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First-time home buyer guides, helpful mortgage tips, and easy-to-follow articles to make you a better first-time buyer.

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What is Escrow?
Under Contract
4 min read

What is Escrow?

Escrow is a financial arrangement where a homeowner pays portions of their real estate tax and homeowners insurance monthly to their lender, who then…

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Conventional 97 vs FHA: Compare Side by Side
Under Contract
3 min read

Conventional 97 vs FHA: Compare Side by Side

This guide to Conventional 97 vs FHA mortgages compares two popular low-down-payment mortgage loans side-by-side.…

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Conventional vs VA: Compare Side-by-Side
Under Contract
3 min read

Conventional vs VA: Compare Side-by-Side

This guide to Conventional vs VA mortgages compares two popular mortgages among first-time home buyers to help you choose the best mortgage loan for…

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HomeReady vs Home Possible: Compare Side-by-Side
Under Contract
2 min read

HomeReady vs Home Possible: Compare Side-by-Side

This guide to HomeReady vs Home Possible compares two popular conventional mortgages made for low- to moderate-income home…

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Conventional vs FHA: Compare Side-by-Side
Under Contract
3 min read

Conventional vs FHA: Compare Side-by-Side

This guide to Conventional vs FHA mortgages compares the similarities and differences of two popular first-time home buyer…

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What are Discount Points?
Under Contract
5 min read

What are Discount Points?

Discount points are an optional prepayment of mortgage interest, paid at closing, that lowers a home buyer's mortgage…

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What is a Due on Sale Clause?
Under Contract
4 min read

What is a Due on Sale Clause?

Due on sale is a mortgage contract clause that requires the full loan balance to be paid when the property is…

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What is a Mortgage Rate Lock?
Under Contract
5 min read

What is a Mortgage Rate Lock?

A mortgage rate lock is a mortgage lender's commitment to honor a quoted mortgage through closing to a home…

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How To Write a Mortgage Gift Letter for Your Down Payment
Under Contract
7 min read

How To Write a Mortgage Gift Letter for Your Down Payment

Buying a first home can be a big financial commitment, and many first-time homebuyers rely on the generosity of friends and family to help cover…

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Home Maintenance Checklist for First-Time Home Buyers
Under Contract
14 min read

Home Maintenance Checklist for First-Time Home Buyers

Your home is an investment that requires regular upkeep to protect its value. Household maintenance is a skill first-time home buyers often learn…

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15 Good Luck Plants To Bring Positive Energy to Your New Home
Under Contract
6 min read

15 Good Luck Plants To Bring Positive Energy to Your New Home

Plants offer a variety of benefits and have been appreciated for centuries. Horticulture therapy can help reduce stress and promote a sense of…

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10 Unique Ways to Make Money With Your New House
Under Contract
4 min read

10 Unique Ways to Make Money With Your New House

Homeownership opens the door to a variety of financial opportunities, from reducing your loan balance with each payment to building home equity over…

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