Learning Center

FHA Mortgage vs USDA Mortgage: Compare Side by Side

This home buyer guide to FHA vs USDA mortgages compares two popular low-down-payment mortgage loans…

What is Loan-to-Value?

Loan-to-value (LTV) is the measure of a home's mortgage balance to its market value, expressed as a…

What is a Warrantable Condominium?

A warrantable condominium is a condo unit or building that meets specific financing and operations standards required for a government-backed…

What is a Non-Warrantable Condominium?

A non-warrantable condominium is a condo unit or building that fails to meet the minimum financing standards of government-backed mortgage groups.…

What is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance is a specific type of homeowners insurance that covers losses and damage due to overflowing bodies of…

What is a Contingency Clause?

A contingency clause is an addition to a real estate contract to let parties back out without penaltyunder certain…

What is Listing Price?

Listing price refers to the amount of money a seller sets as the asking price for their property when it is put up for…

What is PITI?

PITI is an acronym in mortgage lending that stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance, the four components of a monthly mortgage…

What is Personal Liability Insurance?

Personal liability insurance is a component of homeowners insurance that provides coverage for legal responsibility for bodily injury or property…

6 min read

What Is The Federal Reserve?

The Federal Reserve, often called "The Fed", is the U.S. government's central bank. The Federal Reserve was established by charter in the Federal…

USDA Eligibility Map: Updated for 2024

The USDA Eligibility Map is a free tool that shows which U.S. homes may qualify for a USDA…

5 min read

FHFA First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage Rate Discount: Explained

The FHFA Mortgage Rate Discount waives loan-level pricing adjustments (LLPAs) on conventional mortgages made to first-time…

8 min read

10 Ways to Get A Lower Mortgage Rate

Today's mortgage rate for a conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is [substitext name="conv-30-year-fixed-rate-current"]. But let's say you want…

8 min read

What Is The Good Neighbor Next Door Program?

Good Neighbor Next Door is a government-supported housing program that sells homes at a 50%…

8 min read

Top 4 Home Loans for Nurses

Nurses are an essential part of society and make for terrific homeowners. Nurses have high wage incomes and stable employment. Plus, they meet the…

6 min read

Mortgage Broker vs Lender vs Bank: What’s Best For You?

When you buy a home, you have three options for where to get a mortgage: Choosing the appropriate lender type will save you time and money on your…

5 min read

Buy a House With a 401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) loans are a relic from an era when low-down payment mortgages didn't exist. It's usually idea to avoid…