Federal Reserve Press Release In Plain English – September 2023

Mortgage Basics - 4-minute read

Kevin Graham - September 21, 2023

The Federal Reserve chose to leave the target for the federal funds rate alone at its September meeting. There was a projection of what’s coming next.

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Your Guide To Understanding The MERS And Its Relationship To Your Mortgage

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Dan Rafter - September 19, 2023

The Mortgage Electronic Registration System (MERS) is an online registry that tracks a mortgage loan’s servicing rights and ownership interests. Learn more about MERS.

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What Is Annual Percentage Rate (APR) And How Does It Work In Real Estate?

Mortgage Basics - 8-minute read

Dan Rafter - September 19, 2023

Annual percentage rate (APR) is the rate at which your loan will accrue interest over the loan term. Learn more about how APR works and why it’s important.

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The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) Explained

Mortgage Basics - 7-minute read

Miranda Crace - September 16, 2023

RESPA improves real estate transparency by requiring cost disclosures and regulating service providers. Learn violations to watch for and protection tips here.

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Truth In Lending Act (TILA): Defined And Explained

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Victoria Araj - September 15, 2023

What is TILA? The Truth in Lending Act protects consumers from unfair lending practices. Find out what TILA requires and how it can protect you.

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How Much Does Title Insurance Cost? Estimates, Requirements And Savings Tips

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Victoria Araj - September 15, 2023

How much does title insurance cost? It varies, but the cost is generally 0.5% – 1% of the home’s sale price. Learn more about the cost of title insurance.

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10-Year Mortgage Rates: A Complete Guide

Mortgage Basics - 6-minute read

Andrew Dehan - September 15, 2023

If you want to get out of mortgage debt faster, a 10-year mortgage term may be a good option to consider. Learn more about current 10-year mortgage rates here.

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When Is Your First Mortgage Payment Due?

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Andrew Dehan - September 10, 2023

Your first mortgage payment is always due to your lender within 60 days of your closing date. Get more details about your first mortgage payment after closing.

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Deficiency Judgment: What Is It And How Does It Work?

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Dan Rafter - September 08, 2023

Read our guide to find out what deficiency judgments are in real estate, how they work in foreclosures and what mortgage borrowers should know about them.

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Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: The Pros And Cons To Consider

Mortgage Basics - 6-minute read

Ashley Kilroy - September 07, 2023

Adjustable-rate mortgages do come with some pros and cons. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages to consider before you obtain an ARM loan.

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Can You Use A Home Equity Loan For College Expenses?

Mortgage Basics - 8-minute read

Patrick Russo - September 01, 2023

Are you looking for a way to cover college expenses for your child? A home equity loan may be a good fit. Learn how using a home equity loan for college works.

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What Is Condemnation In Real Estate And What Do Homeowners Need To Know?

Mortgage Basics - 4-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - August 30, 2023

Condemnation in real estate occurs when the government uses its eminent domain authority to take property. Learn what condemnation can mean for homeowners.

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Understanding The Right Of Redemption In Real Estate

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Dan Rafter - August 29, 2023

A right of redemption helps homeowners recover their homes if they are at risk of foreclosure. Understand your legal protections as a borrower with our help.

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Buying Section 8 Housing: The Homeownership Voucher Program

Mortgage Basics - 6-minute read

Jamie Johnson - August 28, 2023

The Section 8 Housing program provides low-income, disabled and elderly individuals with safe and sanitary shelter. Learn more about how Section 8 works.

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What Is The Alienation Clause (Or Due-On-Sale Clause) In Real Estate?

Mortgage Basics - 4-minute read

Victoria Araj - August 28, 2023

Learn more here about the alienation clause, or due-on-sale clause, which requires all mortgage payments be made at the time of sale or transfer of ownership.

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Escrow: What Is It And How Does It Work?

Mortgage Basics - 8-Minute Read

Andrew Dehan - August 28, 2023

Escrow is important to estate transactions, but what is it? Read on for a deep dive into escrow, how it works and why it matters when buying or selling a home.

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What Does A Title Company Do?

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Victoria Araj - August 28, 2023

Wondering what role a title company plays in the home buying process? Learn how they are involved in closings, clearing titles and how to choose the best one.

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Impound Accounts Explained: Why Your Lender Holds Funds

Mortgage Basics - 4-minute read

Victoria Araj - August 25, 2023

Some mortgage servicers arrange impound accounts to collect fees from home buyers. But how do they work, and do they benefit you? Keep reading to find out.

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