Featured resources

6-minute read
Home loan options for seniors
You can take out a home loan at any age. Mortgage loans for seniors range from conventional loans to asset-backed funding.
Read more

7-minute read
6 questions unmarried couples should ask before buying a house
Buying a house as an unmarried couple is a huge milestone, but may come with a few extra hurdles. You can protect yourself with some paperwork.
Read more

6-minute read
How often do contingent offers fall through? What you should know
Buyers can place different types of contingencies on their proposed offer. Learn more about contingencies and their impact on the rate of acceptance.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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...
Read more

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.<...
Read more

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...
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more