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The 5 Factors that Make Up Your Credit Score
Take a close look at the factors that make up your FICO® credit score and the importance of each to your score.
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What Is Private Mortgage Insurance?
In considering the total costs of buying and owning a home, don't forget to factor in private mortgage insurance (PMI).
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The 4 C's of Qualifying for a Mortgage
Thinking about buying a home but not sure whether you qualify for a mortgage? Here's what lenders look for in a borrower.
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10 Real Estate Terms Every Homebuyer Should Know
Buying a home is exciting, but it's easy to get overwhelmed if you're not familiar with the homebuying vocabulary.
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Building Blocks to Wealth: Constructing a Stable Financial Future for Your Family
Building and managing your wealth is a lifelong process that can have major implications for you and your family.
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Rent or Buy: Which Option is Right for You?
Deciding whether to rent or buy is a critical starting point for your home search. Use this guide to determine which option is best for you.
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Creating a Vision for Your Financial Future
Learn how helpful tools like vision boards can help you reach your financial goals.
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The 7 Parts of a Mortgage Payment
Understanding the components that make up a mortgage payment can help you choose the mortgage option that is best for you.
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Why Credit Matters: Unlock the Full Potential of Your Personal Finances
Good credit is critical to your overall financial health and can impact many other aspects of your life.
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Am I Financially Prepared to Take Out a Home Loan?
See how your credit, debt and financial history stack up and learn what steps you can take to improve your finances.
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What Is Mortgage Underwriting?
Learn about what underwriting is and the underwriting process so that you understand how your loan application will be evaluated.
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Qualifying for a Mortgage When You’re Self-Employed
Tips to navigate the homebuying process if you’re self-employed.
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How Much Home Can I Afford?
We're breaking down the factors that help determine how much home you can afford, which is an estimate you'll need to make before you begin house hunting.
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5 Tips for Online House Hunting
Searching for a new home online can be convenient and efficient. Here are five tips to house hunt online effectively.
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The Essential Guide to Creating a Homebuying Budget
Prepare financially to own a home by understanding the costs of buying, owning and maintaining your home and how to budget accordingly.
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Qualifying for a Mortgage with Student Loan Debt
Don’t let your student loan debt dissuade you from homeownership if you’re financially ready.
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Is It Possible to Rent an Apartment with Low or No Credit?
Your credit score can be an important factor when renting, but it’s not the only factor.
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What Is Credit Life Insurance? Should I Have It?
Learn what credit life insurance is — and ways you can ensure your loved ones are protected from any large financial burden when you die.
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Getting Started in a New Apartment in a New City
We've put together some tips to help you settle into your new apartment and explore your new city.
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How to Navigate a Hot Homebuying Market
Learn how you can set yourself up for successful long-term homeownership when buying in a competitive market.
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How to Include Your Kids in Finding Your Next Home
Before you begin touring homes, here are a few tips for parents to consider..
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6 Tips to Help Avoid Rental Scams
Although it is impossible to avoid encountering a fraudulent rental listing, following these tips can help ensure you don’t fall victim to a scammer.
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3 Things Military Personnel and Veterans Need to Know About Their Finances
Learn more about steps you can take to ensure financial stability for you and your family.
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How to Improve a Damaged Credit Score
There are steps you can take to improve your credit score and strengthen your personal finances.
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Making a Homebuying Wish List
Creating a wish list can help you prioritize what’s important and keep you on track when you look for homes in person or online.
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A Closer Look at Refinancing
Learn the answers to five common questions about refinancing to help determine if it’s the right move for you.
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When Is the Right Time to Refinance?
There are several factors you should consider when deciding whether refinancing is right for you.
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What You Should Know About Digital Mortgage Tools
Learn more about why lenders are adopting digital underwriting tools and how they impact the loan application process.
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4 Tips to Find the Right Rental Unit
Start your housing search on the right foot by finding a rental unit that fits your needs.
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5 Steps to Prepare for House Hunting
These five steps will help you shop smarter once you’ve hit the homebuying market.
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Understanding Lenders and How They Help Homebuyers
Learn more about lenders and the important role they play in your homebuying journey.
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Three Pro Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
As you look to buy your first home, learn about the special tools and resources that can set you up for success.
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What You Should Know About Ending Your Lease
A closer look at steps you can take if you need to end your lease early.
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How Community Land Trusts Can Make Homebuying More Affordable
Learn what a community land trust is, how it works and how this structure may make it possible for you to buy a home.
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How Much Can I Sell My Home For?
Learn more about how to determine the listing price of your home.
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5 Steps to Prepare for Buying a Home
If you are planning to buy a home, getting educated and organized before you start house hunting can help the homebuying process go more smoothly.
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How to Spot Moving Fraud and What to Do if You’re a Victim
Don’t let fraud spoil your move. Learn what moving fraud is, best practices to avoid it and resources to report it.
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Moving Costs to Consider During Your Next Move
Whatever your situation, there are several common costs you should consider as you budget for your next move.
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Improve Your Financial Health by Managing Debts and Expenses
Learn more about prioritizing different types of debts and expenses.
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What Are HOAs?
Learn about the services HOAs typically offer, the types of rules you may need to follow, and why it’s important to pay your HOA fees.
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What You Should Know About Mortgage Assumptions
Learn more about how mortgage assumptions can help if you need to change ownership of a property.
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Basic Training: Empowering Veterans with Financial Education
Learn how Soldier On is using CreditSmart to help unhoused veterans improve their financial situations and secure reliable housing.
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11 Tips for Working with Contractors on a Home Renovation
Follow these suggestions to help make sure renovation projects that require the professional help of a contractor go smoothly.
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7 Things to Do Before Moving into Your New Apartment
Follow these tips to make your move as seamless as possible.
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What You Should Know About Buying a HomeSteps Home
Learn more about how HomeSteps is helping families find affordable homes.
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Home Renovation Projects that Can Help You Sell for More
If you're thinking about selling your home, a few of the right types of renovations can help increase your sales price.
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What You Need to Know About Discount Points
Learn how discount points affect your mortgage and when you should consider buying them.
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Top 4 Things Every New Homeowner Should Do
While you unpack and settle in, here are four steps you should take right away as a new homeowner.
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How to Manage Your ADU as a Rental Unit
Renting out your ADU can be valuable source of income. Take a closer look at what you should know about managing and maintaining a rental unit.
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3 Steps to Help You Recover from a Disaster
Taking these three steps can help you get back on your feet after a disaster.
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