Featured resources

Young couple inside their home with their baby.

10-minute read

Qualifying for a mortgage: The basics

Many factors can determine whether you qualify for a mortgage. Learn what factors affect your mortgage qualification and how you can improve your chances.

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Exterior of white two-story countryside house with black shutters and roof.

7-minute read

FHA 203(k) loans: A complete guide

An FHA 203(k) loan allows you to buy and renovate a home in need of significant repairs with a single mortgage. Learn more about 203(k) loan qualifications.<...

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Condo building against a beautiful sky, showcasing a condominium structure against a scenic sky backdrop.

9-minute read

Are condos a good investment?

Condos can be an attractive option for first time buyers, but are they a good investment? Read our guide to find out whether buying a condo makes sense for you.

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A man and woman sitting on a couch, possibly researching or reviewing real estate information in a book.

6-minute read

How mortgage-backed securities and bonds work

A mortgage-backed security (MBS) is a group of aggregated mortgages that are sold to agencies or banks. Learn about mortgage bonds and how to invest.

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Contemporary new build condos.

4-minute read

Buying a condo with a VA loan

You can buy a condo with a VA loan as long as you’re eligible and the condo complex is VA-approved. Learn more about using a VA loan to buy a condo.

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Young Latino family happily settled in their forever home, expressing contentment and stability.

12-minute read

Starter home or forever home: Which is right for you?

A starter home is a small, affordable home for first-time buyers. Find out if it makes sense to buy a starter home or if a forever home is right for you.

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Two men going over paperwork together.

3-minute read

What is a transfer tax?

A transfer tax is a one-time fee for transferring property ownership. Learn how transfer tax is assessed, state and local government rules, and how it works.

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A woman looking at a computer up close, suggesting online research or financial planning.

5-minute read

What does a title company do?

A title company is a third party that works on behalf of both the lender and the buyer. Learn more about what title companies do in the home buying process.<...

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Young woman at work looking out window.

9-minute read

How much income do I need for a $600K home?

How much house you can afford depends on numerous factors, including your income and credit score. Learn how much income you need for a $600K mortgage.

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Family spending time together on the deck of their home.

5-minute read

Two-thirds of parents say raising kids costs more than they expected

How challenging is financial planning for a family? In a recent survey, two-thirds of parents say raising children is even more expensive than they anticipat...

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Aerial view of luxury homes in Oregon with forested background near horizon.

6-minute read

Oregon property tax

Are you getting ready to buy a house in Oregon? Learn how Oregon property taxes work, average tax rates, exemptions, and what you should know before buying.

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Young kids doing art project at large dining room table in open, airy and sun filled room.

7-minute read

A guide to buying a home in Texas

Thinking about buying a home in the Lone Star State? Learn about the Texas housing market, popular cities, and the steps to expect during the buying process.

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An illustration showing a hand holding a credit card for payment.

8-minute read

How to buy a house with ‘bad’ credit: Loan options, requirements, and credit-building steps

Learn how to buy a house with bad credit, including about the lowest possible credit score, home loan options for bad credit, and ways to boost your score.

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A man signing a home document with a broker, depicting a real estate transaction.

8-minute read

House title: What you need to know

A house title indicates who has legal ownership of a property and the rights to use it any way they see fit. Learn more about how a house title works.

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Young couple sitting at a kitchen counter with a laptop, potentially discussing finances or real estate options.

6-minute read

Can you back out of a house offer? How to formally withdraw

Home buyers have many opportunities to back out of a deal. Learn about valid reasons to back out of buying a house before you make an offer.

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Woman looking over graphs for investments in office overlooking city skyline.

6-minute read

What is a REIT? A guide to real estate investment trusts

If you want to get into real estate investing without managing a property, investing in a REIT could be for you. Learn more about this investment vehicle.

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Plumber Inspecting Sink In House

5-minute read

VA home loan inspection requirements: What to know

VA loans don't require a standard home inspection, but they do require a VA appraisal, and the home must meet minimum property requirements. Learn more.

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A family sitting on the porch with their pet having enjoyable moment.

7-minute read

What is cash to close?

Understand how to calculate a “cash to close” total and which fees make up this important figure before closing on your house.

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