Featured resources

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

4-minute read

Convertible ARM loan: Is it right for you?

A convertible ARM loan allows a borrower to change from adjustable to fixed rates after a set time. Discover how this mortgage type works and its pros and co...

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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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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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A woman in an office working on a loan application on a laptop.

5-minute read

A guide to conditional approvals for home buyers

A conditional approval means your lender expects to approve your mortgage once you meet certain conditions. Discover how conditional approval works.

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The front door of a suburban home with flowers, showcasing curb appeal and home aesthetics.

4-minute read

What is chain of title and why is it important?

Chain of title represents the complete and unbroken ownership of a property. Learn more about chain of title in real estate and why it’s important.

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Possibly two real estate agents talking about something with a view of commercial real estate buildings from the window.

5-minute read

Cap rate: Defined and explained

Cap rate is a handy tool for estimating the rates of return on multiple commercial real estate properties. Learn how to calculate cap rates using our guide.<...

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An under construction wooden house in mountains possibly depicting an area for buying a real estate property such as a second vacation home.

6-minute read

10 best places to build a house during the 2021 building boom

Are you interested in building a house on a budget? Learn about the 10 cheapest places to build a house in 2023 and other factors to consider when building.

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A beautiful brick home, showcasing real estate or homeownership.

7-minute read

Clear to close: What to expect and what happens next

Being clear to close on a mortgage means you're almost done with the mortgage process. Learn how to become clear to close and what happens after.

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A home exterior with red shutters on a sunny summer day, portraying a residential property's facade.

4-minute read

Defeasance clause: Definition and overview

Defeasance clauses assure buyers that they’ll get the title once they meet all payment conditions. Learn more about the impact of defeasance on your mo...

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Large mobile home, an image representing a spacious or sizable mobile home.

4-minute read

Can you get an FHA loan on a mobile home?

Can you get an FHA loan on a mobile home? Yes! Let’s discuss the pros and cons and everything you need to know about using an FHA loan on a mobile home...

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An older couple using a computer, possibly managing financial or home-related matters.

8-minute read

Can you refinance before selling your home, and should you?

Is refinancing before selling your home an option? Learn how to take cash out or lower your mortgage payment before you put your home on the market.

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