Resources

Unsure what mortgages you qualify for? Learn what lenders consider when calculating affordability and how much house you can afford with a $100k salary.

Find out what the housing expense ratio is, how lenders use it to evaluate your creditworthiness, and what ratio you need to qualify for a mortgage.

What are holding costs in real estate? Discover the ongoing expenses like mortgage payments and insurance that go into investing in property.

A probate sale may help you secure a great home for a competitive price. Learn the meaning, pros and cons, and how to buy these unique properties.

You can get a mortgage when retired, whether you opt for a conventional, FHA, or VA loan. Learn your options, plus review considerations just for retirees.

Learn how you can change mortgage companies before and after closing, and get tips for choosing your next lender. Refinance faster with Better.

You just closed on a new home and are wondering, “When is my first mortgage payment due?” Learn how to find out and make that first payment with ease.

Learn how recasting a mortgage works, when it’s a smart move, and where it stacks up against refinancing or extra payments. Plus, discover the pros and cons.

Learn how interest works on a mortgage and how it impacts your bills. Discover what shapes your rate and ways to manage costs for smarter homeownership.

Learn the income needed for a $300k mortgage, factors that affect payments, and tips to qualify so you can buy with confidence.

Wondering if now is a good time to buy a house? Explore housing market trends, mortgage rates, and personal factors to guide your decision.

Discover the pros, cons, and steps involved in buying a spec house. Learn how it differs from a custom home and whether it’s the right choice for you.

What does accepting backup offers mean? Learn how they work, when they make sense, and the steps that give you the best chance of moving forward.

Explore seven of the best states to invest in real estate, whether you buy and hold for growth or seek steady rental income. Get tips for long-term success.

Find out what happens when an appraisal is higher than the purchase price of a home, including how it happens and the benefits and disadvantages.

Discover exactly what to bring for closing on your new home, what to expect on closing day, and tips for making the process as smooth as possible.

Learn what happens when there’s only one agent on a real estate deal — a situation called dual agency — and the benefits and drawbacks of this arrangement.

Find out how long appraisals are good for, how market and property conditions influence the validity period, and what to do if your appraisal has expired.

Learn practical strategies for saving for a home, including down payment tips, budgeting advice, and mortgage options.

Learn how much money you need to buy a house with our complete cost breakdown to get the complete picture of homebuying expenses.

Learn what manual underwriting is: how it works, when it’s used, how it compares to automated underwriting, and what to expect across different loan types.

How to write a compelling letter to the seller of a home, what to include or avoid, plus tips and examples to help your offer stand out in a competitive...

Learn what a floating interest rate is, how it works, and how it compares to fixed rates. Explore pros, cons, and calculation tips to make informed decisions.

Learn how a tri-merge credit report combines Equifax, Experian & TransUnion data to help lenders assess risk, streamline approvals, and guide your loan choices.

Learn how to flip a house profitably. Discover the steps, pros and cons, common mistakes, and expert tips to succeed in your first house flipping project.

Learn what mortgage curtailment is, how it works, its benefits, types, and key considerations to help you pay off your home faster and save on interest.

Wondering how much house I can afford with a 70k salary? Learn budgeting tips, loan options, and key factors that impact home affordability on a $70K income.

Learn what ownership interest in a property means, the types, your rights, and how it can impact mortgage transactions, titles, and real estate ownership.

Discover what an escrow shortage is, what causes it, how it can raise your mortgage payments, and the most effective steps to handle, reduce, or avoid it.