Featured resources

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5-minute read

FHLMC: Freddie Mac explained

The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., better known as Freddie Mac, buys conforming conventional loans from private lenders to keep the mortgage market liquid.

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6-minute read

Float-down option: Can it lower your mortgage rate?

Want to protect yourself from higher mortgage rates? Read our article to learn all about the float-down option and how it can work with a mortgage rate lock....

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4-minute read

Interest rate floor: Definition and how it works

An interest rate floor is the lowest agreed-upon rate for adjustable-rate loan products. Learn how the interest rate floor works and its impact on your loan.

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Two women looking at different paint colors for their house.

5-minute read

What is a co-borrower? A beginner's guide

If you’re unable to get a mortgage on your own, adding a co-borrower may increase your chances of approval. Learn more about how adding a co-borrower can ...

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A Black man's hands signing a document on a desk at home, potentially related to paperwork or contracts.

4-minute read

Deed of reconveyance: Definition, process, and FAQ

A deed of reconveyance is a document that transfers title to a property from the mortgage lender to the borrower. Learn more about how a reconveyance works.<...

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African American family gardening outside their home.

8-minute read

What is a mortgage contingency?

A mortgage contingency in a purchase agreement allows you to back out of the home purchase if you can't secure financing. Learn more about how it works.

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6-minute read

What is a lien and how does it work?

If you have a mortgage, you already have one lien on your property. However, there are other types of liens, and some can make it harder to sell the property.

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A fashionable women sitting on a stool looking outside, possible posing for a photo.

7-minute read

What is fee simple ownership?

Fee simple ownership provides you with full, indefinite ownership of your private property and land. Learn more about how it works and which forms exist.

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Couple smiling, sitting on front porch with coffee.

4-minute read

What is a warranty deed?

When you buy a home, you want to be sure that no one but you and your lender hold claim to the property. Find out how a warranty deed protects you.

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7-minute read

How do bond rates affect mortgage rates?

Learn how bond rates affect mortgages and how the bond and mortgage markets are closely connected. See how bond and mortgage rates fluctuate and understand the ...

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A man and two children sharing a heartfelt embrace in a cozy living room.

9-minute read

What is homeowners insurance?

Mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance, which reimburses you if your home is damaged or destroyed. Lea...

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A charming house with a balcony and a tree in front, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

4-minute read

Mortgage servicing rights (MSR): What they are and what they mean for homeowners

Mortgage servicing rights (MSR) explain who manages your loan after closing. Learn what mortgage servicing rights are, why lenders sell them, and what they chan...

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A woman on the phone reviewing a document, potentially related to financial or property matters.

5-minute read

What is an abstract of title in real estate?

An abstract of title shows all legal documentation associated with a property. Learn why an abstract of title is important in real estate.

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Couple going through a list, potentially related to a property checklist or planning details.

7-minute read

What is an appraisal contingency, and when should I use it?

 An appraisal contingency lets you renegotiate or walk away if a home appraises below your offer price. Learn how it works, and when waiving it may be risk...

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A man researching on a computer, likely conducting real estate or financial research online.

5-minute read

PITI: What it stands for and what it means

Your mortgage payment includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, also known as PITI. Learn how PITI can help you budget effectively for buying a home.

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An image showing a woman engrossed in her thoughts possibly related to some real estate investment or work.

6-minute read

Understanding the right of redemption in real estate

If you fall behind on payments and get a foreclosure notice, all hope is not lost. The right of redemption may allow you to keep your home.

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Loan officer reviewing mortgage paperwork with smiling couple.

6-minute read

Is a mortgage secured or unsecured debt?

A mortgage is typically secured because your home serves as collateral. Learn how secured vs. unsecured debt works, what happens if you miss payments, and more.

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Woman smiling while reviewing finances on tablet while man drinks coffee and looks at the screen. Paperwork and calcluator are on the table nearby.

6-minute read

Should you make one extra mortgage payment per year?

Making an extra mortgage payment each year could help you save on interest. Use this guide to figure out how much difference it will make for your finances.

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