Featured resources
4-minute read
How bonds affect mortgage rates
The bond market and the mortgage market are closely connected. Read our article to learn what bond loan interest rates are and how they affect mortgage rates...
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5-minute read
What is a lien and how does it work?
A lien gives a lender or creditor the ability to claim a property to pay off a debt. Learn how they work and about other types of property debt.
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8-minute read
How bankruptcy affects your mortgage: A guide
Wondering how bankruptcy affects a mortgage? Learn what happens to a mortgage if you file for bankruptcy and what it could mean for future home loans.
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8-minute read
Escrow: What is it and how does it work?
Escrow is important to estate transactions, but what is it? Read our deep dive into escrow, how it works and why it matters when buying or selling a home.
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3-minute read
Escrow fees: What they cost and who pays them
Escrow fees ensure a secure exchange of funds between buyer, seller, lender and other parties. Read on to learn what they cost and who pays for them.
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4-minute read
Paying off your mortgage? Get your quote by phone
Are you looking to finally pay off your mortgage? Congratulations on the achievement! Here’s how you do it.
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5-minute read
Contingent vs. pending: What's the difference?
Home buyers sometimes confuse contingent versus pending. Learn the difference between pending and contingent and what the two statuses mean in real estate.
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7-minute read
How to get rid of PMI
PMI can raise your mortgage payment, but you may be able to cancel it once you have 20% equity in your home. Learn how to get rid of PMI and save.
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6-minute read
Loan principal definition and basics
The principal is the amount you borrowed for your loan, while interest is the fee for use of the loan. Learn how each makes up your monthly payment.
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5-minute read
Can you get a mortgage without a job?
Lenders want to see proof of employment before they’ll approve a mortgage, but can you get a mortgage without a job? Learn about some special circumsta...
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6-minute read
House deed: Defined and explained
A house deed is a physical document legally transferring ownership of real estate. Learn more about how house deeds affect sellers and buyers.
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6-minute read
Underwriting in the mortgage process, explained
Underwriting is a crucial part of the loan approval process. Learn about what underwriting is, how long it can take, and tips for a successful experience.
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3-minute read
What is a transfer tax?
Transfer tax is a one-time fee for the transfer of property ownership. Learn how transfer tax is assessed, rules by state and local governments, and how it work...
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7-minute read
Common mortgage scams and how to avoid mortgage fraud
Mortgage fraud impacts every aspect of the home buying process. We’ll go over common mortgage scams and how you can avoid or spot them.
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5-minute read
Is property tax included in your mortgage payment?
Learn how factors like property taxes and insurance can change your monthly home payment.
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5-minute read
What is the prime rate and how does it work?
The prime rate is an index that helps determine rates on loans. But how does that work? In our guide, you’ll learn how the prime rate affects your wall...
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12-minute read
When will mortgage rates go down?
Mortgage rates tend to fluctuate, but certain indicators can signal they’re going to drop. Learn when experts predict home interest rates to go down.
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6-minute read
How to find liens on a property: A home buyer's guide
Looking to find liens on a property you want to buy? Discover how title searches and combing through county records can help.
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