Featured resources

A residential neighborhood with multiple houses, showing a suburban or urban living environment.

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.<...

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An elderly couple sitting and reading together having a good time.

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.

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Showcasing a small house with an eye-catching Tiffany blue door.

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.

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Young couple inside their home with their baby.

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.

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Two men going over paperwork together.

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.

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Woman using a phone and a MacBook, potentially managing finances or conducting research online.

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.

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Documents spread across a table alongside a coffee mug, portraying an organized or busy setting related to home paperwork or financial documentation.

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...

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A family in a living room, with an old man holding a clipboard, possibly discussing or organizing something.

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...

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A beautiful brick home with tan stucco and a winding drive at sunset.

5-minute read

Contingent vs. pending: What's the difference?

Home buyers sometimes confuse contingent versus pending. Learn the difference between pending and contingent and what the two statuses mean in real estate.

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Business woman wearing reading glasses on phone and working on laptop.

4-minute read

What is a mortgagee? Definition, rights, and role when buying a house

A mortgagee is a financial institution that offers mortgages. Learn more about how it differs from a mortgagor and what you need to know about working with o...

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A man speaking to a financial advisor, potentially discussing financial planning related to real estate or homeownership.

5-minute read

What is correspondent lending?

Correspondent lending happens when a lender originates and funds a mortgage, but then sells it. Read more about correspondent lending and how it works.

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A family walking by a house, suggesting a family near or approaching a residential property.

8-minute read

Mortgage recasting: What you should know before you reamortize

A mortgage recast is when you make a lump-sum payment toward your principal balance to reduce your monthly payments. Learn how mortgage recasting works.

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A charming row of houses with a white picket fence, creating a picturesque neighborhood scene.

7-minute read

What is the process for mortgage underwriting?

Underwriting is when your lender reviews your finances to determine if you qualify for a mortgage. Learn how it works and tips for a smooth experience.

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A couple with an agent in a home, likely discussing real estate matters.

8-minute read

Capital gains tax on real estate and home sales: A guide

Selling your home? Learn how capital gains tax on real estate works, how much you might owe, and strategies to reduce or avoid taxes when selling your home.

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A small indigo colored house with a red door and green front yard.

7-minute read

Mortgage rate lock: A guide to protect you from rate fluctuations

A mortgage rate lock prevents changes to your interest rate as you prepare to close. Learn about the steps you can take to lock in your mortgage rate.

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A woman looking at a deed, potentially involved in property ownership or real estate matters.

5-minute read

Deed vs. title: Know the difference

Buyers encounter both deeds and titles when finalizing ownership of their new property. This guide dives into the subtle difference between deeds and titles.

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A family having a meal in their backyard.

7-minute read

What is a conventional loan?

A conventional loan is a non-government-backed home mortgage. Learn more about down payment requirements, getting approved, and more.

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Colonial-style house in Massachusetts with a white exterior and greenery.

8-minute read

What is a house deed?

A deed is a document that transfers ownership of real estate from one party to another. Understand how this works, the types of deeds, and why it's important.

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