Featured resources

6-minute read

Breaking a lease to buy a house: Can (and should) you do it?

Breaking a lease to buy a house can be tricky. Learn how to get out of a lease, how much it might cost you, the pros and cons, and weigh the alternatives.

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10-minute read

How to find a cottage to buy: A step-by-step guide

How do you find the ideal cottage to buy? These small and cozy homes are ideal for minimalists. Here’s what you should know to buy a cottage or a cabin...

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6-minute read

Private mortgage: What you should know before you borrow

Considering applying for a private mortgage to finance your next home purchase? Weigh the pros and cons before borrowing outside of a traditional loan.

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8-minute read

Buying a house with well water and how it works

Considering buying a house on well water? Before you do, read the pros and cons about houses with well water, and our tips for maintaining your water’s...

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9-minute read

Mortgage default: Everything you need to know

Mortgage default can occur if you stop making payments, and it can lead to foreclosure. See how to avoid delinquency and what to do with a mortgage in default.

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5-minute read

How to increase your mortgage preapproval amount

Buying your dream home may be more realistic than you think. Explore our guide to learn what might help increase your mortgage preapproval amount.

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7-minute read

How real estate partnerships work: The pros and cons

Real estate partnerships allow investors to pool their money to purchase, develop, or lease real estate. Explore the pros and cons of this kind of venture.

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2-minute read

A guide to the housing expense ratio

Wondering how mortgage lenders calculate the housing expense ratio? Learn how to find your results by comparing your housing expenses to your pretax income.

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6-minute read

How to take out equity from your home and save money monthly

Home equity loans, HELOCs, and cash-out refinances let you use your home equity. Learn how to draw on your home equity and understand your equity loan options.

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4-minute read

What is a mortgage banker? Services, responsibilities and more

A mortgage banker is an individual or entity that originates, services, and sells mortgages. Read on to learn more about their responsibilities to borrowers.

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7-minute read

No-appraisal refinance: Should you do it?

You can refinance your mortgage without getting an appraisal, but it may not be your best option. Learn more about how you can get a no-appraisal refinance.

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5-minute read

What is a silent second mortgage?

Using a “silent” second mortgage to cover your down payment is illegal. Learn what assistance programs you can use instead with our complete fina...

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9-minute read

Selling a house as is: What to know

Learn what it means to sell your house as is, the pros and cons, and how to attract serious buyers without making costly repairs.

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4-minute read

How to recognize a reverse mortgage scam

Reverse mortgages are complicated and difficult to understand, which is why you need to be alert to potential scams. Learn how to avoid reverse mortgage fraud.

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13-minute read

How to finance an Airbnb rental: A guide for investors

You can get an Airbnb loan to buy houses to use as short-term rentals. Learn how you can use income from Airbnb rentals to get a mortgage.

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6-minute read

What is adverse possession in real estate?

Adverse possession can give trespassers the legal right to claim ownership of your property. Learn more about adverse possession and how to prevent it.

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4-minute read

Understanding owner-occupied properties: What investors should know

Owner-occupied investments are properties in which the landlord both owns and lives in a home. Understand the pros and cons of owner occupancy before you buy...

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4-minute read

What you should know about tri-merge credit reports

Tri-merge credit reports help mortgage lenders determine the size and type of your loan. Learn more about the role this report plays in your application.

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