Featured resources

6-minute read

What is a homeowners insurance binder, and when do you need one?

You may need a homeowners insurance binder to close your loan. Learn what it is, when lenders require one, what the document means, and how you can get one.<...

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5-minute read

Do you have an underwater mortgage? Here are your options

Learn what an underwater mortgage is, how to tell if you have one, and what options may help if you owe more on your mortgage than your home is worth.

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5-minute read

What happens after preapproval? A step-by-step timeline

You’ve completed the mortgage preapproval process. What comes next? Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the home buying timeline after mortgage preappro...

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8-minute read

Why does your mortgage keep going up?

Why did your mortgage payment go up? Learn the most common causes, including taxes, insurance, escrow changes, and adjustable rates.

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7-minute read

Mortgage prequalification: What is it and how does it work?

Mortgage prequalification gives you an idea of how much house you can afford without hurting your credit. Learn more about the prequalification process.

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7-minute read

How to calculate per diem interest

You can calculate per diem interest with a simple formula or set up a per diem interest calculator in a spreadsheet. Learn about how per diem interest works....

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8-minute read

Debt-to-income ratio: What it is and how to calculate it

Learn what debt-to-income ratio means, how to calculate DTI and what lenders may look for before you apply for a mortgage. Start planning your next step.

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9-minute read

A complete guide to a $100,000 mortgage

Are you considering a $100,000 mortgage? Learn how interest rates, loan terms, and other factors can affect your mortgage payment on a $100,000 loan.

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9-minute read

Blanket mortgages: How they work and when to use one

Learn how blanket mortgages finance multiple properties with one loan, review pros and cons, requirements, and alternatives, and decide if one fits your goals.

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12-minute read

Mortgage preapproval: How to get preapproved

Mortgage preapproval helps you set a home budget and strengthen your offer. Learn what you need, how it works and when to apply.

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5-minute read

What happens if mortgage rates drop after you buy?

If mortgage rates drop after closing, you aren't stuck forever. Learn how fast you can refinance, calculate breakeven costs, and lower your monthly payment.

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9-minute read

Can you change mortgage lenders?

Can you change mortgage lenders? Learn when switching works, what it may cost borrowers, and how refinancing after closing changes the process. Start here.

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4-minute read

Interest rate vs. home price: Which matters more?

Interest rates and home prices both affect your monthly mortgage payment. Learn how these ever-changing factors influence how much house you can afford to buy.

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10-minute read

What is escrow and how does it work?

What is escrow? Learn how escrow accounts work when buying a home, paying taxes and insurance, and managing your mortgage. Read more today.

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10-minute read

Title insurance: What you need to know

Tiitle defects can create costly problems long after you've completed your home purchase. Learn how title insurance can help protect you and your lender.

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12-minute read

Getting a mortgage with a new job: What to know

Getting a mortgage with a new job or while in between jobs can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Learn what lenders look for and how to proceed ...

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6-minute read

Making escrow simpler through Rocket Mortgage

Learn what an escrow analysis is, how it affects your mortgage payment, and what to expect from changes in taxes, insurance, and escrow balance.

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9-minute read

Gift letter for a mortgage: Rules, template, and example

Learn what a gift letter for a mortgage is, what lenders require, and how to use a template to document gift funds for underwriting. Get ready to apply.

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