Mortgage Basics
Jump in and get an overview on common mortgage terms.
Application Checklist
Applying for a mortgage can seem like a daunting and scary process. To help, we've created a checklist of things for you to compile, complete, and acknowledge before applying. See the full list by clicking Learn More below.
Credit
Credit history is a recorded file of past and current credit that is utilized to compile a credit score. Read about credit, how it works, how to improve your score, and more by clicking Learn More below.
Closing Costs
A closing cost is a payment required to finalize a home loan and is separate from a down payment. Read about closing costs, their purpose, how you can pay them, and more by clicking Learn More below.
Appraisals
An appraisal is an estimate of a property's fair market value and is required by a lender to ensure the loan amount is not more than the property value. Read about appraisals, how they work, ownership, and more by clicking Learn More below.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is insurance that protects a lender from increased risk from borrowers putting less than 20% down on a house. Read about PMI, how it works, cost, and more by clicking Learn More below.
Refinance
Refinancing your mortgage is a common practice used to lower monthly payments, interest rates, your DTI, and more. Read about refinancing, how it works, costs, and more by clicking Learn More below.
Glossary of Terms
See a full list of mortgage terms by clicking learn more below.
Foreclosure
Foreclosure is the process of a lender seizing a property in accordance with the terms stipulated in the mortgage contract. Read about foreclosure and how to avoid it by clicking learn more below.