A deficiency judgment can leave you owing money after foreclosure. Learn what a deficiency judgment is, when lenders pursue it, and how to avoid one.

Learn what close of escrow means, how it differs from other parts of the closing process, and what home buyers should expect before getting the keys.

Chain of title is a property’s ownership history. Learn what documents it includes, how a title search works, and what can cause title problems.

A subordinate mortgage can have complex financial implications for borrowers. Uncover important realities you need to know about mortgage subordination.

It's essential to find and clear any liens on a property you plan to buy. Here’s how to look for, find, and resolve liens on a property before you buy it.

In dry-funding states, everything except the payment can be completed at closing. Learn about how a dry closing works, what the risks are, and where it's legal.

Tenancy in common is when two or more people share ownership of a property. Learn more about tenants in common and how they compare to other tenancy types.

An escrow refund is excess money returned by your lender from your mortgage escrow account. Here’s how it works.

Your mortgage par rate is essentially the baseline rate offered to you by a lender. You may be able to bring this rate down through discount points and more.

If you’re going through a divorce or you purchased a home with a fellow investor, there may come a time when you need to remove a name from a mortgage. We...

Appraisals are often mandatory during a real estate transaction. However, sometimes an appraisal waiver makes sense, can save you money, and expedite your sale.

A bundle of rights in real estate refers to the legal rights associated with property ownership: the rights of possession, control, enjoyment, disposition, a...

Buydowns are methods used by buyers and sellers to lower interest rates in the early years of a new mortgage. Find out if a buydown is right for you.

Thinking about paying off your mortgage early? Learn the pros and cons, how to decide if it’s the right choice for you, and some strategies to make it hap...

Escrow fees are part of your total escrow costs and help protect both buyers and sellers. Learn what they include, why they matter, and who usually pays them.

An alienation clause requires a mortgage to be paid off when a home is sold or transferred. Learn how it works, common exceptions, and when it applies.

How does selling mortgages work? Find out why lenders sell mortgages to investors, how the process works, and how it affects you.

Do you want to change who is on your mortgage? Learn how to remove someone from a mortgage without refinancing, or to add someone in specific circumstances.