Featured resources

4-minute read
Mortgage par rates: What are they and how do they work?
Your mortgage par rate is essentially the baseline rate offered to you by a lender. You may be able to bring this rate down through discount points and more.
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5-minute read
The appraisal waiver: What home buyers should know
Appraisals are often mandatory during a real estate transaction. However, sometimes an appraisal waiver makes sense, can save you money, and expedite your sale.
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5-minute read
A guide to understanding bundle of rights in real estate
A bundle of rights in real estate refers to the legal rights associated with property ownership: the rights of possession, control, enjoyment, disposition, a...
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8-minute read
Buydown: A way to reduce interest rates
Buydowns are methods used by buyers and sellers to lower interest rates in the early years of a new mortgage. Find out if a buydown is right for you.
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6-minute read
Alienation clause in real estate: What it means and why it matters
An alienation clause requires a mortgage to be paid off when a home is sold or transferred. Learn how it works, common exceptions, and when it applies.
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5-minute read
FHLMC: Freddie Mac explained
The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., better known as Freddie Mac, buys conforming conventional loans from private lenders to keep the mortgage market liquid.
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6-minute read
Float-down option: Can it lower your mortgage rate?
Want to protect yourself from higher mortgage rates? Read our article to learn all about the float-down option and how it can work with a mortgage rate lock....
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4-minute read
Interest rate floor: Definition and how it works
An interest rate floor is the lowest agreed-upon rate for adjustable-rate loan products. Learn how the interest rate floor works and its impact on your loan.
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5-minute read
What is a co-borrower? A beginner's guide
If you’re unable to get a mortgage on your own, adding a co-borrower may increase your chances of approval. Learn more about how adding a co-borrower can ...
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4-minute read
Deed of reconveyance: Definition, process, and FAQ
A deed of reconveyance is a document that transfers title to a property from the mortgage lender to the borrower. Learn more about how a reconveyance works.<...
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8-minute read
What is a mortgage contingency?
A mortgage contingency in a purchase agreement allows you to back out of the home purchase if you can't secure financing. Learn more about how it works.
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6-minute read
What is a lien and how does it work?
If you have a mortgage, you already have one lien on your property. However, there are other types of liens, and some can make it harder to sell the property.
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7-minute read
What is fee simple ownership?
Fee simple ownership provides you with full, indefinite ownership of your private property and land. Learn more about how it works and which forms exist.
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4-minute read
What is a warranty deed?
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.
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5-minute read
What is an abstract of title in real estate?
An abstract of title shows all legal documentation associated with a property. Learn why an abstract of title is important in real estate.
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7-minute read
What is an appraisal contingency, and when should I use it?
An appraisal contingency lets you renegotiate or walk away if a home appraises below your offer price. Learn how it works, and when waiving it may be risk...
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5-minute read
PITI: What it stands for and what it means
Your mortgage payment includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, also known as PITI. Learn how PITI can help you budget effectively for buying a home.
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6-minute read
Understanding the right of redemption in real estate
If you fall behind on payments and get a foreclosure notice, all hope is not lost. The right of redemption may allow you to keep your home.
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