Featured resources

A yard with flowers, representing a beautiful home exterior.

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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A woman working from home on her laptop with her pet cat sitting in front of her.

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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A couple working on a laptop together, potentially related to real estate or financial activities.

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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Housemates gathering in a living room, possibly portraying shared living or communal spaces.

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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Woman looking over a bill in her kitchen.

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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Homes in fall, portraying residential properties during the autumn season with foliage and trees.

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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Two-story beige house with large paved driveway, manicured shrubs and red front door.

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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A couple looking at documents, possibly related to real estate or financial decisions.

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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Probably a women calculating her taxes or finances.

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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A man working on a laptop in a modern indoor setting.

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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Friends living together, suggesting a group of friends sharing a living space or residence.

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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Three people working together at a table, surrounded by papers.

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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A man and women unboxing cardboard boxes after moving into the new residence.

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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Two men smiling in front of home.

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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A couple discussing real estate investment or mortgage with an agent.

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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A woman wearing glasses stands at a desk, working on a laptop computer and looking on a piece of paper.

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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Calculating mortgage payments, representing financial planning or budgeting.

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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Two men in suits discussing contracts with folded hands.

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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