Featured resources

6-minute read

What is a home equity agreement?

A home equity agreement is a contract that gives homeowners money in exchange for their home equity and future appreciation. Learn more here.

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7-minute read

10 tips for buying a house out of state

Making a long-distance move can be stressful, but virtual tours and closings can simplify things. Check out our tips for buying a home in another state.

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6-minute read

Selling a house after a year: How soon can I sell?

Is it too soon to sell? Learn how timing, equity, taxes, possible penalties, and your local market affect whether selling your home now makes financial sense.

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4-minute read

Fixed-rate HELOCs: Pros and cons

Lenders sometimes offer HELOC borrowers a choice between fixed-rate HELOCs and variable-rate HELOCs. Learn how fixed-rate options work and how to choose.

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5-minute read

Pest inspection: Is it a requirement to get a mortgage?

Checking for pests before you buy a home is always a good idea. If you have a government-backed loan, a pest inspection may be mandatory where you live.

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7-minute read

Reverse mortgage foreclosure: Everything you need to know

If an event triggers the foreclosure process on your reverse mortgage, you can still avoid losing the property. Learn more about the timeline and your options.

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10-minute read

13 common first-time home buyer mistakes and how to avoid them

First-time home buyers can run into many preventable setbacks throughout the purchase process. Learn 13 common home buying mistakes and how to avoid them.

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6-minute read

Tax lien investing: What you need to know

Tax lien investing involves purchasing property tax debt. Once you own the debt, the homeowner owes you their property taxes within a short time frame....

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7-minute read

A guide for understanding home improvement loans

Home improvement loans can help you finance anything from a few cosmetic changes to a major renovation. Figure out what loan option is right for you.

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6-minute read

What to consider before getting a home equity line of credit (HELOC)

A home equity line of credit can help you pay for home renovations or consolidate debt. However, there are pros and cons to a HELOC worth considering.

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5-minute read

What is depreciation recapture, and how can I avoid it?

If you deducted depreciation on an investment property and sell it for a profit, you may be subject to depreciation recapture. Learn more about the process.

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10-minute read

The pros and cons of bridge loans

A bridge loan is a short-term loan that lets a homeowner use the equity in their home when buying a new home. Learn about the pros and cons of bridge loans.

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7-minute read

Are timeshares worth it? How to decide if buying one is right for you

Are timeshares worth it? It depends on contract details and your personal needs. Read the benefits and risks to see if a timeshare is worth it for you.

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8-minute read

Ultimate mortgage preapproval checklist

Are you getting ready to apply for a home loan? Use our complete mortgage preapproval checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you apply.

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9-minute read

What does FSBO mean in real estate?

FSBO homes are sold by the owner instead of a listing agent. Here’s what buyers should know about the process, pros, cons, and next steps.

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7-minute read

How to refinance your second home

Refinancing a second home is a lot like refinancing your primary residence, with minor differences. Learn about your options for refinancing a second home.

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7-minute read

Dual agency pros, cons, and considerations

Dual agency means one agent works for the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction. Learn more about how it works and how to decide if it’s right for...

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5-minute read

Vacancy rate: What it is and how to calculate it

The vacancy rate shows how often rental units are vacant. Learn how to determine vacancy rate for a property or portfolio, compare it with market data, and more...

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