Featured resources

9-minute read
Breaking a lease to buy a house: A guide
Breaking a lease to buy a house is possible, but it has consequences. Learn what happens if you break a lease and which options and alternatives you have.
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6-minute read
Offer dates in real estate: What buyers and sellers need to know
In some real estate transactions, the seller decides to set an offer review date for their home. Learn about what this means for buyers and sellers.
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5-minute read
Single-parent home loans: Programs, resources, tips, and strategies
Learn about single-parent home loan options, assistance programs, and resources that can make homeownership more affordable, plus tips and strategies to help.
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7-minute read
Natural hazard disclosure report (NHD): What it is and what it covers
A natural hazard disclosure report (NHD) shows whether a property is in a flood, fire, earthquake, or dam inundation zone. Learn how to use it before closing...
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6-minute read
What are prescriptive easements and are they a deal breaker?
Prescriptive easements are held by people who gain a right to use someone else’s property. Find out if you should buy property encumbered with easement...
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5-minute read
What is a kick-out clause and should you include one?
A kick-out clause allows sellers who’ve accepted an offer to continue showing their home. Learn about other features of a kick-out clause in real estat...
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4-minute read
Understanding right of survivorship: What you need to know
Learn how right of survivorship transfers a home to a surviving co-owner, as well as how joint tenancy and community property with the right of survivorship com...
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6-minute read
The ATR/QM rule: What it is and what borrowers should know
Lenders have an obligation to make sure you can repay a mortgage before they give you a loan. The ATR/QM rule helps then evaluate your finances.
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6-minute read
What is condemnation in real estate?
What is condemned property? Condemnation occurs when the government uses eminent domain to take property. Learn what condemnation can mean for homeowners.
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8-minute read
Does consolidating debt affect home buying?
Are you considering consolidating your debt before buying a home? Learn about how debt consolidation affects mortgage approval and how to make a wise decision.
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8-minute read
How to move out: A guide to leaving your parents’ house
Getting ready to move out of your parents’ house? Learn how to transition to renting, build credit and real-life experience, and save for future housing g...
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8-minute read
Online house auctions: What are they and how do they work?
An online home auction lets buyers bid on properties digitally. This is how online auctions work, plus the risks, benefits, and what to expect when bidding.<...
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6-minute read
Letter to home seller from buyer: What to include
If you find your dream home in a competitive market, appealing directly to the seller may help your offer. This house offer letter sample gives you a s...
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6-minute read
How to find houses to flip: A complete guide
Here’s how to find houses to flip and what factors matter most when choosing the right home, including price, condition, location, and market insights.
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6-minute read
What is an HOA fee?
Homeowners associations (HOAs) require members to pay fees to help cover various costs in the community. Learn about what an HOA fee is and how much it costs.
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5-minute read
How long does an appraisal take? The home appraisal timeline
How long does an appraisal take, and why? They can take anywhere from a few days to weeks, depending on timing, scheduling, and a home's complexity.
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10-minute read
Home foundation problems: What to consider before you buy
Home foundation problems can be alarming. Learn what to do when buying a house with foundation issues and how to decide if the property is still a good fit.
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5-minute read
What’s the average mortgage payment in Alaska?
Looking for a home in Alaska? Your mortgage payment changes based on where in AK you choose to live. We break it down.
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