Featured resources

An image of a beautiful luxury home, showcasing upscale residential architecture and real estate.

10-minute read

What is a fixed-rate mortgage?

A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that never changes. Learn more about how these loans work and how they compare with adjustable-rate mortgages.

Read more

Small bungalow single story home exterior.

5-minute read

Second mortgage vs. home equity loan: What's the difference?

Home equity loans are a type of second mortgage, but not the only one. Explore the differences between second mortgages and home equity loans in this article.

Read more

Modern apartment building with abstract style facade and in earth tones.

5-minute read

How economic occupancy can maximize your rental income

Economic occupancy helps real estate investors see whether their properties’ earnings match the full income potential. Find out about this key metric here...

Read more

Image showing a young businesswoman contemplating while sitting in front of an open laptop.

7-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.

Read more

A house at dusk, depicting a home during twilight or evening.

6-minute read

40-year mortgage: An explanation and the pros and cons

A 40-year mortgage can lower monthly payments, but it costs more and isn’t widely available. Learn how a 40-year home loan works, pros and cons, and al...

Read more

Sage green house with burnt orange door.

6-minute read

Fixed rate history: Mortgage rate history from 1971 to present

See the 30-year fixed mortgage rate history from 1971 to the present, including averages and trends by decade. Learn how rate cycles affect buying and refinanci...

Read more

A beautiful home set in the desert landscape, showcasing a unique residential setting.

5-minute read

Can you break a fixed-rate mortgage?

A fixed-rate mortgage has many benefits, including a reliable payment for the entire term. If you want to end your contract prematurely, it may cost you.

Read more

Three senior women laughing and dancing in shallow waves on the beach.

6-minute read

Home loan options for seniors

You can take out a home loan at any age. Mortgage loans for seniors range from conventional loans to asset-backed funding.

Read more

Young couple moving into new, spacious home with Australian shepherd.

7-minute read

6 questions unmarried couples should ask before buying a house

Buying a house as an unmarried couple is a huge milestone, but may come with a few extra hurdles. You can protect yourself with some paperwork.

Read more

A father swinging his daughter in front yard of a house.

4-minute read

Wraparound mortgages explained: Everything you need to know

Wraparound mortgages offer the convenience of seller-backed financing, but they aren’t without risk. Learn more about this mortgage loan type here.

Read more

A suburban home with green and well cared garden.

6-minute read

The mortgage constant explained

The mortgage constant is the annual principal-and-interest cost as a percent of your loan. You can use it to compare fixed-rate loans and debt service costs.

Read more

Couple standing in front of house with red door smiling at each other.

12-minute read

Refinancing: What is it and how does it work?

Learn what mortgage refinancing is, how the refinance process works, and when it might make sense. Compare refinance options to see which one fits you best.

Read more

Large regal brick home with white columns and stone stairway.

7-minute read

Property title search: How does it work?

A property title search examines public records to confirm a property’s rightful, legal owner. Learn how it works and what types of issues it can uncover.

Read more

Banker discussing paperwork with a client.

9-minute read

Understanding power of sale, mortgage notes, and foreclosure proceedings

A power of sale clause means that the homeowner faces a speedier foreclosure but walks away without a deficiency judgment on their record.

Read more

A woman focused on something possible some stocks or investments.

9-minute read

What is a refinance appraisal? How the process works

Learn what a refinance appraisal is, why lenders require it, what appraisers look for, and tips to help your appraisal refinance go smoothly.

Read more

An olive colored one storey house with blue sky background.

5-minute read

How are VA loan interest rates determined?

VA loans offer military personnel, veterans, and their eligible spouses lower interest rates when buying a home. Learn more about how VA loan rates are set.

Read more

An account advisor showing papers to a client, indicating a professional interaction or financial consultation.

6-minute read

How often do contingent offers fall through? What you should know

Buyers can place different types of contingencies on their proposed offer. Learn more about contingencies and their impact on the rate of acceptance.

Read more

A Planned Unit Development (PUD) condo, depicting a specific type of residential property.

8-minute read

PUD meaning: What is a Planned Unit Development and how does it work?

A PUD (planned unit development) is a community with shared common areas. Learn how PUDs work, what fees to expect, and how they compare to condos and HOAs.

Read more

2 of 88

Take the first step toward the right mortgage

Apply online for expert recommendations with real interest rates and payments