Featured resources
4-minute read
What is a mortgage rate?
When you get a mortgage, you pay your lender interest based on your mortgage rate. Learn what a mortgage rate is, what determines it and how to get a good one.
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9-minute read
What does it mean to lease a house?
Not ready to buy your next home, yet tired of renting? You have other options available. Read further to understand the key components of leasing a house.
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7-minute read
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
What is a good debt-to-income ratio and why does it matter when getting a mortgage loan? Explore the details to help get the best loan terms possible.
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6-minute read
What is a mortgage commitment letter and how can I get one?
Getting a mortgage commitment letter is an important first step in the home buying process. Read on to find out how you can get a loan commitment letter.
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4-minute read
What is a mortgage processor, and what do they do?
A mortgage processor guides borrowers through the loan application process by collecting documents and information. Learn how they help secure mortgage loans.
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8-minute read
What Is Fannie Mae (FNMA)? A guide for home buyers
The Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), or Fannie Mae, purchases and backs mortgage loans for borrowers. Learn more about how Fannie Mae works.
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8-minute read
Joint mortgage: A complete guide for borrowers
A joint mortgage is a home loan that multiple borrowers are responsible for paying. Learn more about joint mortgages, including their pros and their cons.
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9-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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4-minute read
Variable interest rate: Should you get one?
Unlike a fixed interest rate, a variable interest rate changes over time based on a predetermined index. Learn how these rates work and why you might want on...
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7-minute read
Capital gains tax on real estate and home sales: A guide
Are you required to pay the capital gains tax on your real estate property? Review our guide to learn what the capital gains tax is, when to pay it and more....
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5-minute read
The mortgage constant explained
The mortgage constant is the amount paid in debt service each year divided by the amount of a loan, expressed as a percent. Learn more about mortgage constants.
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8-minute read
Mortgage protection insurance explained: Does every homeowner need it?
Mortgage protection insurance is an insurance policy that helps the family of the policyholder make mortgage payments after they die. Read on to learn more.<...
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5-minute read
Freddie Mac: What is the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC)?
Freddie Mac is a government-sponsored agency charged with keeping mortgage markets liquid. Learn more about FHLMC – and how it impacts home buyers and ...
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5-minute read
Get a leg up on the competition with Verified Approval
A Verified Approval allows you to confidently make an offer knowing that your financing is rock solid. Read on for details!
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4-minute read
What is fair market value (FMV) in real estate and how is it calculated?
Fair market value (FMV) in real estate is an assessment of a property's worth in an open market. Learn how FMV is calculated and what it's used for.
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4-minute read
Fee simple: What is it in real estate and how does it work?
Fee simple refers to a landowner’s absolute ownership of real property. Read our article to learn about how fee simple determines real estate or land o...
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7-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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4-minute read
What is the power of sale in a mortgage note, and how does it affect foreclosure proceedings?
The power of sale allows a lender to sell a home – without judicial review – if a borrower defaults on a mortgage. Learn more about how the power...
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