Learn how TRID mortgage guidelines, or “Know Before You Owe” rules, protect borrowers, including what they mean for you during the home buying process.

Defeasance clauses assure buyers that they’ll get the title once they meet all payment conditions. Learn more about the impact of defeasance on your mortgage.

Mortgage insurance protects lenders against default on home loans. Learn more about the different types of mortgage insurance, how much it costs and more.

What’s the difference between assessed value and market value? One is the home’s tax-assessed value; the other is what buyers are willing to pay. Learn more.

Basis points are units of measurement that assess percentages. Learn how this financial tool can determine your mortgage cost and its potential monthly changes.

Amortization schedules your mortgage payments and tracks what the money goes toward. Learn how amortization works in real estate for different loans

HUD is an acronym for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Learn how HUD works, what it does and how it helps aspiring home buyers.

A prepayment penalty is a fee some lenders charge when you pay all or part of your loan off early. Find out what triggers the fee and how to avoid it.

A mortgage credit certificate (MCC) is a tax credit that can help homeowners save on their tax bill. Learn if you’re eligible for an MCC and how to apply.

An easement in gross gives a person the right to use a parcel of land owned by someone else. Read more about easements in gross and how they work.

A promissory note is a repayment agreement between a borrower and lender, but how does it differ from a loan? Read on to see how promissory notes work.

Don’t get lost in a legal maze trying to detangle the ins and outs of foreclosure. Use our guide to confidently navigate the process and steer clear of scams.

A bad title can cause complications and turn your dream home into a nightmare. Use this guide to learn how title insurance can protect your property purchases.

Ready to apply for a mortgage and wondering if you should pay an origination fee? Find out how this common charge can actually save you money in the long run.

Earnest money protects buyers and sellers in a real estate transaction. Learn how an earnest money deposit works and how it can also make your offer stand out.

A chattel mortgage is an option for purchasing a manufactured home where the home secures the loan. See how chattel loans differ from traditional mortgages.

An interest rate floor is the lowest agreed-upon rate for floating-rate loan products. Learn how interest rate floors work and uncover some examples.

Manual underwriting is one of the ways a lender can review your loan application for approval. Learn more about what this means for you and your loan.