Closing costs are the fees and expenses you pay when finalizing your home purchase. These costs cover services provided by your lender, third-party professionals, and prepaid items that protect your investment. Understanding what you'll pay helps you budg
Oct 07, 2025 | Purchasing a Home
Special mortgage programs designed for educators can make homeownership surprisingly affordable, even on a teacher's salary. How Teacher Home Buying Programs Work Several federal, state, and local programs offer substantial benefits to help teachers purch
Oct 02, 2025 | Purchasing a Home
Veterans and active-duty military personnel have access to one of the best mortgage programs available—VA loans. Since 1944, this benefit has helped millions of service members buy homes with no down payment and better terms than conventional mortga
Sep 30, 2025 | VA Loans
A cash-in refinance is when you bring additional money to the closing table to pay down part of your loan balance while refinancing. Instead of pulling equity out (as in a cash-out refinance), you’re using cash to reduce your loan-to-value rati
Sep 25, 2025 | Refinancing a Home
Homeownership feeling out of reach? There's a little-known federal program that could cut your annual tax bill by up to $2,000 and make buying a home much more affordable. What Is a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)? A Mortgage Credit Certificate is a fed
Sep 23, 2025 | Purchasing a Home
Thinking about buying your first home? You're not alone — and it’s more doable than you might think. If you're unsure where to begin or how financing works, this guide breaks it down in clear terms. What Is a Mortgage? A mortgage is a loan you
Sep 18, 2025 | Purchasing a Home