Featured resources

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.

Read more

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.<...

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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...

Read more

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...

Read more

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...

Read more

4-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in New Mexico?

What’s the average mortgage payment in New Mexico? Learn how to calculate your payment and find out how it compares to nearby states.

Read more

5-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in Tennessee?

The average monthly mortgage payment in Tennessee is about $1,636 before property taxes and i...

Read more

5-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in Utah?

The average monthly mortgage payment in Utah is about $1,775 before property taxes and insurance. Learn what can affect this payment and how it compares to othe...

Read more

5-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in South Carolina?

The average monthly mortgage payment in South Carolina is about $1,733 before property taxes ...

Read more

4-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in Montana?

What’s the average mortgage payment in Montana? Learn how to calculate your payment and find out how it compares to nearby states.

Read more

Take the first step toward the right mortgage

Apply online for expert recommendations with real interest rates and payments