Mortgage Learning Center

Mortgage insurance is something millions of homeowners pay for each year. However, this type of insurance does not protect the homeowner.

When you first set out to buy a home, it can feel like you’re taking an exam you forgot to study for. You have to make quick decisions that can have ramifications on...

Buying a home can be a challenge for a lot of people. Between the credit score requirements, debt to income ratios, and down payment, it comes at no surprise that buying...

Modular homes, also known as prefabricated homes, have come a long way in recent years. As technology continues to advance, the designs, materials, and ‘craftsmanship’...

If you’re preparing to buy a home, you have likely already read up on what kind of documentation is needed to qualify for a home loan. In the process of doing so, you’ve...

When looking to buy or refinance a house, the pre-qualified vs pre-approved mortgage debate can be confusing. Pre-qualification is usually performed by an independent...

Some homebuyers refuse to purchase a property if it is part of a property owner association. On the other hand, many other homebuyers intentionally seek out properties...

REO, or real estate owned, properties can be a great investment. The value of REO foreclosures makes these properties attractive opportunities. However, there are some...

Rental properties are one of the best and prevalent investments in the real estate world. From providing stellar tax incentives and passive income to producing top-notch...

Buying a foreclosed home can be a great opportunity when it’s done correctly. You could end up with a great home that you purchased at a bargain, meaning you have equity...

When it comes to property ownership, there are several ways that people can hold titles. Tenancy in common (TIC) is one of these types of ownership.

Research indicates that 58% of homeowners in HOA communities and single-family homes pay an average monthly fee of $250. Despite this substantial number, homeowners lack...

Many people choose to purchase an existing home to live in, but maybe your dream is slightly different. Perhaps your perfect living situation is a house you build on...

Loan originators are the people who help you find a loan that suits your financial needs. They work for banks, mortgage companies, and other lenders. Their job is to...

What is a 5/1 ARM loan? When it comes to different financing types, you can score for buying or refinancing homes. Mortgage lenders can choose between a plethora of...

It’s very likely that your mortgage loan will be the largest loan you have during your lifetime. Mortgages are not a one size fits all approach, there are many different...

Seller concessions, sometimes referred to as seller contributions, are made during the purchase of a home. They are agreements between a buyer and seller about who will...

For many people, owning a home is part of the American dream. To make this dream a reality, most people will need to take out a mortgage loan to help them finance the...

Whenever you’re looking to buy a house, you’ll quickly realize there are a lot of fees associated with obtaining a mortgage. These fees can quickly add up, so it’s...

Have you decided this is the year to buy a new home? Good for you! When you begin your research for the right mortgage loan for you, you’re going to be focused on...

A bridge loan is a short-term loan a borrower may use while a more long-term financing contract is finalized. Bridge loans are common in real estate when someone needs...

Just imagine how life-changing it would be if there were a friendly, knowledgeable professional on your side for all of the big decisions in life. When it comes to...

Conventional loans are mortgage loans offered by private lenders, banks, and institutions that are not backed by the government. Unlike FHA, USDA, or VA loans, which are...

There’s a lot of expenses to keep in mind when you’re thinking about buying a home. Between the price of the home, property taxes, your mortgage payments, insurance, and...

Most of us are aware of the difference between single-family homes and large apartment buildings, but what about the types of properties in between? Duplexes, along with...

A home equity loan is a loan option that enables homeowners to borrow money based on how much equity they have built up in their home. If you are preparing to make...

For homeowners and prospective homebuyers alike, few documents carry as much legal weight as the house deed. But if you’re unfamiliar with the world of real estate,...

In the mortgage community, the term “jumbo loan” is used to describe a mortgage that exceeds the limit established by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). These loans...

A loan estimate gives you the opportunity to know the details of the mortgage before you accept and compare offers from different lenders to determine which works best...

There are many moving parts and various people you’ll deal with throughout the process of purchasing a home. Depending on how you decide to find your lender, one of the...

If you’re looking to buy a house, and do not have a mountain of cash saved up, you’ll need to consider getting a mortgage to help you finance this large expense. But...

Of all the moving pieces of the puzzle that makes up the home-buying process, the mortgagee clause is one that’s often easy to forget, especially for homeowners. Read on...

If you’ve been thinking of selling your house or buying a new property recently, odds are you’ve probably heard the term pocket listing. But what is a pocket listing?...

Considering the complexities of today’s real estate market, many potential buyers are asking themselves, “Should I buy a house now?” In many places, the current market...

