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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 An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?
Just Starting
6 min read

What Is An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a home loan whose interest rate can change over time.…

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The Transforming Student Debt to Home Equity Act
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5 min read

The Transforming Student Debt to Home Equity Act

A new bill called The Transforming Student Debt to Home Equity Act gives renters with student loans the ability to buy a…

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What Is Down Payment Assistance?
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7 min read

What Is Down Payment Assistance?

Down payment assistance is any program that gives eligible home buyers cash grants, low-interest rate mortgage loans, or tax incentives to purchase a…

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LIFT Act: Low-Income First-Time Home Buyers [Explained]
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8 min read

LIFT Act: Low-Income First-Time Home Buyers [Explained]

First-time home buyers may soon be eligible for a new low-downpayment mortgage with subsidized mortgage interest rates and no monthly mortgage…

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16 First-Time Home Buyer Grants and Programs
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12 min read

16 First-Time Home Buyer Grants and Programs

First-time home buyer grants and programs help renters achieve their American Dream of homeownership. Here are 16 popular programs you can use right…

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How to Buy a House With Bad Credit
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8 min read

How to Buy a House With Bad Credit

You can buy a house with bad credit.  According to government data, since 2018, lenders have been making more loans to buyers with below-average…

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What Is An FHA Loan?
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13 min read

What Is An FHA Loan?

The FHA loan, backed by the Federal Housing Administration, is the original low-down payment mortgage for first-time home…

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Active First-Time Home Buyer Bills In 2023-2024 Congress
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6 min read

Active First-Time Home Buyer Bills In 2023-2024 Congress

The government wants to help you buy your first home. This article tracks every first-time home buyer bill in…

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Managing Your First-Time Home Buyer Stress
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4 min read

Managing Your First-Time Home Buyer Stress

With the right mindset and supportive habits, buying a home can be a positive experience. This article explores what to expect when purchasing your…

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The Home Buyer Glossary of Real Estate & Mortgage Terms
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41 min read

The Home Buyer Glossary of Real Estate & Mortgage Terms

Real estate & mortgage terms for first-time home buyers. We explain everything in plain language and contextual, real-world examples.…

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Low Down Payment Mortgages For First-Time Buyers
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7 min read

Low Down Payment Mortgages For First-Time Buyers

You don’t need tens of thousands of dollars or to tap into your 401(k) savings to buy a home. First-time buyers can qualify for low-down payment…

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7 Things Renters Need To Buy a House
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4 min read

7 Things Renters Need To Buy a House

Ready to stop renting and buy a home? You might be surprised how simple it is. There are just seven key things you need to get started: Once you…

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Mortgage 101: Basics Every Home Buyer Should Know
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13 min read

Mortgage 101: Basics Every Home Buyer Should Know

​​For renters, there are more ways than ever to buy your first home. The government has expanded its low- and no-down payment mortgage coverage,…

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34 Ways For Home Buyers To Meet Their New Neighbors
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10 min read

34 Ways For Home Buyers To Meet Their New Neighbors

Home buyers appreciate great neighbors and neighborhoods.  A Bank of America study showed that home buyers value connected communities, and…

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What is Escrow and How Does it Work?
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7 min read

What is Escrow and How Does it Work?

When buying a home, your escrow provider is a valuable member of your team. However, many home buyers and sellers can’t answer the question “what…

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What Does a Title Company Do?
Just Starting
5 min read

What Does a Title Company Do?

Most home buyers know the roles of real estate agents and mortgage lenders, but the role of a title company is less familiar. A title company plays a…

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The Big List Of First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes
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13 min read

The Big List Of First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes

First-time home buyers make mistakes. It’s unavoidable.  There is too much room for error to get it perfect. Home buyer education can…

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Buying a House In Your Early 20s: What to Know and How to Plan
Just Starting
5 min read

Buying a House In Your Early 20s: What to Know and How to Plan

Buying a house in your early 20s is more achievable than you think—and it happens every day. According to the Federal Reserve, 26% of Americans…

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