Featured resources
6-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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6-minute read
Do I need mortgage protection insurance?
Mortgage protection insurance pays your mortgage if you die or become disabled. Learn how MPI works, what it covers, and whether it's right for you.
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5-minute read
What is APR?
Annual percentage rate (APR) describes the total yearly cost of a mortgage. Learn how to calculate and compare favorable APRs while mortgage shopping.
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7-minute read
What is Fannie Mae (FNMA)? A guide for home buyers
Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored enterprise that buys mortgages from lenders. It also determines conforming loan limits, which may impact your loan.
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10-minute read
Qualifying for a mortgage: The basics
Many factors can determine whether you qualify for a mortgage. Learn what factors affect your mortgage qualification and how you can improve your chances.
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3-minute read
What is a transfer tax?
A transfer tax is a one-time fee for transferring property ownership. Learn how transfer tax is assessed, state and local government rules, and how it works.
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6-minute read
What if the appraisal comes back lower than the offer? Here’s what’s next.
What happens if your home appraisal comes in lower than your offer? Learn about your options if your home appraisal value is less than the purchase price.
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8-minute read
What is a crypto mortgage?
A crypto mortgage is a loan that utilizes cryptocurrency holdings, such as Bitcoin, as collateral. This is how they work and why they are gaining popularity.
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6-minute read
Mortgage principal definition and basics
The mortgage principal is the amount you borrowed for your loan, while interest is the fee for use of the loan. Learn how each makes up your monthly payment.
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6-minute read
DSCR: What it is and how to calculate it
Debt service coverage is a measure used by businesses and lenders to measure healthy debt management. Learn how to calculate it for yourself.
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4-minute read
What is fair market value (FMV) in real estate and how is it calculated?
The fair market value (FMV) of a home is defined primarily by how much someone would pay for it. Learn how...
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7-minute read
Should I pay off my mortgage or invest?
Deciding whether to pay off a mortgage or invest can be tricky. Get familiar with all of the potential financial risks and rewards before making this decisio...
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11-minute read
What are seller concessions?
Seller concessions are a way for home buyers to bring down their closing costs. However, concessions must be negotiated. Learn more about this process before yo...
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4-minute read
What’s the average mortgage payment in Missouri?
What’s the average mortgage payment in Missouri? Learn how to calculate your payment and find out how it compares to nearby states.
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5-minute read
What’s the average mortgage payment in Tennessee?
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5-minute read
What’s the average mortgage payment in Wyoming?
The average monthly mortgage payment in Wyoming is about $1,776 before property taxes and insurance. Learn what can affect this payment and how it compares to o...
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5-minute read
What’s the average mortgage payment in South Carolina?
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5-minute read
What’s the average mortgage payment in Virginia?
The average monthly mortgage payment in Virginia is about $2,036 before property taxes and insurance. Learn what can affect this payment and how it compares to ...
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