Featured resources

A condo complex with HOA, indicating community living and homeowners' association in real estate.

9-minute read

Homeowners association (HOA): What it means and how it works

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

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A charming house with a balcony and a tree in front, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

4-minute read

Mortgage servicing rights (MSR): What they are and what they mean for homeowners

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...

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A father doing laundry with his sons, representing family life or household activities.

5-minute read

A guide for buying home warranty plans

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.

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A beautiful house with a well-maintained lawn and lush trees in the background.

5-minute read

Convertible ARM loan: Is it right for you?

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.

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A house with green grass and bushes, indicating a well-maintained property with landscaping.

5-minute read

What is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) mortgage?

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...

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A couple leaving their house probably leaving for their jobs.

7-minute read

A guide to the home inspection contingency

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.

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A woman on the phone reviewing a document, potentially related to financial or property matters.

5-minute read

What is an abstract of title in real estate?

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

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Beige house with golden sunlight falling over large lawn.

8-minute read

How to get a land loan: Everything you need to know

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...

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Couple going through a list, potentially related to a property checklist or planning details.

7-minute read

What is an appraisal contingency, and when should I use it?

 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...

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A man researching on a computer, likely conducting real estate or financial research online.

5-minute read

PITI: What it stands for and what it means

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.

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An image showing a woman engrossed in her thoughts possibly related to some real estate investment or work.

6-minute read

Understanding the right of redemption in real estate

If you fall behind on payments and get a foreclosure notice, all hope is not lost. The right of redemption may allow you to keep your home.

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A mother adjusts her child’s shoe while she sits on a trampoline.

9-minute read

Raising kids in 2026: What parents really want in a hometown

When deciding where to raise a family, Americans look for safe, affordable communities to live in. See the top places in the U.S. to raise your kids in 2026....

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Happy family with two toddlers playing on the landscaped front lawn of new home.

7-minute read

Adjustable mortgage rates: A guide to your first reset

Adjustable mortgage rates can affect the monthly payment and interest costs. Learn what happens when your ARM adjusts and how to prepare for your first reset.

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Mother kissing baby on cheek at home on couch.

8-minute read

What is a home equity loan? A complete guide

A home equity loan is a second mortgage that allows you to use your home as collateral to borrow a lump sum. Read this complete guide to home equity loans.

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Loan officer reviewing mortgage paperwork with smiling couple.

6-minute read

Is a mortgage secured or unsecured debt?

A mortgage is typically secured because your home serves as collateral. Learn how secured vs. unsecured debt works, what happens if you miss payments, and more.

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A football at the forefront of a stadium with bright lights on in the background.

8-minute read

Where the top 2026 NFL Draft prospects grew up and what their hometowns reveal

See where top 2026 NFL Draft prospects are from, where they went to high school, and how their hometowns helped shape their path to the pros.

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Elderly couple looking at paperwork in the kitchen and smiling.

7-minute read

5/1 vs. 7/6 vs. 10/6 adjustable-rate loans: A guide

When buying a home with an adjustable-rate loan, the reset schedule will affect your budget. Learn how 5/1, 7/6, and 10/6 ARMs differ and which might suit you.

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Woman smiling while reviewing finances on tablet while man drinks coffee and looks at the screen. Paperwork and calcluator are on the table nearby.

6-minute read

Should you make one extra mortgage payment per year?

Making an extra mortgage payment each year could help you save on interest. Use this guide to figure out how much difference it will make for your finances.

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