Featured resources

8-minute read
Buying a house with well water and how it works
Considering buying a house on well water? Before you do, read the pros and cons about houses with well water, and our tips for maintaining your water’s...
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6-minute read
Private mortgage: What you should know before you borrow
Considering applying for a private mortgage to finance your next home purchase? Weigh the pros and cons before borrowing outside of a traditional loan.
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10-minute read
How to find a cottage to buy: A step-by-step guide
How do you find the ideal cottage to buy? These small and cozy homes are ideal for minimalists. Here’s what you should know to buy a cottage or a cabin...
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5-minute read
How to increase your mortgage preapproval amount
Buying your dream home may be more realistic than you think. Explore our guide to learn what might help increase your mortgage preapproval amount.
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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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12-minute read
15 first-time home buyer tips
First-time home buyers may find themselves overwhelmed by the process of purchasing property. Here are 15 tips to help you on your home buying journey.
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7-minute read
How real estate partnerships work: The pros and cons
Real estate partnerships allow investors to pool their money to purchase, develop, or lease real estate. Explore the pros and cons of this kind of venture.
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2-minute read
A guide to the housing expense ratio
Wondering how mortgage lenders calculate the housing expense ratio? Learn how to find your results by comparing your housing expenses to your pretax income.
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6-minute read
How to take out equity from your home and save money monthly
Home equity loans, HELOCs, and cash-out refinances let you use your home equity. Learn how to draw on your home equity and understand your equity loan options.
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5-minute read
What credit score do mortgage lenders use?
Mortgage lenders use several credit scores to qualify borrowers and determine the interest rate they offer. Learn more before you start the home buying journey.
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8-minute read
A guide to gifts of equity: What taxes to expect, how to write a gift letter and more
Curious about gifts of equity or already considering giving one? Learn about the process plus the pros and cons of giving the gift of home equity.
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4-minute read
What is a mortgage banker? Services, responsibilities and more
A mortgage banker is an individual or entity that originates, services, and sells mortgages. Read on to learn more about their responsibilities to borrowers.
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7-minute read
No-appraisal refinance: Should you do it?
You can refinance your mortgage without getting an appraisal, but it may not be your best option. Learn more about how you can get a no-appraisal refinance.
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5-minute read
What is a silent second mortgage?
Using a “silent” second mortgage to cover your down payment is illegal. Learn what assistance programs you can use instead with our complete fina...
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5-minute read
7 ways to refinance a mortgage if you have ‘bad’ credit
Looking to refinance with ‘bad’ credit? Learn the options of how to refinance your mortgage with ‘bad’ credit and what steps you can tak...
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4-minute read
How to recognize a reverse mortgage scam
Reverse mortgages are complicated and difficult to understand, which is why you need to be alert to potential scams. Learn how to avoid reverse mortgage fraud.
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9-minute read
Selling a house as is: What to know
Learn what it means to sell your house as is, the pros and cons, and how to attract serious buyers without making costly repairs.
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8-minute read
What is passive real estate investing and how does it work?
Are you interested in passive real estate investing? Learn different types of passive real estate investments, the pros and cons and how to get started.
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