Featured resources

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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8-minute read
Property title search: How does it work?
A title search examines public records to confirm a property’s rightful, legal owner. Learn how title searches work and what issues they can uncover.
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7-minute read
Your guide to a $450,000 mortgage: Costs and requirements to consider
Learn the monthly payment, total cost, and requirements for a $450,000 mortgage. See how rates, terms, and down payments affect affordability.
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5-minute read
Defeasance clause: Definition and overview
In some states, you’re the owner of your home when you close, in other areas, you’re not. This depends on the defeasance clause in your state.
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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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