Featured resources

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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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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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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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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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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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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9-minute read
What is homeowners insurance?
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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