Buying Your First Home
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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?
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
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?
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?
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?
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 is the best place to get a home loan?
Choosing the right lender can make all the difference in your home-buying experience. With numerous options available, understanding what… Read more
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What’s considered a good interest rate for a mortgage?
When it comes to figuring out what a “good” interest rate is, it really depends on the market at… Read more
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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?
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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Can you switch lenders while buying a house? Absolutely—and it might save you big
Buying a home is already complicated, so you might think, “Once I’ve chosen a lender, the hard part is… Read more
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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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How to calculate your monthly mortgage payment like a pro
So, you’re ready to dive into the world of homeownership—congrats! Before you start picturing that dream kitchen, though, it’s… Read more
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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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How to get a fair deal on a mortgage—what lenders try to hide in a Loan Estimate
Right now, about 9 in 10 home buyers in America pay too much for their mortgage. Without knowing it,… Read more
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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
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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How is the interest rate on a home loan calculated?
Navigating the world of home loans can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded (yikes,) especially when… Read more
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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)
A co-borrower is basically your mortgage sidekick—someone who applies for a loan with you and shares the responsibility of… Read more