Featured resources

11-minute read

Using a home equity loan to pay off credit card debt

Explore using a home equity loan to pay off credit card debt, compare risks, costs and alternatives, and see steps to decide if it fits. Learn more.

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7-minute read

Native American home loans: What you need to know

Native Americans looking to buy a home on tribal land may qualify for specialized government loan programs. Explore these and other mortgage financing options.

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10-minute read

What is a fixed-rate mortgage?

A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that never changes. Learn more about how these loans work and how they compare with adjustable-rate mortgages.

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5-minute read

Second mortgage vs. home equity loan: What's the difference?

Home equity loans are a type of second mortgage, but not the only one. Explore the differences between second mortgages and home equity loans in this article.

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6-minute read

40-year mortgage: An explanation and the pros and cons

A 40-year mortgage can lower monthly payments, but it costs more and isn’t widely available. Learn how a 40-year home loan works, pros and cons, and al...

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4-minute read

Wraparound mortgages explained: Everything you need to know

Wraparound mortgages offer the convenience of seller-backed financing, but they aren’t without risk. Learn more about this mortgage loan type here.

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5-minute read

How are VA loan interest rates determined?

VA loans offer military personnel, veterans, and their eligible spouses lower interest rates when buying a home. Learn more about how VA loan rates are set.

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5-minute read

A complete guide to short-term mortgages

A short-term mortgage lets you pay off your home much faster, but it comes with higher payments. If you can afford it, though, you'll save huge on interest.

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8-minute read

Are adjustable-rate mortgages bad if you plan to sell soon?

Are you wondering, "Are adjustable-rate mortgages bad for my short-term ownership plans?" Find out whether an ARM is worth it and see a year-by-year breakdown.

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7-minute read

FHA down payment assistance: Everything you need to know

FHA down payment assistance comes from state, local, and nonprofit programs, as well as employers and lenders. Learn how it works, and where to find programs.

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9-minute read

Condo financing: How condo loans work

Applying for a condo loan? Learn how condo financing works, what lenders review about the HOA and building, and which loan programs can help you qualify.

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7-minute read

Can you use a VA loan for a second home?

VA loans are designed to help military personnel, veterans, and their families buy a primary residence, but there are ways you can use one to buy a second home.

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10-minute read

What is a purchase-money mortgage?

This type of financing is unique because a purchase-money loan allows the buyer to finance the seller. Her...

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4-minute read

Can you get an ARM for an investment property?

Adjustable-rate mortgages have pros and cons for investors. You may benefit from a lower rate at first, but non-owner-occupied rates are still higher.

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6-minute read

USDA construction loan requirements: Everything you need to know

A USDA home building loan can help you construct a loan in an approved rural area. If you qualify, this type of loan has many benefits.

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10-minute read

What is a home equity conversion mortgage (HECM)?

A home equity conversion mortgage (HECM) allows homeowners 62 and older to convert their equity into cash in various ways. Learn if an HECM is right for you....

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5-minute read

USDA Streamline refinance: A complete guide

A USDA Streamline refinance simplifies the application and underwriting process to help rural homeowners save money on their mortgage. Learn how to apply.

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3-minute read

Are there jumbo loan limits?

Jumbo loans don’t have set limits. Learn how conforming loan limits in your area affect the type of mortgage you can use to finance your home.

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