If you’re staring down the possibility of foreclosure, you might have options. Learn what a deed in lieu of foreclosure is and whether it’s right fo...

Getting a co-signer can help make homeownership possible and can be a great option, but there are some risks to the co-signer. Here’s what you need to kno...

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

Your first mortgage payment is always due to your lender within 60 days of your closing date. Get more details about your first mortgage payment after closin...

A home is under contract when the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer to purchase the property. Read more about what under contract means in real estat...

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.

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.

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.<...

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.

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....

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

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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.