Featured resources

A man and women embracing each other with a smile.

14-minute read

Parent's guide to helping your kids own a home

There are many pros and cons to buying a house with your child. We cover cosigning, selling, gifting and renting a house to your child in this complete guide...

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A man looking at finances, possibly related to financial planning or reviewing financial data.

7-minute read

Home appraisal amount vs. loan amount: How an appraisal impacts the selling price and mortgage amount

Explore the difference between appraisal amount and loan amount and how the home appraisal amount affects selling price or the mortgage loan amount.

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A couple discussing finances, real estate investments or taxes on a laptop.

5-minute read

What is deed of trust?

A deed of trust is an agreement between home buyers and lenders at the closing of a property. Learn about trust deeds and how they differ from mortgages.

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A man working on a home foundation, possibly related to construction or repair work.

9-minute read

What you need to know before buying a house with foundation issues

It’s every home buyer’s nightmare – the home inspection report reveals foundation problems. Find out what to do if you’re buying a ho...

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Man standing outside of garage with motorcycle.

8-minute read

Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): What is it and how is it calculated?

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) measures your total income against any debt you have. Learn what a good DTI is, how to calculate it and how to lower it.

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A white house with a spacious lawn and trees surrounding it.

6-minute read

Buying a house with a septic tank: Pros and cons

Buying a house with a septic tank can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of using a home’s se...

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A Black man's hands signing a document on a desk at home, potentially related to paperwork or contracts.

5-minute read

Deed of reconveyance: Definition, process and FAQs

A deed of reconveyance is a document that transfers the property title from the mortgage lender to the borrower. Learn more about how a reconveyance works here.

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Conversation or discussion about speaking to an agent regarding closing costs in a real estate transaction.

5-minute read

What are carrying costs in real estate?

Carrying costs in real estate are ongoing expenses property owners must budget for. Learn more about which carrying costs to expect and how much they are.

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A realtor showing a house to a couple, potentially in a residential setting.

5-minute read

What is a variance and how do you get one?

If you’re a property owner with big plans for your home or land, you may need a variance to make changes. Learn what a variance is and how to get one.<...

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A young lesbian couple using a tablet in bed, representing modern lifestyle and technology use.

5-minute read

What Is renters insurance? Defined and explained

Renters insurance is a way for renters to protect themselves and their belongings when renting property. Learn about what’s covered with renters insura...

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A man reviewing paperwork at a laptop, possibly managing real estate or financial documents.

4-minute read

Mortgage loan term: What is it, and which option is best for you?

“Loan term” often refers to how much time it takes a borrower to pay off their mortgage when making regular payments. Learn more about loan term opt...

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A couple in a backyard, potentially representing a couple spending time in a backyard setting.

6-minute read

What you should know before purchasing a house with deed restrictions

Deed restrictions can limit what property owners do on their land. Learn about deed-restricted communities and real estate, what they are and how they work.

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Possibly an image depicting occupancy or preparations related to property intent.

3-minute read

Intent to occupy letter: What it is and how to write one

To qualify for some mortgages, your lender may need a letter of your intent to occupy the property. Learn what the letter should include and how to write it....

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A financial advisor shaking hands with clients, possibly illustrating a successful financial consultation or agreement.

5-minute read

FHA mortgage insurance removal: A how-to guide

All FHA loans require a mortgage insurance premium (MIP), no matter what your down payment is. Find out if you qualify for FHA mortgage insurance removal here.

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Two women looking at different paint colors for their house.

4-minute read

What is a co-borrower? A beginner's guide

When you buy a home with a co-borrower, you typically share ownership of the loan and the home. Let’s explore the pros and cons of having a co-borrower...

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Businesswoman at a cafe making a phone call, potentially discussing business or financial matters.

4-minute read

Close of escrow: What you need to know

Close of escrow is the point in the real estate transaction when all parties have fulfilled their responsibilities. Read on to learn how close of escrow work...

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An image of a traditional neighborhood setting, depicting houses in a residential area.

8-minute read

Comparative market analysis (CMA): A guide

A comparative market analysis (CMA) is a tool real estate agents use to estimate the value of a property. Learn what goes into a comparative market analysis....

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A contemporary home, potentially depicting modern architectural design where a new family just moved in.

5-minute read

What is a contemporary home? A guide to design

Contemporary houses incorporate design elements that are popular at the time when they’re built. Use our guide to learn more about this architectural styl...

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