Learning Center: Mortgage & Home Buying Guides

Does car insurance cover a cracked windshield?

A chip or crack in your windshield is one of the most common car insurance questions. Whether your policy pays depends on the coverage you chose and your deductible. Here is how windshield coverage usually works, when a claim makes sense, and what to ask your agent.3 min read

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Does car insurance cover a friend driving my car?

Lending your car to a friend is common, but the insurance rules can surprise you. Here is how coverage usually follows the car, when it may not apply, and what to check before you hand over the keys.2 min read

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Does car insurance cover a pothole?

Hitting a deep pothole can bend a wheel, ruin a tire or knock your alignment out. Whether insurance pays depends mostly on one coverage: collision. Here is how pothole damage is usually handled, when a claim makes sense and what else you can try.3 min read

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Does car insurance cover a rental car?

Your own auto policy often follows you to a rental car, though sometimes not in full. Here is what usually carries over, what the rental counter offers, where the gaps are, and what to check before you rent.3 min read

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Does car insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?

Catalytic converter theft is common because the parts contain valuable metals and can be removed quickly. Whether your auto policy pays depends on one coverage: comprehensive. Here's how it works and what to do if yours is stolen.2 min read

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Does car insurance cover hail?

Hail can dent a car's roof, hood and trunk and crack its windows in minutes. Whether your insurance pays depends on the coverage you chose. Here is how hail damage is usually covered, what to do after a storm, and how to keep repair costs in check.2 min read

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Does car insurance cover medical bills?

After a crash, medical bills can arrive fast. Car insurance can help pay them, but which coverage pays depends on who was hurt, who was at fault and what your state requires. Here is how the main medical coverages work and how they fit with your health insurance.2 min read

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Does car insurance cover rideshare driving?

Most personal auto policies don't cover you while you drive for a rideshare company. Here is how coverage works at each stage of a trip, where the gaps are, and how a rideshare endorsement can help.3 min read

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Does car insurance cover theft from my car?

If someone breaks into your car and takes your things, two policies may be involved. Your auto policy usually covers damage to the car, while your homeowners or renters policy usually covers the belongings. Here's how it splits.2 min read

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Does car insurance cover towing?

Car insurance can pay for towing, but usually only if you've added roadside assistance or towing coverage. Here is how towing coverage works, what it includes and how it fits with other ways to get help on the road.3 min read

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Car insurance when you move states

When you move to a new state, your car insurance needs to move with you. Required coverage, prices and deadlines change at the border. Here is what to update, in what order, and how to avoid a gap in coverage.3 min read

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Car insurance for new drivers

New drivers usually pay more for car insurance because they have little driving history. Here is how they can get covered, which discounts may help, and why strong liability coverage matters.2 min read

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Cash-out refinance on a home held in a trust

Many people hold their home in a living trust for estate planning. You can often still do a cash-out refinance, but the lender will review the trust and the trustees will sign. Here is what to expect, which trusts are easier to finance and how to prepare.2 min read

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Cash-out on an investment property

A cash-out refinance on a rental lets you turn its equity into cash. Limits are tighter and pricing is higher than on the home you live in. Here is what to expect and how to check the numbers.2 min read

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Taking cash out of a paid-off home

Own your home free and clear? That equity can be turned into cash. Here's how borrowing against a paid-off home works, which options to look at, and what to think through before you add a loan back to the house.3 min read

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Paying off credit cards with a cash-out refinance

A cash-out refinance can replace high-rate credit card debt with a lower mortgage rate. Here is how it works, what you might save, the risks to weigh and how to keep the balances from coming back.3 min read

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Using a cash-out refinance to pay off a HELOC

If you have a HELOC with a variable rate, a cash-out refinance can roll it and your first mortgage into one fixed-rate loan.2 min read

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How the cash-out refinance process works

A cash-out refinance replaces your mortgage with a larger one and pays you the difference. Here is each step from quote to funding, what you'll need, and how long it usually takes.3 min read

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Seasoning rules for cash-out refinances

Seasoning is the time a lender wants to see since you bought your home or took out your current loan before you can take cash out. The waiting period depends on the loan program. Here are the common rules, the exceptions and what to do if you're not there yet.2 min read

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Cash-out on a second home

You can turn equity in a vacation home into cash with a cash-out refinance or a home equity loan. Limits and pricing usually differ from your primary home, and occupancy rules apply. Here is how the two options compare on a second home and what to check before you choose.3 min read

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How cash-out affects your taxes

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What is a conforming loan limit?