With low-interest rates and minimal upfront payments, the USDA loan is an excellent option for low- and moderate-income buyers interested in rural land. Here we’ll break...

What is an ARM, and how does it work? Here, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of adjustable-rate mortgage options and see if an ARM is the right type of mortgage for you.

Your Debt-To-Income ratio, or “DTI” for short, is essentially all of your monthly debt payments divided by your monthly gross income. DTI is typically shown as a...

If you find a property that you’re highly interested in buying but are concerned that the seller might choose another offer over your own, you may consider making a...

If you’re buying a home, it’s nearly impossible to avoid hearing someone talk about escrow. This may be a foreign word as it’s not necessarily part of someone's normal...

Fannie Mae is a government sponsored enterprise (GSE) that makes homeownership possible for millions of Americans. If you’re interested in buying a home, you’ll likely...

Freddie Mac is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE), which the congress created in 1970. The original purpose behind Freddie Mac, which still serves as the guiding...

When you’re in the process of buying a home, you’ll often work with a single real estate agent who will help you to find the perfect place for you and your family to...

You finally found your dream home. You’re already envisioning what color to paint the kitchen and turning that room on the main floor into your private oasis. But before...

Private Mortgage Insurance, or “PMI” for short, is the type of insurance that you may be required to pay with a mortgage loan.

Insurance offers financial protection, helping you in times of need. One excellent and necessary type of insurance is property and casualty insurance. Otherwise known as...

Buying a home? You’ll likely need to get it appraised before you receive the clear to close. If you’re wondering what is the home appraisal process, or why you should...

The vast majority of mortgage loans require you to put down a certain percentage of the selling price upfront. However, not everyone can afford to put down that much...

If you’re an active service member, a veteran, or the spouse of a veteran, and you want to purchase a home or refinance your current home loan you should consider a VA...

In today's day and age, there are a lot of reasons why homeowners are looking for new mortgage lenders. With mortgage rates dropping to historically low levels, now is a...

Purchasing a condominium is a home purchase; however, condo financing differs from conventional single-family home mortgages. Buying a condominium comes with its own set...

There’s no doubt, COVID-19 changed the world in countless ways and took us all by surprise. From an economic standpoint, countless industries were shaken and disrupted....

Whenever you are borrowing money, whether it’s for a mortgage, credit card, or car loan, you’ll hear the terms interest rate and APR discussed quite a bit. Both of these...

When purchasing your dream home, the first question you should ask yourself is, “How much can I afford?” From there, it’s also wise to consider the amount of money you...

If you have gone through the preapproval process but need to take a deeper dive into how much house to buy, follow our guide to find out what makes the most financial...

Buying a house is one of the most important investments you will ever make. Your home will be your safe place and your sanctuary from the outside world.

Owning a home is an investment. Like any investment, a house has an opportunity to appreciate or depreciate its value over time. Any homeowner would want to see their...

Buying a home can be more difficult if you have a low yearly income or have trouble saving up the money necessary for a down payment. Luckily, there are multiple loan...

Whenever you apply for a new mortgage, you’ll be required to provide the lender with what seems like an endless amount of documentation. All of this documentation helps...

One of the most important parts of preparing to buy a home is having a solid credit score. Building up your credit over time shows that you’re capable of paying off a...

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve purchased a home before, you’ve likely heard of a homeowner’s association. In fact, an in-depth study has shown that 58% of...

While it’s exciting to put in an offer on a home and have it accepted, it’s by no means the end of the homebuying process. One of the most important next steps is the...

If you’re new to buying a home, you probably have quickly realized the overwhelming amount of options there are for your mortgage. To help you get your bearings as a...

If you’ve already gone through the lengthy process of writing offers, securing financing, and arranging inspections for your potential property, you’re probably ready to...

One of the most important steps to buying a home is deciding on a mortgage loan and deciding on a loan involves settling on a good mortgage lender. Because a mortgage...

FHA and conventional loans are the two most popular loan options available to nearly every buyer. While it’s commonly expected that the FHA loan is for first time...

One of the biggest challenges of purchasing a home is saving up enough money for the down payment. Despite popular belief, there are many down payment assistance options...

First time home buyers are often surprised when they learn about all of the expenses that are associated with purchasing and owning a home. Afterall, the purchase price...

In addition to other costs associated with homeownership, property taxes have to be paid to state and/or local governments every year. Property taxes vary depending on...

Purchasing real estate is not as simple as finding the right home, submitting an offer, and signing the closing paperwork; many more steps are involved. The home buying...

