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Mortgages

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Are Property Taxes Included in Mortgage?

by Aja McClanahan
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Updated on March 7, 2023
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3 Min Read
Property taxes may be included in your mortgage payment or you may choose to pay them separately. Learn more about your property taxes and your mortgage.
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First-Time Home Buyer Programs

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on November 20, 2022
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6 Min Read
Many mortgage programs are geared to buyers who need assistance. Find out how first-time home buyer programs work and who can qualify.
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How To Shop For a Mortgage

by Lee Huffman
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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10 Min Read
Learn how to shop for a mortgage: Understand your options, the documents required, and how to position your credit and finances for the best rates and terms.
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How Much Does it Cost to Sell a House?

by Catherine Hiles
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Updated on January 13, 2022
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6 Min Read
Selling your house can be an expensive process. Learn more about what kinds of costs you can expect when you list your home for sale.
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What Is a Short Sale In Real Estate?

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on November 13, 2022
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8 Min Read
Short sales let people sell their home for less than they owe, and buyers can score a deal as a result. Find out how short sales work and what to watch out for.
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Mortgage Closing Costs: How Much Will You Pay?

by Jennifer G Gregory
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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7 Min Read
Buying a home? Then you’ll probably be paying some closing costs. Here’s what they are and what you can negotiate to stay on budget.
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When To Refinance Your Mortgage

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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5 Min Read
Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart move, although not always. Find out when you should (and shouldn't) trade in your mortgage for a new one.
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What Is A Mortgage Rate Lock?

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on October 19, 2022
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4 Min Read
A mortgage rate lock can help you save money on your home loan. Learn how locking your rate works and the steps that can make it happen.
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How to Qualify for a Mortgage

by Kevin Mercadante
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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9 Min Read
By knowing how to qualify for a mortgage upfront, and being prepared, you’ll increase the likelihood of approval and of getting a better loan rate.
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How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

by Lee Huffman
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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6 Min Read
To receive pre-approval for your mortgage, you'll need to provide numerous items for the loan officer to review and analyze. These documents include
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How to Buy a House: A Step By Step Guide

by Catherine Hiles
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Updated on October 19, 2022
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13 Min Read
Buying a home is an exciting and momentous occasion that can also be extremely stressful. These tips will help prepare you for what’s to come so you can enjoy the process.
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How Much Down Payment Do You Need to Buy a House?

by Jen Smith
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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5 Min Read
With rapidly rising home costs it can be hard to know how much down payment you need to buy a house. Here’s everything you need to know to make the best choice.
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Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARM): What’s the Difference?

by Jessica Martel
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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4 Min Read
What’s the difference between a fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and how do you choose which one is right for you? Keep reading to find out.
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7 Types of Mortgage Loans for Buyers and Refinancers

by Roger Wohlner
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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7 Min Read
Buying a home is the largest financial purchase most of us will ever make. How you finance this purchase is a critical decision. Here are seven types of mortgage loans to consider.
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What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a House?

by Jason Steele
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Updated on April 4, 2022
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7 Min Read
Having sufficient credit is essential to being approved for a mortgage, and it’s important to know what credit score you need to be approved.
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What Is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)?

by Sarah Li Cain
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Updated on March 29, 2022
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4 Min Read
Understanding the different types of mortgages should be one of the first steps in your home buying journey. Learn about what an adjustable rate mortgage, or ARM, is and whether it’s the right choice for your borrowing needs.
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What Is a Lien?

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on October 6, 2022
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5 Min Read
A lien is a legal claim against property you own. Find out how liens work, the types of liens, and how to remove them.
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Can You Sell a House With a Mortgage

by Catherine Hiles
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Updated on October 2, 2022
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5 Min Read
Selling a home with a mortgage is possible and isn’t as scary as you might think, as long as your sale price is more than the amount you owe.
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Second Mortgage: Everything You Need to Know

by Jason Steele
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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8 Min Read
A second mortgage is a loan that’s secured by a lien on your property. Second mortgages can be used for home equity loan or home equity line of credit.
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How to Refinance Your Mortgage

by Jason Steele
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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7 Min Read
A home mortgage refinance gives you the opportunity to replace your existing loan with a new one that offers lower rates and more favorable terms.
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Mortgage Points: What You Need To Know

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on June 9, 2022
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4 Min Read
Mortgage points let you pay a flat fee to secure a lower rate on your home loan. Find out how points work and when it makes sense to buy them.
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What Percentage of Income Should Go to a Mortgage?

by Kevin Mercadante
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Updated on June 2, 2022
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6 Min Read
Do you wonder what percentage of income should go to a mortgage? There are definite answers to that question, but plenty of flexibility as well. Find out about both here.
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Mortgage Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval: What's the Difference?

by Elizabeth Rivelli
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Updated on March 24, 2022
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4 Min Read
If you're house hunting, it's a good idea to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage. Learn what these terms mean, and which option is best for you.
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Mortgage Brokers: Everything You Need To Know

by Jason Steele
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Updated on February 6, 2022
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6 Min Read
A mortgage broker is an intermediary between a home buyer and potential lenders. Mortgage brokers can help borrowers find lenders with loans, rates, and terms to fit their needs.
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What Is an Insurance Underwriter, and How Does It Work?

by Sarah Li Cain
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Updated on May 22, 2022
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4 Min Read
Whether you’re applying for insurance or a loan, you may have come across the term “underwriting.” Read to learn what it is, and how it can determine whether your application will be approved.
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Mortgage Insurance Guide

by Holly Johnson
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Updated on January 13, 2022
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7 Min Read
If you take out a USDA or FHA home loan or you put down less than 20% on a conventional mortgage, you'll need to pay for mortgage insurance.
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Mortgage vs. Home Equity Loan

by Elizabeth Rivelli
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Updated on February 3, 2022
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3 Min Read
Looking for a home loan? You might consider a mortgage or a home equity loan. Check out our guide to see which home loan is right for your needs.
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Reverse Mortgage: What It Is & How Does It Work

by Jason Steele
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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5 Min Read
A reverse mortgage is a loan that homeowners can receive, which is repaid when they move from their home or die, and the home is sold.
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Guide to Buying a Second Home

by Lee Huffman
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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5 Min Read
Buying a second home is an attractive opportunity for many homeowners, but you should understand the pros and cons before committing to another property.
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How To Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

by Elizabeth Rivelli
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Updated on March 13, 2022
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4 Min Read
Paying down your mortgage early can be a smart financial decision for some people, but it has pros and cons. Here are five strategies ​we recommend.
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