Featured resources
6-minute read
What is collateral? Understanding secured loans
Collateral is any asset a lender accepts to secure a loan. Explore different types of collateral loans, their pros and cons, and how to get one.
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5-minute read
A guide to TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures (TRID)
Learn how TRID mortgage guidelines, or “Know Before You Owe” rules, protect borrowers, including what they mean for you during the home buying proce...
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7-minute read
What home buyers need to know about appraisal gaps
An appraisal gap occurs when a home appraisal comes in lower than an accepted offer. Learn more about what an appraisal gap is and how this process works.
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6-minute read
What is joint tenancy?
Joint tenancy is a legal agreement in which two or more people have equal rights to – and ownership interests in – a property. Learn how it works, a...
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3-minute read
Mortgage forbearance vs. deferment: What’s the difference?
For homeowners dealing with financial hardship, relief options include forbearance and deferment. Learn more about mortgage forbearance versus deferment.
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3-minute read
Appraisal vs. inspection: A guide
Appraisals and inspections are critical steps in the home buying process. Learn how to identify the key differences in appraisals versus inspections.
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9-minute read
Mortgage default: Everything you need to know
Mortgage default can occur if you stop making payments, and it can lead to foreclosure. See how to avoid delinquency and what to do with a mortgage in default.
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4-minute read
Understanding owner-occupied properties: What investors should know
Owner-occupied investments are properties in which the landlord both owns and lives in a home. Understand the pros and cons of owner occupancy before you buy...
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6-minute read
Mortgage amortization schedule: What it is and how to calculate yours
A mortgage amortization schedule shows a breakdown of your monthly mortgage payment over time. Figure out how to calculate your mortgage amortization.
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4-minute read
What you should know about tri-merge credit reports
Tri-merge credit reports help mortgage lenders determine the size and type of your loan. Learn more about the role this report plays in your application.
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4-minute read
Tenancy in common (TIC): What is it and how does it work?
Tenancy in common is when two or more people share ownership of a property. Learn more about tenants in common and how they compare to other tenancy types.
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8-minute read
What is PMI? Private mortgage insurance defined and explained
Private mortgage insurance can be a tricky subject, so we broke down what PMI is, how much it costs, and how to tell whether it's the right option for you.
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4-minute read
What is the loan-to-value ratio and how is it calculated?
Your loan-to-value ratio measures your loan amount against the value of the home you’re buying. Figure out how your LTV ratio is calculated.
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12-minute read
What is a mortgage? Loan basics for beginners
Mortgages help people buy homes, allowing millions to achieve a coveted milestone. Explore what a mortgage loan is, how it works and how to get one.
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28-minute read
Mortgage terms: Defined and explained
There are many unfamiliar terms to learn when you’re buying a home and need to apply for a mortgage. Here’s a list of common mortgage terms and what...
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10-minute read
Closing Disclosure: What it is and how to read the form
Your Closing Disclosure is an important mortgage document, but it can be difficult to interpret. We broke down the essential components in this complete guid...
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7-minute read
What is an acceleration clause in real estate?
An acceleration clause in a mortgage means that your mortgage balance becomes due if you default on payments. Learn how a mortgage acceleration clause works.
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8-minute read
Mortgage fraud: What you need to know to avoid it
Mortgage fraud occurs when someone lies or omits information to get loan approval or favorable loan conditions. Learn about common types of mortgage fraud here.
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