Modular homes, also known as prefabricated homes, have come a long way in recent years. As technology continues to advance, the designs, materials, and ‘craftsmanship’...

Interested in buying a new construction home? Good for you! The ability to influence the final outcome of the home is a goal many people hope to achieve. If you plan on...

If you’re preparing to buy a home, you have likely already read up on what kind of documentation is needed to qualify for a home loan. In the process of doing so, you’ve...

When looking to buy or refinance a house, the pre-qualified vs pre-approved mortgage debate can be confusing. Pre-qualification is usually performed by an independent...

If you are falling behind on your monthly mortgage payments or are concerned that you may not be able to make them in the near future, consider a mortgage payoff plan....

When it comes to property ownership, there are several ways that people can hold titles. Tenancy in common (TIC) is one of these types of ownership.

People buy their homes for a number of reasons. Affordability, stability, and comfort are some of the most important factors. However, appreciation must also be...

Many people choose to purchase an existing home to live in, but maybe your dream is slightly different. Perhaps your perfect living situation is a house you build on...

Loan originators are the people who help you find a loan that suits your financial needs. They work for banks, mortgage companies, and other lenders. Their job is to...

A home doesn’t just fall into foreclosure status. There are stages and processes that take place behind the scenes before a home is sold via foreclosure. One of those...

It’s very likely that your mortgage loan will be the largest loan you have during your lifetime. Mortgages are not a one size fits all approach, there are many different...

Seller concessions, sometimes referred to as seller contributions, are made during the purchase of a home. They are agreements between a buyer and seller about who will...

Realizing you might not be able to pay your upcoming mortgage payments can be stressful. Whether your source of income has changed or your life circumstances have made...

For many people, owning a home is part of the American dream. To make this dream a reality, most people will need to take out a mortgage loan to help them finance the...

Whenever you’re looking to buy a house, you’ll quickly realize there are a lot of fees associated with obtaining a mortgage. These fees can quickly add up, so it’s...

Have you decided this is the year to buy a new home? Good for you! When you begin your research for the right mortgage loan for you, you’re going to be focused on...

Just imagine how life-changing it would be if there were a friendly, knowledgeable professional on your side for all of the big decisions in life. When it comes to...

Conventional loans are mortgage loans offered by private lenders, banks, and institutions that are not backed by the government. Unlike FHA, USDA, or VA loans, which are...

There’s a lot of expenses to keep in mind when you’re thinking about buying a home. Between the price of the home, property taxes, your mortgage payments, insurance, and...

A home equity loan is a loan option that enables homeowners to borrow money based on how much equity they have built up in their home. If you are preparing to make...

For homeowners and prospective homebuyers alike, few documents carry as much legal weight as the house deed. But if you’re unfamiliar with the world of real estate,...

In the mortgage community, the term “jumbo loan” is used to describe a mortgage that exceeds the limit established by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). These loans...

A loan estimate gives you the opportunity to know the details of the mortgage before you accept and compare offers from different lenders to determine which works best...

If you’re looking to buy a house, and do not have a mountain of cash saved up, you’ll need to consider getting a mortgage to help you finance this large expense. But...

Of all the moving pieces of the puzzle that makes up the home-buying process, the mortgagee clause is one that’s often easy to forget, especially for homeowners. Read on...

If you’ve been thinking of selling your house or buying a new property recently, odds are you’ve probably heard the term pocket listing. But what is a pocket listing?...

Considering the complexities of today’s real estate market, many potential buyers are asking themselves, “Should I buy a house now?” In many places, the current market...

In times of economic hardship, like the present economic events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners struggle to meet their mortgage payments. Employers end...

Freddie Mac is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE), which the congress created in 1970. The original purpose behind Freddie Mac, which still serves as the guiding...

When you’re in the process of buying a home, you’ll often work with a single real estate agent who will help you to find the perfect place for you and your family to...

You finally found your dream home. You’re already envisioning what color to paint the kitchen and turning that room on the main floor into your private oasis. But before...

The vast majority of mortgage loans require you to put down a certain percentage of the selling price upfront. However, not everyone can afford to put down that much...

If you’re an active service member, a veteran, or the spouse of a veteran, and you want to purchase a home or refinance your current home loan you should consider a VA...

Purchasing a condominium is a home purchase; however, condo financing differs from conventional single-family home mortgages. Buying a condominium comes with its own set...

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve purchased a home before, you’ve likely heard of a homeowner’s association. In fact, an in-depth study has shown that 58% of...

