Recent Articles

6-minute read
How you can change homeowners insurance with escrow
Want to change your homeowners insurance? Read through our step-by-step guide on how to change your homeowners insurance with an escrow account.
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6-minute read
How are mortgage rates and inflation related?
When inflation increases, interest rates on new mortgages and ARMs increase too. Learn more about the relationship between inflation and mortgage rates.
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6-minute read
What is assessed value and how is it determined?
Learn what assessed value means, how it's calculated, and how it affects property taxes. Know the differences between assessed, appraised, and market values.
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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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6-minute read
Average closing costs in Illinois
Closing costs in Illinois are about 19% higher in comparison to those in other states. Find out what costs to expect to pay when closing on a house in Illinois.
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7-minute read
Using a home equity loan to tackle credit card debt: A guide
Tackling credit card debt? Learn about using a home equity loan to pay it down, along with the benefits, drawbacks, and alternative methods.
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10-minute read
What is a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage?
Are you considering a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage? Learn more about fixed interest rates and find out whether a 15-year mortgage is right for your needs.
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4-minute read
Understanding types of assets
What are assets? Find out the different types of assets to help manage your finances, build wealth, and make smart financial decisions.
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5-minute read
The 1% rule in real estate: What to know before investing
Measuring your return on investment can feel like a lot of math. The 1% rule can make it easier to figure out how much you should spend on your investment.
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