Featured resources

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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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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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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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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