Featured resources

6-minute read
What is a floating interest rate?
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...
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9-minute read
What does it mean to lease a house?
Renting a house is different from renting an apartment. If you aren’t ready to buy, here’s what you should know before leasing a house.
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8-minute read
Mortgage insurance: Your quick guide to different types and cost
Mortgage insurance protects lenders against default on home loans. Learn about the different types of mortgage insurance, typical costs, and ways to avoid this ...
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5-minute read
Regulation Z, or the Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Explained
Regulation Z, or the Truth in Lending Act, requires lenders to disclose key loan details like terms, interest rates, and annual percentage rates (APRs).
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4-minute read
Understanding appraisal vs. assessment
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 compare.
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6-minute read
Liens and encumbrances: What to know
Liens and encumbrances both relate to legal claims against properties. Learn how they can affect buying, owning, and selling your house.
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5-minute read
Mortgagee clause: Definition and how it works
A mortgagee clause protects the lender if a mortgaged property is damaged. Learn the components of a mortgagee clause and how their protections work.
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5-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. Learn more about the loan prequalification process here.
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9-minute read
How to get a mortgage preapproval
Mortgage preapproval is an important step in your home-buying journey that helps you understand your borrowing ability. Find out what the process involves.
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7-minute read
Prepayment penalty: What it is and how to avoid it
A prepayment penalty is a fee some lenders charge when you pay all or part of your loan off early. Find out what triggers the fee and how to avoid it.
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6-minute read
How much does title insurance cost? Estimates, requirements, and savings tips
How much does title insurance cost? It varies, but it’s generally 0.5% – 1% of the home's sale price. Learn more about the cost of title insurance.
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5-minute read
Amortization: What is it and how does it work?
Amortization is the gradual, scheduled repayment of a loan over time. Learn here why it’s important to know how amortization works.
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6-minute read
What are lender credits used for when buying a house?
Lender credits let you roll your closing costs into your loan for a higher interest rate. Learn about lender credits and if they could be helpful to you.
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8-minute read
What is a mortgage? Loan basics for beginners
A mortgage is a loan that’s used to buy real estate. Learn more about how a mortgage works,...
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4-minute read
Interest rate caps: What are they and how do they work?
An interest rate cap limits how much your interest rate will rise on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Find out more about rate caps and how they work.
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7-minute read
Eminent domain: What homeowners need to know
Cases of eminent domain have been happening since 1876 and still affect us today. Learn about what they are, how they’re used and eminent domain exampl...
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7-minute read
Government home loans and more: A guide for first-time borrowers
Government home loans offer low interest rates and flexible credit requirements. Here’s what’s available and how you can qualify.
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4-minute read
Easement in gross: Defined and explained
An easement in gross gives a person the right to use a parcel of land owned by someone else. Read more about easements in gross and how they work.
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