a holding mortgage is in more detail, and discover its pros and cons.
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8-minute read
Private mortgage: What you should know before you borrow
Considering applying for a private mortgage to finance your next home purchase? Weigh the pros and cons before borrowing outside of a traditional loan.
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4-minute read
What are non-owner-occupied mortgages and what interest rates do they charge?
Non-owner-occupied mortgages are investment or commercial property loans that typically have higher interest rates than residential mortgages. Learn more here.
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6-minute read
40-year mortgage: An explanation, the pros and cons
You may decide to pursue a 40-year mortgage term. Make sure you understand the benefits and drawbacks when considering your options.
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6-minute read
Hard money loan: Definition and what to watch out for
Hard money loans, unlike traditional loans, are based on the collateral that secures the loan. Learn about hard money loans and the drawbacks for borrowers.
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10-minute read
The basics behind financing a mobile or manufactured home
Manufactured or mobile homes may be the key to affordable homeownership. Learn how you can finance one under the favorable terms of conventional loans.
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7-minute read
Understanding USDA construction loans
A USDA construction loan lets you buy and build a home under a single mortgage. Learn about USDA construction loan requirements and how they work.
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4-minute read
Portfolio loan: What is it and how does it work?
A portfolio loan can help borrowers who don’t qualify for a traditional mortgage loan. Learn how portfolio loans can fund and unlock real estate opportunities.
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5-minute read
What is an RHS loan?
An RHS loan can help rural families bypass the down payment requirement and get the boost they need to qualify for a mortgage. Learn more about RHS loans.
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3-minute read
Fannie Mae credit scoring changes could help more borrowers qualify
Fannie Mae will now use the average of the median credit scores for all clients on a mortgage. If you’ve been denied in the past, you may now qualify!
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5-minute read
What are conforming loans and what do they mean to borrowers?
Conforming loans comply with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rules, and are thus eligible for purchase and resale to investors. Find out what that means for you.
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5-minute read
USDA loan closing costs: What they cover and what can be rolled into your loan
USDA loans require no down payment and offer unique means for covering your closing costs. Read our guide to USDA closing costs and how you can afford them.
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7-minute read
A guide to USDA guaranteed vs direct loans
Wondering about how USDA guaranteed and direct loans compare? Check out our guide to determine which USDA loan product fits your rural housing aspirations.
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6-minute read
Houseboat loans: A complete financing guide
Floating off the beaten path means doing a little extra homework to move into your own dream boat. Read our complete guide to houseboat financing.
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4-minute read
Do USDA loans require mortgage insurance?
For USDA loans, mortgage insurance isn’t technically required, but there are similar fees. Find out about these attractive mortgage deals for rural home buyers.
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5-minute read
No-closing-cost mortgage: Does it make sense for you?
Closing costs can sometimes present a financial barrier for home buyers. In cases like these, applying for a no-closing-cost mortgage can potentially help.
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4-minute read
How do super conforming loans work?
Don't let high-cost housing markets stop your home buying dreams. See if a super conforming loan could be your key to unlocking homeownership.
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5-minute read
USDA streamline refinance: Everything you need to know
A USDA Streamline Refinance lets eligible borrowers with little or no home equity refinance when interest rates fall. See the other benefits.
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