Shopping for a mortgage is one of the most challenging and arduous parts of purchasing your home. During this process, most home buyers seek expert mortgage brokers to...

No one ever buys a home expecting to go delinquent on their mortgage payment. However, various economic and financial crises may come up in one’s life, which may cause...

Mortgage insurance is something millions of homeowners pay for each year. However, this type of insurance does not protect the homeowner.

When you first set out to buy a home, it can feel like you’re taking an exam you forgot to study for. You have to make quick decisions that can have ramifications on...

Some homebuyers refuse to purchase a property if it is part of a property owner association. On the other hand, many other homebuyers intentionally seek out properties...

A mortgage is often the largest monthly expense that people pay. The thought of reducing the amount of money you owe each month comes to mind for just about every...

If you are falling behind on your monthly mortgage payments or are concerned that you may not be able to make them in the near future, consider a mortgage payoff plan....

There are a few main reasons why people consider refinancing their mortgages. You need to consider what your main goal is with refinancing. If there is a lower interest...

When it comes to property ownership, there are several ways that people can hold titles. Tenancy in common (TIC) is one of these types of ownership.

Research indicates that 58% of homeowners in HOA communities and single-family homes pay an average monthly fee of $250. Despite this substantial number, homeowners lack...

People buy their homes for a number of reasons. Affordability, stability, and comfort are some of the most important factors. However, appreciation must also be...

A home appraiser plays a big part in the majority of homeowners looking to refinance their homes.

A home doesn’t just fall into foreclosure status. There are stages and processes that take place behind the scenes before a home is sold via foreclosure. One of those...

Realizing you might not be able to pay your upcoming mortgage payments can be stressful. Whether your source of income has changed or your life circumstances have made...

Refinancing your home can save you thousands of dollars per year! When you extrapolate that savings over the lifetime of your loan, it’s no secret why refinancing seems...

Most of us are aware of the difference between single-family homes and large apartment buildings, but what about the types of properties in between? Duplexes, along with...

For homeowners and prospective homebuyers alike, few documents carry as much legal weight as the house deed. But if you’re unfamiliar with the world of real estate,...

If you’re looking to buy a house, and do not have a mountain of cash saved up, you’ll need to consider getting a mortgage to help you finance this large expense. But...

Multigenerational living is on the upswing as an increasingly high number of households are embracing cohabitation. The reason could be to fulfill a specific need or...

In times of economic hardship, like the present economic events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners struggle to meet their mortgage payments. Employers end...

Private Mortgage Insurance, or “PMI” for short, is the type of insurance that you may be required to pay with a mortgage loan.

Insurance offers financial protection, helping you in times of need. One excellent and necessary type of insurance is property and casualty insurance. Otherwise known as...

Buying a home? You’ll likely need to get it appraised before you receive the clear to close. If you’re wondering what is the home appraisal process, or why you should...

Ever asked yourself the question, “How old is my house?” It’s not uncommon for property owners to want to know the age of their property and the history behind their...

Innovative and cost-effective home improvements ideas are all over the internet, especially when it comes to DIY projects that will add value to your home without...

If you’re looking to buy a house that is part of an HOA, then you’ll want to be educated about HOA rules and regulations. Many homebuyers deliberately seek out homes...

Whenever you’re looking to buy a home, you need to understand the all in cost of that home. Doing this will help you budget and plan accordingly.

Buying a home or condo is a costly process. On top of the down payment, mortgage, and closing costs, some properties come with yet another added set of fees and...

When you buy a house and start making mortgage payments, your payment consists of four different components, known by the acronym PITI, which refers to Principal,...

There are a lot of expenses associated with purchasing a home. A homebuyer will need to set aside enough money for the down payment and various closing costs. But as a...

Mortgage insurance is something millions of homeowners pay for each year. However, this type of insurance does not protect the homeowner.

There are a few main reasons why people consider refinancing their mortgages. You need to consider what your main goal is with refinancing. If there is a lower interest...

A home appraiser plays a big part in the majority of homeowners looking to refinance their homes.

What is a 5/1 ARM loan? When it comes to different financing types, you can score for buying or refinancing homes. Mortgage lenders can choose between a plethora of...

It’s very likely that your mortgage loan will be the largest loan you have during your lifetime. Mortgages are not a one size fits all approach, there are many different...

Refinancing your home can save you thousands of dollars per year! When you extrapolate that savings over the lifetime of your loan, it’s no secret why refinancing seems...