The conforming loan limit is the cutoff between conforming loans and jumbo loans. Here is what it is, who sets it, why it matters for your rate and down payment, and what to do if the home you want sits right near the line.2 min read

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Getting contractor bids before you borrow

Before you borrow for a remodel, get firm numbers from contractors. Written bids tell you how much to borrow, help you compare pros, and protect you once work starts. Here is how to do it.3 min read

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How credit affects home equity rates

Your credit score is one of the biggest factors in the rate you're offered on a home equity loan. It isn't the only one. How much you borrow compared with your home's value and your debt-to-income ratio matter too. Here is how lenders weigh each one and what you can do to improve your price.2 min read

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How your credit affects insurance rates

In many states, insurers use a credit-based insurance score to help set your home and auto premiums. Here is what that score is, how it differs from your credit score, where it's limited, and what you can do to help it.2 min read

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Curb appeal on a budget

Buyers form an opinion of your home before they walk in the door, often from the first listing photo. Here are low-cost ways to boost curb appeal, where to spend first, what to skip and how to keep it looking good while your home is on the market.2 min read

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How debt consolidation affects your credit

Consolidating debt can lower your credit score a little at first, then help it over time if you keep card balances low and pay on time. Here is what changes, why, and how to protect your score.3 min read

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Debt consolidation with a home equity loan

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Using home equity for a down payment on your next home

Much of your next down payment may already be sitting in your current home. Here are the common ways to use that equity before you sell, what each one asks of you, and why timing matters so much.3 min read

Escrow refunds after refinancing

When you refinance, your old loan's escrow account closes and its balance comes back to you, while your new loan starts a fresh account. Here is how the timing works and what to expect.2 min read

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What happens to escrow when you sell?

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Home equity loan with a 620 credit score

A 620 credit score can still open the door to a home equity loan, but it affects your rate and how much you may be able to borrow. Here is what to expect right at the minimum, what lenders look at besides your score, and how to improve your odds.2 min read

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Home equity loan with a 700 credit score

A 700 credit score is comfortably above CapCenter's minimum, so a home equity loan may be within reach. Here is what to expect on approval and pricing at 700, and how to strengthen your application before you apply.2 min read

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Home equity appraisal: what to expect

Your home's value decides how much you can borrow with a home equity loan. Here is how lenders find that value, what an appraiser looks at if one is needed, how to prepare, and what to do if the number comes in low.2 min read

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Home equity loan checklist

A step-by-step checklist for getting a home equity loan, from setting your amount to signing at closing. Use it to get ready before you apply so the process moves faster.3 min read

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Closing costs on a home equity loan

Home equity loans often come with closing costs much like a mortgage: lender fees, an appraisal, title work and recording. Those costs can take a real bite out of what you borrow. Here is what lenders usually charge, what CapCenter covers and what you may still pay.3 min read

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Using home equity for college tuition

A home equity loan can help cover college costs that aid doesn't, sometimes at a lower rate than private or parent loans. But it puts your home on the line and lacks the safety nets of federal student loans. Here is how to compare the options and decide.3 min read

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Documents you need for a home equity loan

Having your paperwork ready is one of the easiest ways to keep a home equity loan moving. Here is what lenders commonly ask for, plus a few tips to avoid delays.2 min read

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Using home equity for a deck or patio

A new deck or patio can turn your yard into extra living space. If you'd rather not drain savings, your home's equity can help pay for it. Here is how to set a realistic budget, the choices that drive cost, how to borrow and what to check before the first board goes down.2 min read

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Using home equity for energy-efficient upgrades

Energy-efficient upgrades can make your home more comfortable and lower your utility bills. Using your home equity can spread the cost over time. Here is how to pick upgrades that pay off, check for incentives, plan the budget and choose a way to borrow.2 min read

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Using home equity for an HVAC replacement

When a furnace or air conditioner gives out, replacing it often can't wait. Home equity can help, but timing matters, because a home equity loan takes a few weeks to close. Here is how to decide between repair and replacement, get the right system and choose how to pay.2 min read

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Using home equity for a kitchen remodel

