An encumbrance is a claim against a property by someone who isn’t the property owner. Discover how encumbrances can affect how you can use your property.

A deed of trust is an agreement between home buyers and lenders at the closing of a property. Learn about trust deeds and how they differ from mortgages.

Mortgage loan originators (MLOs) guide borrowers through the home loan process, from application to closing. Learn what an originator can do for you.

How can you stay safe from cyber threats? Start with these 7 tips.

To qualify for some mortgages, your lender may need a letter of your intent to occupy the property. Learn what the letter should include and how to write it....

Chain of title represents the complete and unbroken ownership of a property. Learn more about chain of title in real estate and why it’s important.

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 mo...

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

Read our guide to find out what deficiency judgments are in real estate, how they work in foreclosures and what mortgage borrowers should know about them.

A mortgagor is an individual or organization that borrows money to purchase real estate. Learn about mortgagors versus mortgagees and their relationship.

A subordinate mortgage can be a complex topic with implications for borrowers. Uncover important realities you need to know about mortgage subordination.

Blanket mortgages finance multiple properties under one loan. Uncover the pros and cons of blanket loans to see if this type of financing is right for you.

A dry closing occurs when everything but payment is completed at closing. Find out what a dry closing is and which states allow dry closings.

A bundle of rights describes the legal rights associated with property ownership: the right of possession, control, enjoyment, disposition and exclusion.

The words may sound the same, but there’s a difference between forbearance and foreclosure. Here’s what you need to know.

In this episode, we're going in-depth on everything you need to know about this critical, yet confusing, part of the home buying process -- what escrow is and h...