Mortgages

In this section you'll find all of our articles related to mortgages. Our library consists of everything from deep dives on specific mortgage types, to best practices when considering what type of mortgage is right for you.

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Featured Article

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Conventional Mortgages

Conventional mortgages offer great terms for credit-worthy borrowers looking to purchase or refinance. Conventional mortgages are, technically, all those not backed by a government program or funding. Instead, they are funded and insured by private lenders.

All articles

Soft vs. Hard Credit Checks

December 4th 2024

The difference between soft & hard credit checks, when they occur and how they impact your score.

Before and after renovation of a room in a home

Cash-Out Refinancing

October 31st, 2024

How It Works and What to Consider

Before and after renovation of a room in a home

What Makes Up a Monthly Mortgage Payment?

October 23rd, 2024

Breaking down your monthly mortgage payment.

Before and after renovation of a room in a home

Upcoming Credit Score Changes for Mortgage Loans

September 25th, 2024

Learn how new credit score models could impact your mortgage approval and what you can do to prepare.

Before and after renovation of a room in a home

Understanding Title Insurance: Standard vs. Enhanced Policies

September 19th, 2024

Discover the key differences between standard and enhanced title insurance, and learn how each option protects homeowners during the mortgage process.

Before and after renovation of a room in a home

What is a remote closing?

February 26th, 2024

Sign mortgage documents electronically from the comfort of your home.

Before and after renovation of a room in a home

What is a Planned Unit Development (PUD)?

February 26th, 2024

You may have heard the term "PUD," but what does it actually mean?

A house on a tipping scale with money on the opposite side.

FHA Amendatory Clause

February 23rd, 2024

Protecting you against appraisal risk

Streamline Refinance Loans

February 16th, 2024

Simplified Refinancing for Recent Homebuyers

Before and after renovation of a room in a home

The VA Tidewater Initiative

February 5th, 2024

Navigating the VA's Appraisal Reconsideration Process

Before and after renovation of a room in a home

Fannie Mae Introduces $2,500 Down Payment Assistance

January 25th, 2024

New down payment assistance program by Fannie Mae in 2024

Before and after renovation of a room in a home

The FHA Flip Rule

June 1st, 2023

One of the most overlooked FHA rules.

storm could over house with adequate insurance coverage

VA Loans: Empowering Veterans through Homeownership

May 24, 2023

The origins, evolution & impact of VA loans.

storm could over house with adequate insurance coverage

Home Insurance vs. Home Warranty

May 19, 2023

What's the difference?

escrow account mortgage payer signing check

Understanding Escrow Accounts

May 15, 2023

What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Matter

Family standing in front of new home.

Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

May 4, 2023

Five simple moves you can make today to improve your FICO score

happy family on couch

Let's Get to the Point

April 21, 2023

Understanding mortgage points and when it makes sense to buy them.

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Documents You'll Need for a Mortgage Loan

April 10, 2023

Having these documents readily available will help ensure a smooth and efficent application process.

A couple celebrating their new home purchase.

First-Time Home Buyer Programs

February 24, 2023

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac recently released updates to their first-time home buyer programs. See what these can mean for you.

Couple reviewing their loan offer.

What Is Wrong with APR?

February 22, 2023

APR is a simple comparison tool to help you quickly weigh one loan offer against another, but what if it's misleading?

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How to Use Your Home Equity

February 15, 2023

You start building equity with your down payment and continue building it with each monthly payment. Let's look at how to use it.

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What Credit Score Do I Need?

February 8, 2023

The minimum required credit score will depend on the loan you apply for and the lender you apply with.

A couple reviewing documents on their couch.

Who Pays Closing Costs?

February 1, 2023

Mortgage closing costs are an unavoidable part of the process. Our simple question is: why should it be on you to pay them?

A two-story house in the evening.

Conventional Loan Limits

January 31, 2023

There is a conforming conventional loan limit for every area. You can still get a loan if you need more than the limit, it just may be "jumbo."

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How Long Does a Pre-Approval Last?

January 26, 2023

You've submitted your mortgage application and received a pre-approval. How long does it last?

A woman comparing two offers.

Mortgage Quote vs Loan Estimate

January 13, 2023

Your down payment is your financial interest in a property, usually a percentage of the total purchase price.

Aerial shot of a quiet neighborhood.

What Is a Down Payment?

January 12, 2023

Your down payment is your financial interest in a property, usually a percentage of the total purchase price.

A family running into their new home carrying boxes as the sun sets.

Conventional Mortgages

January 4, 2023

Conventional mortgages offer great terms for credit-worthy borrowers looking to purchase or refinance.

Couple drinking coffee and enjoying their kitchen.

FHA and VA Loans

January 3, 2023

The FHA and VA offer special loan products designed to help qualified borrowers secure a primary residence.

A family walking around the neighborhood while their child rides a scooter.

Fannie, Freddie & AMI

December 24, 2022

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are two Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) that provide underwriting guidelines and financial backing to the mortgage industry.

A man looks compares print outs with what he sees on his computer.

Refinance Guide

December 15, 2022

Refinancing your mortgage could help you achieve your financial goals. In this guide, we'll provide an overview of our refinance process.

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