An appraisal contingency can give home buyers peace of mind about a home's purchase price. Learn how appraisal contingencies work and when to use one.

The alienation clause, or due-on-sale clause, requires all mortgage payments be made at the time of sale. Learn how it impacts borrowers and real estate.

Electronic mortgages are a convenient option for some home buyers. Explore eMortgages, including how they work and whether you’re a good candidate for one...

When you buy a home, you want to be sure that no one but you and your lender hold claim to the property. Find out how a warranty deed protects you.

Freddie Mac BorrowSmart^® Accessâ„  offers a credit toward the down payment or closing costs of qualified buyers in certain areas. Read on...

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 i...

An automated valuation model (AVM) is a data-based tool real estate sites use to offer estimated property value on searched properties. Explore how it works....

Zombie foreclosures demonstrate the risks of leaving before foreclosure ends. Understand these homes and their potential to resurface and create problems later.

If you’re preparing to buy a home, it’s important to understand the difference between an appraisal and an assessment. Read on to learn how they ...

Concerned that you’re falling behind on your mortgage payments? Learn how to avoid mortgage delinquency, plus how to get out of it with help from your ...

Some mortgage documents contain important info you should hold onto for tax purposes. But how long should you keep mortgage statements? Find the answer.

Zombie foreclosures demonstrate the risks of leaving before foreclosure ends. Understand these homes and their potential to resurface and create problems lat...

A short sale happens when a homeowner in financial trouble sells their home for less than they owe on the mortgage. Learn more about the short-sale process.<...

A floating interest rate fluctuates over your loan’s term, changing your mortgage payment amount. Read on to learn about floating rates and how they wo...

Liens and encumbrances both relate to legal claims against properties. Learn how they can affect buying, owning and selling your house.

Compound interest is the money you earn on the interest that accrues on an account, investment or loan. Learn how to calculate compound interest and more her...

A mortgage note is a legal document that defines the terms of the loan for the borrower and lender. Learn more about mortgage notes and why they’re imp...

A par rate is a rate charged to a borrower based on DTI and other factors. It doesn’t include discount points or other adjustments. Read on to learn mo...