Featured resources

A woman looking out of a window, potentially indicating contemplation or assessing a property's view.

6-minute read

Is home insurance tax deductible?

Homeowners can’t deduct homeowners insurance from income taxes, unless it’s a rental property. Learn more about which homeownership expenses are tax...

Read more

Equal Opportunity Neighborhood - Stately Homes

10-minute read

Equal opportunity housing: What you need to know

Equal opportunity housing protects buyers from discrimination in housing. Learn more about what equal opportunities mean for you and how they’re enforc...

Read more

A residential neighborhood with multiple houses, showing a suburban or urban living environment.

7-minute read

What are easements and how can they affect my property?

Easements grant non-property owners limited access to a part of your property. Learn the different types of easements and how they can affect your property.<...

Read more

A couple enjoying sunlight in their newly bought home surrounded by cardboard boxes.

7-minute read

USDA vs. FHA Loans: Which is better for you?

USDA and FHA loans can offer more lenient requirements for home buyers with low or moderate income. Learn what else these loans can offer and how they differ...

Read more

A man researching on a computer, likely conducting real estate or financial research online.

8-minute read

What Is PITI? Its meaning and what it stands for

PITI stands for principal, interest, taxes and insurance. Learn how each component of PITI affects your mortgage payment, and how to calculate each factor.

Read more

A luxury mountain home in the Pacific Northwest, highlighting a high-end residence in a scenic location.

5-minute read

What is an encumbrance in real estate?

An encumbrance is a claim against a property by someone who isn’t the property owner. Discover how encumbrances can affect how you can use your property.

Read more

Architects in discussion, reviewing plans and blueprints in an office setting.

3-minute read

What is the Design Approval Primary Inspection Agency (DAPIA)?

The Design Approval Primary Inspection Agency, or DAPIA, inspects and approves manufactured home designs. Learn this process before buying a manufactured hom...

Read more

Aerial shot of a neighborhood, showcasing houses, streets, and community living.

7-minute read

Deed in lieu of foreclosure: What is it and is it right for you?

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...

Read more

A young couple sits on the floor next to cardboard boxes, possibly discussing or planning their move into a new home.

3-minute read

Dual income households: How kids change the financial picture

Explore the differences in earnings, retirement savings and homeownership between dual-income households with kids (DIWKs) and without kids (DINKs).

Read more

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.

Read more

A big blue-grey house, potentially representing a residential property.

7-minute read

Double closing: A real estate investment strategy you need to know

The double close strategy lets a real estate investor have two private deals – one with the seller and one with the end buyer. Learn more about double ...

Read more

A woman in middle of call or meeting talking with either colleague or customer.

7-minute read

Cybersecurity best practices to keep you safe online

How can you stay safe from cyber threats? Start with these 7 tips.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Black couple in a kitchen drinking coffee and laughing, depicting a couple enjoying a moment together in a kitchen setting.

2-minute read

Wealth Wednesdays

The Wealth Wednesdays series explores the political and societal forces that have historically kept those in the black community from seeing their light and ...

Read more

A document showing goods sold, income and other things in different years.

8-minute read

Proof of funds: What is a POF letter in real estate?

Proof of funds (POF) is a document that shows how much money a person or entity has available. Learn more about POF letters when getting a mortgage.

Read more

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...

Read more

A couple paying their mortgage online using a laptop.

5-minute read

When is your first mortgage payment due?

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...

Read more

60 of 77

Take the first step toward the right mortgage

Apply online for expert recommendations with real interest rates and payments