Featured resources

Senior woman in pink blouse reviewing paperwork in sunny living room.

6-minute read

Escrow refund: What is it and when does it occur?

An escrow refund is excess money returned by your lender from your mortgage escrow account. Here’s how it works.

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A senior couple relaxing on couches in a living room, indicating a comfortable and relaxed retirement setting.

6-minute read

What to consider before getting a home equity line of credit (HELOC)

A home equity line of credit can help you pay for home renovations or consolidate debt. However, there are pros and cons to a HELOC worth considering.

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Two men reviewing paperwork in a modern office.

7-minute read

10 questions to ask when refinancing your mortgage

While you’re comparing rates, speak with lenders and get answers to your questions. Use our list of questions to help guide your conversation.

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Large countryside house, depicting a spacious home in a rural setting.

4-minute read

Mortgage par rates: What are they and how do they work?

Your mortgage par rate is essentially the baseline rate offered to you by a lender. You may be able to bring this rate down through discount points and more.

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A large stone house with a stone driveway, showcasing a grand residential property.

4-minute read

How to remove a name from a mortgage

If you’re going through a divorce or you purchased a home with a fellow investor, there may come a time when you need to remove a name from a mortgage. We...

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Mother in kitchen cooking while father feeds child in high chair in dining room.

10-minute read

15 first-time home buyer tips

Purchasing your first home can be overwhelming. These first-time home buyer tips can help you tackle the process with more confidence.

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A house with peeling paint, suggesting a property in need of maintenance or renovation.

9-minute read

How to find fixer-upper homes: Everything you need to know

Are you searching for a fixer-upper to be your dream home or your next fix-and-flip? Learn how to find and buy a fixer-upper that won’t turn into a mon...

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A dark brown and light brown speckled brick home with a white sandstone garage, showcasing unique exterior materials.

10-minute read

What is a purchase-money mortgage?

This type of financing is unique because a purchase-money loan allows the buyer to finance the seller. Her...

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Windowed Interior

5-minute read

The appraisal waiver: What home buyers should know

Appraisals are often mandatory during a real estate transaction. However, sometimes an appraisal waiver makes sense, can save you money, and expedite your sale.

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A family sitting comfortably on a couch, possibly in a home setting.

5-minute read

A guide to understanding bundle of rights in real estate

A bundle of rights in real estate refers to the legal rights associated with property ownership: the rights of possession, control, enjoyment, disposition, a...

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An aerial view of buildings surrounded by trees.

6-minute read

What is condemnation in real estate?

What is condemned property? Condemnation occurs when the government uses eminent domain to take property. Learn what condemnation can mean for homeowners.

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Group of three women talking and laughing.

4-minute read

Can you get an ARM for an investment property?

Adjustable-rate mortgages have pros and cons for investors. You may benefit from a lower rate at first, but non-owner-occupied rates are still higher.

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Rooftops in a neighborhood, portraying a community or residential area.

7-minute read

Restrictive covenants explained

A restrictive covenant limits how you can use a property. Learn what it is, common examples, legal limits, and how it affects buyers.

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Young couple laughing together while looking at computer and planning a budget together.

8-minute read

Does consolidating debt affect home buying?

Are you considering consolidating your debt before buying a home? Learn about how debt consolidation affects mortgage approval and how to make a wise decision.

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A young woman packing boxes, daughter moving out of parents' home.

8-minute read

How to move out: A guide to leaving your parents’ house

Getting ready to move out of your parents’ house? Learn how to transition to renting, build credit and real-life experience, and save for future housing g...

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A two-story suburban house against a sunset sky with a well-maintained front yard.

6-minute read

What is house hacking and is it something you should be doing?

House hacking incorporates a variety of ways you can use your house to pay living expenses. Learn what house hacking is and how you can make it work for you....

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A cozy house with a charming garden and a lovely deck, perfect for relaxation and outdoor gatherings.

9-minute read

How to know when to buy a house

Knowing when to buy a house takes market knowledge and insight into your personal finances. Here are some tips for knowing you’re ready.

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A woman working on a computer with papers scattered around.

8-minute read

Online house auctions: What are they and how do they work?

An online home auction lets buyers bid on properties digitally. This is how online auctions work, plus the risks, benefits, and what to expect when bidding.<...

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