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Real Estate Trends

Correspondent Lending vs. Mortgage Brokers: Which Is Right for You?

Correspondent lenders fund and underwrite loans in-house, offering a faster, streamlined process with fewer loan options. how correspondent lenders differ from mortgage...

Refinancing and the Defeasance Clause: What to Watch For

A defeasance clause in a mortgage agreement ensures that the lender’s claim is nullified once the loan is fully paid, providing legal release provisions tied to...

How to Read Your ARM Loan Agreement: Terms, Margins, and Indexes

understanding your Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) loan agreement is crucial. It details the fixed-rate period, index your mortgage’s rate may be tied to the CMT index...

From Pre-Approval to Clear to Close: Every Step in the Mortgage Timeline Explained

This guide explains every stage in the mortgage process—from pre-approval to clear to close—helping buyers understand key steps like underwriting, conditional approval...

What Does a Title Search Include? A Step-by-Step Breakdown for Buyers

Whether you’re a first-time buyer nervously awaiting your keys, a seasoned investor ensuring your next flip is clean, or a real estate professional guiding...

Buydowns vs. Discount Points: How to Choose the Right Strategy to Lower Your Mortgage Rate

Buydown mortgages, a strategy to lower interest rates, involve an upfront payment to reduce initial monthly mortgage costs. How a buydown mortgage works depends on its...

How to Cross-Check AVM Estimates With Local Market Data Like a Pro

AVM-generated home values offer a quick estimate, but accuracy isn’t guaranteed—especially for unique or upgraded properties. That’s why AVMs should be combined with...

Title Search vs. Title Insurance: What’s the Difference and Why You Need Both

A title search identifies known property issues before purchase, while title insurance provides long-term protection against unforeseen claims. A title search examines...

Can a Home Seller Decline an FHA Loan Offer? Explained

Yes, a seller can legally refuse an FHA loan offer. Although FHA loans help more people afford homes, their stricter appraisal and property standards, longer closing...

Company Reviews

Redfin.com Review 2024: A Tech-Forward Real Estate Platform

If you’re considering buying or selling a home and want to understand how technology can make the process more efficient, then Redfin.com is a platform you’ll want to...

Fizber Reviews: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives in 2024 

Fizber Reviews is an online platform designed for homeowners looking to sell their properties without the assistance of a traditional real estate agent, often referred to...

Better Mortgage Reviews: The Digital Innovator in Home Loans

Choosing the right mortgage lender is crucial for a smooth home-buying process. Better Mortgage, an online mortgage lender, is gaining popularity for its straightforward...

ByOwner.com Reviews: Is Selling Your Home Here a Good Move?

If you’re considering selling your home without an agent, you’ve probably come across ByOwner.com. This platform promises to empower homeowners to list their...

Circle One Realty Reviews: Is It the Right Choice for You?

Circle One Realty is a locally owned real estate company based in the Chicagoland area. They specialize in helping property sellers list their homes on the MLS (Multiple...

Homecoin Reviews: Real Estate Updates (2024)

Homecoin reviews emerges as a noteworthy player for homeowners looking to sell their properties without incurring hefty commissions. This review will cover essential...

72SOLD Reviews: Is Their 72-Hour Sale Worth It?

Selling a home can be a daunting process, but 72SOLD Reviews claims to simplify it with their unique selling strategy. They promise to sell your home in just eight days...

reAlpha Review: Transforming Home Buying with AI and a Commission-Free Approach

When you think of online real estate platforms, names like Zillow and Redfin likely come to mind—well-established companies that have dominated the market for years...

Buyer Insights

Avoiding PMI With Community Seconds: What You Need to Know

Focuses on avoiding PMI with Community Seconds, but does not contain information about the legal definition of an easement appurtenant. It explains that Community Seconds...

Chattel Loan vs. Traditional Mortgage: Which One Fits Your Purchase?

A chattel loan is for personal property, unlike a traditional mortgage for real estate. The blog explains how chattel mortgages work for movable assets like mobile homes...

What Happens If a Lender Fails to File a Deed of Reconveyance?

Upon mortgage payoff, a Deed of Reconveyance legally removes the lender’s lien in trust deed states. It’s crucial for clear title. If your lender doesn’t...

How to Read Your Amortization Schedule Like a Pro

An amortization schedule details each mortgage payment’s breakdown into principal and interest. It reveals that early mortgage payments go mostly toward interest...

Legal and Tax Consequences of a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure

A Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure involves voluntarily transferring property ownership to the lender to avoid foreclosure. It’s crucial to consider all legal and tax...

Blanket Mortgage vs. Portfolio Loan: Which Is Better for Real Estate Investors?

For real estate investors, understanding the differences between portfolio and blanket mortgages is crucial. A blanket mortgage covers multiple properties under one loan...

Hidden Title Problems That Could Cost You Thousands (And How to Avoid Them)

When buying a home, be aware of hidden title problems, including common hidden risks like forged deeds and unknown heirs, which can lead to significant financial and...

When Paying Points Makes Sense: Calculating Breakeven with APR

To determine if paying mortgage points is worthwhile, perform a breakeven analysis using APR. APR reveals the loan’s true cost by including points and fees. The...

Step-by-Step Guide to Contesting Your Property Assessment

TA  property assessment is your local government’s estimate of your home’s market value, used to calculate your property taxes. If the assessment seems too high, you can...

Real Estate Guide

How to Negotiate for More Compensation in an Eminent Domain Case

When facing eminent domain, property owners should negotiate beyond the initial government offer, which often undervalues true worth. Crucially, the initial government...

Can You Really Rent Out Your Property?

To rent out your property, understanding short-term rental (STR) restrictions is essential, as they significantly impact your Right of Control and Right of Disposition...

Final Steps After Paying Off Your Mortgage: A Homeowner’s Post-Payoff Checklist

After paying off your mortgage, ensure you receive a “Deed of Reconveyance” (in trust deed states) or “Satisfaction of Mortgage” (in traditional...

Should First-Time Homebuyers Consider an ARM?

For fixed-rate vs. ARM loans for first-time homebuyers, ARMs offer lower initial payments, appealing to those seeking affordability or planning short-term ownership...

Real Examples: How Early Extra Mortgage Payments Save You Thousands

Making extra mortgage payments significantly reduces total interest and loan term. By directing additional funds towards the principal, especially early in the loan, you...

Buydowns and First-Time Buyers: A Smart Way to Ease Into Homeownership?

Mortgage buydowns offer first-time homebuyers a smart way to ease into homeownership smarter by temporarily lowering initial interest rates and monthly payments. This...

How Small Mortgage Rate Changes Add Up: Real-Life Savings Examples

Understanding the impact of small basis point changes in mortgage rates is key to saving thousands over a loan’s lifetime. Even a 0.25% rate shift can significantly lower...

Why Home Values Drop: Understanding Market Trends Behind Underwater Mortgages

Common causes of an underwater mortgage include declines in home values due to shifts in supply and demand, rising interest rates, economic recessions, and overbuilding...

How to Read and Use an Amortization Table Like a Pro

A typical amortization table breaks down each loan payment into interest and principal, showing how the balance decreases over time. This guide explains how to read and...