A loan estimate gives you the opportunity to know the details of the mortgage before you accept and compare offers from different lenders to determine which works best...

If you’re looking to buy a house, and do not have a mountain of cash saved up, you’ll need to consider getting a mortgage to help you finance this large expense. But...

What is an ARM, and how does it work? Here, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of adjustable-rate mortgage options and see if an ARM is the right type of mortgage for you.

What is a Cash-In Refinance?

If you’re making high monthly payments on a mortgage but can’t qualify for a refinance, you might have heard of the opportunity for a...

Whenever you are borrowing money, whether it’s for a mortgage, credit card, or car loan, you’ll hear the terms interest rate and APR discussed quite a bit. Both of these...

The All-Encompassing Mortgage Refinance Checklist

Refinancing opens up great opportunities for homeowners to cash out on equity, reduce monthly mortgage payments, or...

The interest rate on a mortgage is simply the fee a lender charges the borrower for borrowing their money. Over the lifetime of the loan, the interest expense certainly...

A cash-out refinance is the process of taking the equity you have built in your home in the form of a cash deposit into a designated account or physical check. Many...

Consider this scenario. You bought a house several years ago, and at the time, you thought you got a pretty great deal. However, since you closed on your new residence, ...

A mortgage is often the largest monthly expense that people pay. The thought of reducing the amount of money you owe each month comes to mind for just about every...

Have you heard of real estate agents before? Do you know what realtor fees are?

When it comes to property ownership, there are several ways that people can hold titles. Tenancy in common (TIC) is one of these types of ownership.

People buy their homes for a number of reasons. Affordability, stability, and comfort are some of the most important factors. However, appreciation must also be...

Seller concessions, sometimes referred to as seller contributions, are made during the purchase of a home. They are agreements between a buyer and seller about who will...

Realizing you might not be able to pay your upcoming mortgage payments can be stressful. Whether your source of income has changed or your life circumstances have made...

A bridge loan is a short-term loan a borrower may use while a more long-term financing contract is finalized. Bridge loans are common in real estate when someone needs...

For homeowners and prospective homebuyers alike, few documents carry as much legal weight as the house deed. But if you’re unfamiliar with the world of real estate,...

If you find a property that you’re highly interested in buying but are concerned that the seller might choose another offer over your own, you may consider making a...

If you’re buying a home, it’s nearly impossible to avoid hearing someone talk about escrow. This may be a foreign word as it’s not necessarily part of someone's normal...

Buying a home? You’ll likely need to get it appraised before you receive the clear to close. If you’re wondering what is the home appraisal process, or why you should...

Selling your home for your desired price isn’t as simple as sticking a ‘For Sale’ sign in your front yard and signing a few papers. If you want to get top dollar for...

The current real estate market is on fire! If you’re a homeowner, you might be wondering, “How much does it cost to sell a house?” After all, houses in your market may...

While most of us dream of selling our home quickly and effortlessly, it usually doesn’t work out that way. Here’s a guide on how to sell your house that covers how to...

If you are falling behind on your monthly mortgage payments or are concerned that you may not be able to make them in the near future, consider a mortgage payoff plan....

Research indicates that 58% of homeowners in HOA communities and single-family homes pay an average monthly fee of $250. Despite this substantial number, homeowners lack...

What is a 5/1 ARM loan? When it comes to different financing types, you can score for buying or refinancing homes. Mortgage lenders can choose between a plethora of...

A bridge loan is a short-term loan a borrower may use while a more long-term financing contract is finalized. Bridge loans are common in real estate when someone needs...

Just imagine how life-changing it would be if there were a friendly, knowledgeable professional on your side for all of the big decisions in life. When it comes to...

When you buy a house and start making mortgage payments, your payment consists of four different components, known by the acronym PITI, which refers to Principal,...

While it’s exciting to put in an offer on a home and have it accepted, it’s by no means the end of the homebuying process. One of the most important next steps is the...

Whenever you are borrowing money, whether it’s for a mortgage, credit card, or car loan, you’ll hear the terms interest rate and APR discussed quite a bit. Both of these...

One of the biggest factors your lender takes into consideration is the fund rate set by the Federal Reserve System. Although this rate isn’t applied directly to...

Rental properties are one of the best and prevalent investments in the real estate world. From providing stellar tax incentives and passive income to producing top-notch...

Buying a home can be a challenge for a lot of people. Between the credit score requirements, debt to income ratios, and down payment, it comes at no surprise that buying...