Featured resources
7-minute read
What are easements and how can they affect my property?
Easements grant non-property owners limited access to a part of your property. Learn the different types of easements and how they can affect your property.<...
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8-minute read
What Is PITI? Its meaning and what it stands for
PITI stands for principal, interest, taxes and insurance. Learn how each component of PITI affects your mortgage payment, and how to calculate each factor.
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5-minute read
What is an encumbrance in real estate?
An encumbrance is a claim against a property by someone who isn’t the property owner. Discover how encumbrances can affect how you can use your property.
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4-minute read
Property title search: What it is and how it works
A property title search examines public records to confirm a property’s rightful, legal owner. See how title searches work and reasons to be aware of them...
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4-minute read
Mortgage loan originators: What they do and how they can help you
Mortgage loan originators (MLOs) guide borrowers through the home loan process, from application to closing. Learn what an originator can do for you.
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7-minute read
Cybersecurity best practices to keep you safe online
How can you stay safe from cyber threats? Start with these 7 tips.
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5-minute read
When is your first mortgage payment due?
Your first mortgage payment is always due to your lender within 60 days of your closing date. Get more details about your first mortgage payment after closin...
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7-minute read
Deed in lieu of foreclosure: What is it and is it right for you?
If you’re staring down the possibility of foreclosure, you might have options. Learn what a deed in lieu of foreclosure is and whether it’s right fo...
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5-minute read
Deed of reconveyance: Definition, process and FAQs
A deed of reconveyance is a document that transfers the property title from the mortgage lender to the borrower. Learn more about how a reconveyance works here.
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8-minute read
Proof of funds: What is a POF letter in real estate?
Proof of funds (POF) is a document that shows how much money a person or entity has available. Learn more about POF letters when getting a mortgage.
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5-minute read
What is deed of trust?
A deed of trust is an agreement between home buyers and lenders at the closing of a property. Learn about trust deeds and how they differ from mortgages.
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8-minute read
Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): What is it and how is it calculated?
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) measures your total income against any debt you have. Learn what a good DTI is, how to calculate it and how to lower it.
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7-minute read
Home appraisal amount vs. loan amount: How an appraisal impacts the selling price and mortgage amount
Explore the difference between appraisal amount and loan amount and how the home appraisal amount affects selling price or the mortgage loan amount.
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9-minute read
Co-signing a mortgage loan: What both parties need to know
Getting a co-signer can help make homeownership possible and can be a great option, but there are some risks to the co-signer. Here’s what you need to kno...
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4-minute read
Mortgage loan term: What is it, and which option is best for you?
“Loan term” often refers to how much time it takes a borrower to pay off their mortgage when making regular payments. Learn more about loan term opt...
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3-minute read
Intent to occupy letter: What it is and how to write one
To qualify for some mortgages, your lender may need a letter of your intent to occupy the property. Learn what the letter should include and how to write it....
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4-minute read
What is a co-borrower? A beginner's guide
When you buy a home with a co-borrower, you typically share ownership of the loan and the home. Let’s explore the pros and cons of having a co-borrower...
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4-minute read
Close of escrow: What you need to know
Close of escrow is the point in the real estate transaction when all parties have fulfilled their responsibilities. Read on to learn how close of escrow work...
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