Blog

Latest article
Equity Sharing vs. Home Equity Debt

HELOCs, Home Equity Loans, Cash-out Refinancing, Reverse Mortages, and now Equity Sharing Agreements. If you're a homeowner looking to access cash from your equity, you've probably noticed there are a LOT of options. They can all sound like the same thing. And most comparisons assume you already know the differences between all of them.

Continue reading
Homeownership
How Does the Underwriting Process Work?

Mortgage underwriting is usually the make-or-break phase of a home purchase, and while it can seem simple, it's important to understand the details behind each step of the process.

Financial Health
What is a Piggyback Loan?

A piggyback loan is a second loan issued to a homebuyer, alongside a typical mortgage. Whether it's right for you likely depends on your credit and other details, but there are alternatives.

Financial Health
How Does an Earnest Money Deposit Work?

"Earnest money" is a deposit to the seller that indicates the buyer's intent to purchase a home. Read on to learn about when it's required, how much to expect, and how it all works.

Home Equity
Retirement Planning, Putting Home Equity to Work for You

The retirement landscape is changing every day, and traditional methods of funding it are beginning to fall away. We surveyed homeowners to gauge their thinking and find new solutions.

Financial Health
What is the Ideal Debt-to-Income Ratio to Buy a Home?

In the world of lending, "DTI" is one of the crucial tools used to measure your financial health. It's important to understand the different methods of measuring DTI and how it might affect you.

Homeownership
What Every Homeowner Should Know

In a rapidly changing landscape, it can be difficult to keep up as a homeowner. Check out our "State of the American Homeowner" Report for insights and more.

Homeownership
Ways to Get Out of Debt & Tips for Debt Management

It's one thing to spend less and save more. But when it comes to finding the perfect balance between paying off debt and building your savings? This article is for you.

Homeownership
Home Buying Guide: All the Major Steps of Buying a House

The process isn't always clean and linear, but being able to anticipate next steps will help you navigate one of the most complicated purchases you'll likely ever make.

Financial Health
How to Help Your Kids' Finances (Without Draining Yours)

It's important to look at long-term benefits instead of short-term solutions, and seek out a financial plan to help your children not just survive, but thrive. Here are some key tips to get started.

Financial Health
A Berkeley Behavioral Economist’s Advice for Homebuyers

Terrence Odean, professor of finance at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, shares his suggestions for avoiding common mistakes when buying a home.

Renovations & Remodeling
How to Increase Your Home Value Through Renovations

You likely have an idea of what home improvements you want for you, but have you considered which renovations impact your home's value most? Read on to help narrow down your wishlist.

Homeownership
What is Private Mortgage Insurance?

Also known as PMI, it's a form of insurance homeowners may have to carry, typically when they've entered a mortgage agreement with a sub-20% down payment. Explore the details!