Keyword: Homeownership

Emergency Preparedness: The Key Documents You Need

To help you prepare for an emergency or natural disaster, you can take four simple steps to prepare the key documents you'll need for recovery.

Should My Offer Include an Escalation Clause?

If you and your real estate agent are confident that there will be multiple offers on a home, you may consider including an escalation clause in your offer.

What to Expect with a Home Inspection

A home inspection uncovers any underlying issues with the property so that you can complete your home purchase with confidence.

Understanding Contingency Clauses in Homebuying

Contingencies are specific conditions you can add to your home purchase agreement to protect yourself.

The Independence of Owning a Home

Homeownership not only builds a sense of pride and accomplishment, but it's an important step toward achieving long-term financial stability.

Helping Families Stay in Their Homes

In our blog, we often discuss the homebuying journey and provide you with the information you need to land your dream home – but helping you stay in your home is just as important to our mission.

How to Write a Dear Home Seller Letter

If a seller is deciding between two bids, a good offer letter could tip the scales in your favor.

Home Improvement Projects with the Best ROI

Not all home projects are equal when it comes to earning you a return on investment.

How to Get a Mortgage Step by Step

Learn what it takes to qualify for a loan and how you can prepare for the mortgage application process.

The Math Behind Putting Less Than 20% Down

See how a lower down payment affects your monthly mortgage payment and total expenses over the life of your loan.

Tax Breaks for Homeowners and Renters

Tax breaks are just one of the many things to look forward to when you purchase a home.

Qualifying for a Mortgage When You're Self-Employed

Learn how to qualify for a mortgage if you have a non-traditional work situation.

How to Find the Right Home for You

The right home is out there if you know what you’re looking for. Begin with a list of needs, wants and deal-breakers.

Four Reasons to Go Green

When it comes to energy-efficiency and your home, there are four notable reasons to go green.

Energy Efficient Mortgage: What is It and How Do I Get One?

If you’re in the market for a green home or need financing for efficiency upgrades, an EEM could be right for you.

How it Works: Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs)

Is an ARM right for you? Learn how they work before making your decision.

The Facts About Mortgage Refinancing

If you're thinking about refinancing, it's important to have all the facts. Get the answers to your refi FAQs in this article.

4 Reasons to Refinance Your Mortgage

Learn about the benefits of refinancing and how to decide if it’s the right time for you.

What is Refinancing?

Refinancing is the process of replacing your current mortgage with a new loan.

Help for Homeowners and Renters

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have supported American families nationwide.

Build Wealth with a Starter Home

A starter home can give you experience in owning a home and the financial benefits that come with it, without the pressure of finding your forever home immediately.

Selling Your Home in a Seller’s Market

These three benefits will give you an advantage when selling your home in a seller's market.

How Much Can You Sell Your Home For?

Here are some ways to get an understanding of what your home could sell for.

3 Reasons Why Fall is a Great Time to Sell

Homebuyers are ready to fall in the love with your home.

Top 4 Things Every New Homeowner Should Do

From setting up utilities to changing the locks, here is a list of things to do once you have the keys to your new home.

5 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly

Making green improvements can not only reduce the cost of your utilities but can also increase the value of your home. In fact, Freddie Mac research has shown that homes with an energy efficient rating sell for 2.7% more on average than homes without these ratings.

5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Green Home

Are you in the market for an eco-friendly home? Work with your team to understand all your options.

Disaster Preparedness: Emergency Checklist

Learn how to secure your home to protect against the dangers of wildfires, flooding and hurricane force winds.

Disaster Preparedness: Know Your Risk

One of the first steps in disaster preparedness is to know what disasters and hazards could affect your area.

Time to Refinance?

Learn more about your mortgage refinancing options, understand today's rates and figure out how find the right loan for you.

Your COVID-19 Housing Questions Answered Part 2

If you have questions about housing due to COVID-19, we are here to answer your questions.

Your COVID-19 Housing Questions Answered

If you’ve been financially impacted by COVID-19, find the answers to you housing questions.

Understanding Payment Deferral During COVID-19

Learn how payment deferral can help bring you current on your mortgage.

Who to Contact for Mortgage Assistance

Free assistance is available to help guide you through financial hardship.

Understanding Forbearance During COVID-19

Learn the facts on Freddie Mac forbearance.

Avoiding Foreclosure Rescue Fraud

Learn the common elements of this fraud and how to to avoid it.

Avoiding Fraud: Call Spoofing

Unfortunately, during times of hardship families are often targeted by fraud artists who attempt to take advantage of those seeking assistance.

"Best Time to Buy" Home Maintenance Guide

When it comes to home improvement, there are a lot of ways to maximize your savings!

The Green Glossary

Ready to reduce your home's carbon footprint? These words and phrases can help you speak green.

What Drives Renting and Owning Decisions?

Why do you live where you live? Our survey finds affordability remains a key concern for both renters and owners.

Use Your Tax Refund to Buy A Home

If you're expecting a refund this year, here are 3 ways it could bring you closer to homeownership.

Is 2020 Your Year to Refinance?

The trifecta of interest-rate cuts in 2019 boded well for homeowners looking to refinance. Does it make sense for you?

Stop Homebuyers in Their Scroll

Learn the importance of listing photos when selling a home.

Bundling Up Your Home for Winter

Use this checklist to winterize your home and prepare for the colder days ahead.

What are HOAs?

A homeowners association (HOA) is a group who enforces rules to protect home values and maintain the quality of life for a community.

The Best Week to Buy a Home

With kids back in school and the days getting shorter, some families may think it wise to wait for the spring or summer buying season to find a great deal on a new home.

Pumpkin Spice and Making Your Home Nice

Have you started preparing your home for fall? As seasons change, so do your home's needs.

FAQ: Disaster Relief

When a disaster hits home it can be overwhelming. You've got mortgage relief questions? We've got your answers.

Sparking Action: Wildfire Preparedness

If you are in an area where wildfires are an active risk, it's important to act now to protect your home later.

Equity and The Power of Appreciation

Rising home prices over the last 10 years have played a significant role in building wealth across the nation.

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