Featured resources

A large brick house surrounded by trees.

8-minute read

What is home equity and how can I access it?

Home equity is the value of the portion of your home you own. Discover the multiple ways to tap into that equity and how to calculate it.

Read more

Real estate agent standing with couple in front of a house looking at documents in a folder.

6-minute read

What does pending mean in real estate?

If you’ve been house hunting, you might have wondered what “pending” means on a real estate listing. Read on to decode this real estate listin...

Read more

A couple meeting with a tax advisor, potentially discussing financial or real estate planning with a professional.

5-minute read

What happens if the appraisal is lower than the offer?

What happens if your home appraisal comes in lower than your offer? Learn about your options if your home appraisal value is less than the purchase price.

Read more

A row of bungalows, illustrating a series of single-story residential homes or a housing complex.

7-minute read

A cost segregation study: What it is and how it works

Cost segregation is a method of tax planning that can help real estate owners increase their cash flow. Learn about cost segregation studies and how they wor...

Read more

Woman Sitting at desk in striped shirt looking at a laptop and holding a pen.

4-minute read

What is the minimum credit score for a home equity loan?

Interested in a home equity loan, but unsure your credit score is high enough? Learn the minimum credit score for a home equity loan and other requirements.

Read more

A black man lying down, looking at his phone with a cat beside him.

9-minute read

Refinancing a second mortgage: What you need to know

For many homeowners, taking out a second mortgage can be helpful for a variety of reasons. But can you refinance your second mortgage? Find out.

Read more

A promotional or cover image related to a podcast episode, potentially featuring firefighters or firefighting equipment.

Firefighter

Brandon Smith was raised by a famil...

Read more

A promotional image related to a podcast episode featuring a blind surfer, likely highlighting the story or experiences of a visually impaired individual in the context of homeownership or real estate.

Blind surfer

As a teenager, Ling Pai had barely settled into her new home, in a new country, when she learned she was losing her sight.

Read more

A picture with text "home made" possibly indicating homemade cooking or other such products.

Love, loss & baking

Jazzmyn Cramer and Chris Phillips arrived in Chama, New Mexico, with plans to build a home together. But in a flash, everything changed. Suddenly, Jazzmyn found...

Read more

Image related to mortgage processors, potentially depicting their role in the mortgage application process.

4-minute read

What is a mortgage processor, and what do they do?

A mortgage processor guides borrowers through the loan application process by collecting documents and information. Learn how they help secure mortgage loans.

Read more

Skyline view of Fremont City, CA

7-minute read

Best places to raise a family: A complete guide

Choosing where to live with your family is an emotional decision, but we’ve assembled the numbers that can help you find the best places to raise a family...

Read more

A happy millennial African American woman managing household budget and finances.

8-minute read

How to budget for a house: A home buyer’s guide to housing costs

Knowing how much you can afford to spend is an important first step toward buying a home. Learn how to set a budget that can help you afford a mortgage.

Read more

Exterior view of a suburban home with a well-manicured lawn and blue sky.

9-minute read

11 ways to save for a house: Tips for saving your down payment

One of the biggest hurdles when buying a home is saving for a down payment. Discover how to save for a house with 11 straightforward down payment strategies.

Read more

A well furnished living room with a big window.

8-minute read

How to make money in real estate: A guide for beginners

Real estate offers many ways to build wealth, but which method makes sense for you? Check out our guide on how to make money in real estate to get an idea.

Read more

Group of business people gather at a table around an open laptop computer.

6-minute read

How to use your home equity to build a business

Homeowners with enough home equity can leverage those funds to cover business purchases. Learn how and determine if this option suits your financial situatio...

Read more

Happy couple looking at a contract, potentially finalizing a deal or agreement related to real estate.

8-minute read

How to get down payment assistance: Your quick guide

There are resources available to help you buy a home through loans, programs and more. Learn how you can find down payment assistance to become a homeowner.

Read more

A black woman writing notes in a library or study setting.

9-minute read

Should I borrow money from my home to pay for college?

Are you looking for a way to cover your child's college expenses? The equity in your home may offer a solution. Learn how to use home equity to pay for colle...

Read more

A woman focused on something possible some stocks or investments.

7-minute read

What to expect from a refinance appraisal

Thinking about refinancing your home loan? Learn more about the refinance appraisal process, what to expect and how to prepare your home to get the most value.

Read more

50 of 75

Take the first step toward the right mortgage

Apply online for expert recommendations with real interest rates and payments