Featured resources

6-minute read
How long does it take for a mortgage to close?
Wondering how long it takes to close a mortgage? Learn average closing times by loan type – conventional, FHA, and VA – and how to speed up the proc...
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9-minute read
Can you buy a home with only 3% down?
You can buy a home with a down payment of 3% with specific types of mortgages. Learn more about the types of mortgages allowing a minimum 3% down payment.
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6-minute read
How much is a mortgage on a $500K house?
A mortgage on a $500,000 home could cost you between $3.2K and $4.1K a month, but there’s more to account for. Here’s how to determine if you can af...
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20-minute read
What is a joint mortgage? A complete guide for borrowers
Learn what a joint mortgage is, how co–borrowers qualify and share responsibility, plus key pros, risks and exit options before you apply with confidence.
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3-minute read
How bonds affect mortgage rates
Bonds and mortgage rates are related. When investors are buying bonds and mortgage-backed securities, interest rates are likely to fall, and vice versa.
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5-minute read
Why the 28/36 rule matters for home affordability
When you're buying a home, the 28/36 rule helps assess mortgage affordability by considering your housing costs, debt, and income. Learn why it's important.
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5-minute read
What is a loan-to-value ratio and how is it calculated?
When you buy a home, you may not be able to finance the entire loan. Your loan-to-value ratio, or LTV, determines how much you need to put down in cash.
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8-minute read
What is a mortgage rate?
A mortgage preapproval letter shows you how much a lender has conditionally approved you for. It lasts for a few months and may strengthen your offer.
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5-minute read
How do you choose a mortgage lender? Follow these 5 steps
How do you choose a mortgage lender? Learn how to easily choose a mortgage lender, compare loan estimates, and find the right lender for your home purchase.
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11-minute read
14 questions to ask a mortgage lender
Learn the right questions to ask a mortgage lender and the mortgage loan questions to ask so you can compare rates, fees, loan options, and timelines.
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7-minute read
How to get help with your mortgage payments
There are several ways to get help with your mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure. See what kind of assistance is available from a servicer if you qualify.
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8-minute read
How are mortgage rates determined?
Discover what determines interest rates with our in-depth analysis. Explore how economic trends, credit scores, and more impact mortgage rate decisions.
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5-minute read
What is the average mortgage payment?
The average mortgage payment in the U.S. is $2,030 for 2025, though how much you'll pay depends on how much you borrow, your interest rate, and loan term.
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9-minute read
Does spousal support count as income for a mortgage?
Does spousal support count as income for a mortgage? In some cases, yes. Learn how lenders verify it, how it affects your DTI, and application considerations...
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6-minute read
A comprehensive guide to mortgage payments on a $300K loan
Learn what affects a $300K mortgage payment, how loan terms and rates change monthly costs, and what income may help you afford a $300,000 home.
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5-minute read
How to avoid three common mortgage servicing fees
Mortgage servicing fees typically fall to your lender, but some may be your responsibility. Fortunately, you can avoid these three servicing costs.
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4-minute read
What are mortgage servicing rights?
Mortgage servicing rights relate to who collects your mortgage payment, not who owns your mortgage. Many lenders outsource these tasks to save time.
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8-minute read
What is a dry closing in real estate?
In a dry closing, everything but the payment is completed at closing. Learn how dry closings work, what risks are involved, and what states allow dry funding.
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