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Credit-Only Preapproval Versus Verified Preapproval

There are different types of preapprovals: one is credit-only and one is verified. With a credit-only preapproval, or COPA, the lenders rely on self-reported information to offer you a quote.

10 Tips For First-Time Homebuyers

First-time home ownership can be an attainable goal with the right research and advance planning. Here are some tips for steps you can take today to put you on the path to homeownership.

1st time Homebuyers FAQs

If this is your first time buying a home, you may want to ask yourself a series of questions to determine if you are ready to purchase.

What to Know About Preapprovals

If you are interested in purchasing a home, securing a preapproval is a critical step to take before you start shopping.

Finding a Starter Home

With rent prices on the rise, homes are becoming harder to come by for many first-time home buyers. However, there are some things to know that may help set you apart from other buyers.

What to Know Before You Buy

Here are a few things to know before you buy a house.

Everything to Know About Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

An adjustable-rate mortgage is a loan in which the rate can fluctuate over time rather than a fixed rate mortgage in which the rate never adjusts. Adjustable-rate mortgages have their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks.

Appraisals Vs Inspection

These are a few questions you probably ask yourself when in the process of purchasing a home or refinancing your mortgage. Both are terms that get used often during the buying process, but most people may not know the biggest differences.

What Is Title Insurance and Why Do I Need It

What is title insurance? You see it as a fee showing up on your loan estimates/closing disclosures, but don’t know why it's there and if it’s necessary. Let’s start with the definition: title insurance protects the homeowners and lenders from any financial loss related to the ownership of the property dependent upon what policies are in place.

I’m Self Employed - What Do I Need to Know?

Beginning the mortgage process can be a bit intimidating at first, especially for those who are self-employed or independent contractors.

House Shopping in an Inflation Market

Preliminary indicators show that inflation has slowed a bit in the previous couple of months, but this isn’t affecting how the Federal Reserve is approaching future interest rate hikes. This means higher rates on many mortgage types, and could mean elevated home prices for the foreseeable future.

Should I Invest in a Condo?

Are condos generally a good investment? Here are some things to consider.

What to Know About Investment Properties

When you're looking to invest your money, a rental property can be a great option. However, there are several things you'll need to consider before making the commitment. In this post, we will discuss five of the most important factors to think about when investing in a rental property.

What's a loan estimate?

A loan estimate is a three-page document that helps you see the most important details about a mortgage lender's offer. It outlines the most important details of your loan, including the loan amount, interest rate, monthly payment and closing costs.

Understanding key mortgage terms

This short dictionary is here to help you brush up on the lingo so you can confidently complete the process and get the right loan for you.

Refinancing: What are closing costs and how can you save?

Refinancing is an exciting prospect. After all, who wouldn't be jazzed about getting a lower rate and saving on interest for their mortgage? While you're eager, it's important to know the ins and outs of the process.

Is a cash out-refinance worth it?

As you pay off your mortgage, you gain equity in your home. Basically, equity is how much of your home's value that you've paid off. Sometimes though, you'll have a need for cash. In that case, you can take some of the equity you've built up in your home in exchange for a mortgage that's higher than what you owe. By getting a larger mortgage, you're able to take the difference in cash. This is called a cash-out refinance.

Which mortgage type is right for you?

Just like hunting for a house, hunting for a mortgage can take time and research to find the right one for you. Each loan type has its pros and cons, so we've broken it all down to give you a sense of all your options.

Refinancing 101: Everything you need to know

Mortgage rates are at record lows, so now the perfect time to consider a refinance. Whether you're looking to lower your monthly payment, get cash to pay for things like home improvements, or want to lower the amount of interest you'll pay over the life of your mortgage, a refinance can help you achieve your financial goals.