Mortgage Dictionary
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![What are mortgage interest rate points?]( "What are mortgage interest rate points?")
What are mortgage interest rate points?
The term points gets frequently thrown around, but what do points actually mean and should you get them? So what… Read more
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![Buying a house that’s for sale by owner (FSBO): gold mine or headache?]()
Buying a house that’s for sale by owner (FSBO): gold mine or headache?
Buying a house that’s For Sale By Owner (FSBO) can either be a gold mine or a headache, depending… Read more
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![Demystifying mortgage: who are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?]()
Demystifying mortgage: who are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?
Maybe you’ve heard the names Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac tossed around in conversations about homebuying and wondered what… Read more
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![How to finance a mobile or manufactured home?]()
How to finance a mobile or manufactured home?
Alright, so you’re considering a mobile or manufactured home—good on you for looking into an affordable path to homeownership.… Read more
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![FICO vs. credit score: One and the same?]()
FICO vs. credit score: One and the same?
When it comes to buying a home, your credit score is a crucial factor that influences your mortgage options… Read more
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![Tenants in common explained: ownership, co-borrowing, and how it works for rental properties]()
Tenants in common explained: ownership, co-borrowing, and how it works for rental properties
If you’re looking to co-own property but want flexibility in ownership and inheritance, tenants in common might be the… Read more
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![What is mortgage protection?]()
What is mortgage protection?
Mortgage protection is essentially a safety net for homeowners. It’s one type of insurance that steps in if life… Read more
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![Mortgage modification vs. refinancing: what’s the difference?]()
Mortgage modification vs. refinancing: what’s the difference?
If you’re thinking about changing up your mortgage—great, you’re in the right place! But before you dive in, let’s… Read more
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![What is a hard money loan?]()
What is a hard money loan?
A hard money loan is a type of short-term financing secured by real estate. Typically issued by private investors… Read more
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![What are real estate taxes, and why do I have to pay them?]()
What are real estate taxes, and why do I have to pay them?
Real estate taxes (also called property taxes) are what help keep local services—like schools, roads, and public safety—up and… Read more
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![What is a “lock” in the mortgage world?]()
What is a “lock” in the mortgage world?
Locking in a mortgage rate is a strategic move that can secure a set interest rate for a specific… Read more
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![Understanding guaranteed loans: benefits, types, and requirements]()
Understanding guaranteed loans: benefits, types, and requirements
So, what exactly is a guaranteed loan? At its core, a guaranteed loan is a mortgage backed by a… Read more
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![What to expect when you hear the term loan servicing]()
What to expect when you hear the term loan servicing
So, you’re diving into the world of homebuying, and you keep hearing the term “loan servicing.” What’s the deal… Read more
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![Who is a grantor in the mortgage process?]()
Who is a grantor in the mortgage process?
When diving into the home buying process, one term you’ll likely encounter is “grantor.” So, what exactly is a… Read more
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![Seller concessions: a quick guide for homebuyers]()
Seller concessions: a quick guide for homebuyers
If you’re exploring the homebuying process, you’ve probably heard the term “seller concessions.” But what does it mean, and… Read more
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![What do contingent and contingencies mean when it comes to buying a house?]()
What do contingent and contingencies mean when it comes to buying a house?
“Contingent” and “contingency” have related but distinct meanings in real estate: In short, “contingent” describes the state of a… Read more
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![Co-borrowing 101: when sharing a loan makes sense (and when it doesn’t)]()
Co-borrowing 101: when sharing a loan makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
A co-borrower is basically your mortgage sidekick—someone who applies for a loan with you and shares the responsibility of… Read more
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![What does rent-to-own mean? A blueprint of key things to know]()
What does rent-to-own mean? A blueprint of key things to know
Let’s be real, rent-to-own is kind of a unicorn in the U.S. housing market. Roughly around 5% of home… Read more
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![Real estate liens explained: what they are and how they affect you]()
Real estate liens explained: what they are and how they affect you
If you’re buying a home, you might be wondering if there will always be a lien on your property.… Read more
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![What’s a townhouse, anyway?]()
What’s a townhouse, anyway?
First off, let’s get one thing straight: a townhouse is not just some glorified apartment. It’s a multi-story home… Read more
