Featured resources
4-minute read
What is hazard insurance for homes: A homeowners guide
Hazard insurance protects your home from natural disasters. Learn what it is, what is covered under hazard insurance and how it’s different from homeowner...
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5-minute read
What is home appreciation and how is it calculated?
Home appreciation tracks how a property increases in value over time. Learn how appreciation works and how you can raise your home's value before selling.
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3-minute read
Understanding appraisal vs. assessment
If you’re preparing to buy a home, it’s important to understand the difference between an appraisal and an assessment. Read on to learn how they ...
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4-minute read
What is mortgage delinquency?
Concerned that you’re falling behind on your mortgage payments? Learn how to avoid mortgage delinquency, plus how to get out of it with help from your ...
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8-minute read
How long does it take to get a home equity loan?
It takes time to apply and get approved for a home equity loan. Find out about how long the process takes from start to finish, as well as what to expect.
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6-minute read
The costs of buying a house that first-time home buyers should prepare for
Purchasing your first home is a major achievement – so make sure you're financially ready for it. There are several costs to consider when buying a hou...
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6-minute read
HOA special assessment: What it is and how to handle it
Moving to a neighborhood with an HOA? You should be prepared to pay some extra, unexpected feed. Here's what you need to know about special assessments.
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8-minute read
Mortgage statements: What are they and how long should you keep them?
Some mortgage documents contain important info you should hold onto for tax purposes. But how long should you keep mortgage statements? Find the answer.
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6-minute read
Earnest money and VA loans: What you need to know
Discover the role of earnest money deposits with VA loans. Learn how earnest money affects your VA loan offer so you can make informed decisions when buying a h...
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5-minute read
FHA adjustable-rate mortgage: What it is and how it works
An FHA adjustable-rate mortgage is designed for borrowers who want to make an easier transition to homeownership. Learn how it works, plus pros and cons.
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6-minute read
Buying a house as a single woman: A how-to guide
Are you interested in becoming a homeowner but have a single income? Read our guide to learn more about what to expect when buying a house as a single woman....
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5-minute read
Reverse mortgage foreclosure: Everything you need to know
At risk of foreclosure on your reverse mortgage? Learn more about the reverse mortgage foreclosure timeline and how you can avoid foreclosure on your home.
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5-minute read
FHA minimum property standards checklist: What you should know
Planning on purchasing a home with an FHA loan? Make sure it can be FHA-approved with our useful FHA minimum property standards checklist.
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9-minute read
House poor: What it means and how to avoid it
Being house poor means most of your income goes toward your mortgage. See how people become house poor and learn how to keep it from happening to you.
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5-minute read
What is a zombie foreclosure?
Zombie foreclosures demonstrate the risks of leaving before foreclosure ends. Understand these homes and their potential to resurface and create problems lat...
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8-minute read
Can you get a home equity loan on a manufactured home?
As a manufactured homeowner, you may be wondering if you can tap into your home equity. Learn how to take out a home equity loan on a manufactured home.
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4-minute read
What is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE)?
A government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) is a federally backed entity that boosts credit in the mortgage market. Learn about GSEs and how they work here.
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11-minute read
What is a short sale in real estate? A guide to the process
A short sale happens when a homeowner in financial trouble sells their home for less than they owe on the mortgage. Learn more about the short-sale process.<...
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