A quitclaim deed is a legal document that transfers real estate without title or ownership guarantees. Find out how it works and when you may need to use one...

A 20-year fixed-rate mortgage can lower your interest rate from a 30-year term and help you pay off your home faster.

A 2026 jumbo loan in Connecticut is anything over $832,750 in most areas. Discover how they compare to conforming loans, and what home buyers should know about ...

If you want to give a home a test drive, consider an option-to-purchase lease agreement. This contract allows part of your rent to go to a future sale.

There are a number of strategies to avoid or reduce capital gains tax on a home sale. Learn more about exclusions, exceptions, and basis rules.

Adjustable-rate mortgages offer low introductory interest rates that can change over the life of a loan, with limits. Find out whether an ARM is right for you.

A buyer agency agreement outlines the terms of a partnership between a home buyer and a real estate agent. Learn about the types and terms of these agreements.

A homeowners association (HOA) manages community rules, fees and amenities in a planned neighborhood or complex. Our guide goes over how HOAs work.

Mortgage servicing rights (MSR) explain who manages your loan after closing. Learn what mortgage servicing rights are, why lenders sell them, and what they chan...

Home warranties help you cover the cost of repairing or replacing appliances and home systems for a premium. Here's how they can protect your home and assets.

A convertible ARM loan lets you switch from an adjustable interest rate to a fixed rate. Learn the pros and cons of buying a home with a convertible ARM.

Learn what a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) mortgage is, how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shape conventional loans, and why GSE rules affect rates, approva...

A home inspection contingency allows buyers to respond to results within a specific time frame. Learn how to successfully navigate and reply to an inspection.

An abstract of title shows all legal documentation associated with a property. Learn why an abstract of title is important in real estate.

A land loan is used to finance the purchase of a plot of land. However, securing this financing is different from securing other loans. Here's what you should k...

 An appraisal contingency lets you renegotiate or walk away if a home appraises below your offer price. Learn how it works, and when waiving it may be risk...

Your mortgage payment includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, also known as PITI. Learn how PITI can help you budget effectively for buying a home.