A kitchen remodel is one of the most popular reasons to tap home equity, and one of the easiest to underestimate. Here is how to define your scope, build a budget that holds up, manage the money once you have it and choose the right way to borrow.2 min read

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Using home equity for a pool

A pool can add years of fun at home, but it's a big project with ongoing costs. Here is how to choose a pool type, set a realistic budget, plan for insurance and upkeep, and decide whether a home equity loan is the right way to pay for it.3 min read

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Using home equity for windows and siding

New windows and siding can protect your home from the weather, improve comfort and refresh how it looks from the street. Home equity can help pay for the work. Here is how to choose materials, avoid common surprises, plan the budget and decide how to borrow.2 min read

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Can I get a home equity loan without an appraisal?

A full appraisal used to be a standard step for a home equity loan. Today, many lenders can estimate your home's value with an automated valuation instead. Here is how that works, when a full appraisal may still be needed and how CapCenter handles it.2 min read

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Home equity loan on a condo

Condo owners build equity too, and it's natural to want to use it. CapCenter's home equity loan isn't available on condos, but you may still have ways to tap your equity. Here is why condos are treated differently and the options worth comparing.2 min read

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Home equity loan on an investment property

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Home equity vs. renovation loans

If you're planning a big project, you can borrow against the equity you have today or use a renovation loan that's based on what the home will be worth after the work. Here is how each one works, who each fits, and the questions to ask before you choose.2 min read

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Home inspection checklist for buyers

A home inspection is your best chance to learn how a house really works before you buy it. Use this checklist to know what to look at with your inspector, what questions to ask, and how to turn the report into a clear next step.2 min read

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Home insurance discounts to ask about

Most home insurance carriers offer discounts, but some are only applied when you ask. A few minutes of asking can trim your premium without cutting coverage. Here are the discounts worth asking about, how they tend to work and when to check again.2 min read

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How to document your belongings

A home inventory is a record of what you own and what it's worth. It makes an insurance claim faster and helps you choose the right coverage. Here is how to build one in an afternoon, a room-by-room checklist, and how to keep it current.2 min read

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Home inventory checklist

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Does homeowners insurance cover a pool accident?

If a guest is hurt in your pool, the liability part of a standard homeowners policy often responds. Here is how pool coverage usually works, what carriers may require, and where gaps can show up.2 min read

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Does homeowners insurance cover a trampoline injury?

Trampolines are fun, and they are also one of the backyard items insurers watch most closely. Some carriers cover trampoline injuries to guests, some add conditions and some exclude them. Here is how coverage usually works and how to keep your protection in place.2 min read

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Does homeowners insurance cover AC failure?

A standard homeowners policy usually doesn't pay to fix an air conditioner that simply breaks down. Here is when AC damage may be covered, what usually isn't, and options that can help with repair costs.2 min read

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Does homeowners insurance cover appliance breakdowns?

When a dishwasher dies or a furnace quits, it's natural to wonder if insurance will pay.2 min read

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Does homeowners insurance cover burst pipes?

A burst pipe can soak floors, walls and belongings in minutes. Homeowners insurance usually covers the sudden water damage, but the cause, the speed of the leak and your response all affect the claim. Here is how burst pipe claims tend to work, whatever made the pipe give way.2 min read

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Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?

Dog bites are among the most common liability claims homeowners face. Many policies cover them under personal liability, but some carriers limit coverage by breed or a dog's bite history. Here is how dog bite coverage usually works and how to protect yourself and your dog.2 min read

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Does homeowners insurance cover earthquakes?

You can buy insurance straight from one company, or through an agency that compares several carriers. Here is how each works, the tradeoffs, and how to decide which fits you.3 min read

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Selling an inherited home

Selling a home you inherited mixes paperwork, family decisions and practical work. Here are the first steps to take, how probate and authority to sell usually work, how stepped-up basis can affect taxes, and how to get the home ready to list.2 min read

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Inspection contingency explained

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Home equity loan vs. cash-out for a kitchen remodel

A kitchen remodel is one of the most common reasons homeowners borrow against their equity. Here is how a home equity loan and a cash-out refinance compare, and how to pick the one that fits your rate and budget.3 min read

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Landlord insurance explained

When you rent out a home, your homeowners policy usually stops being the right fit. Landlord insurance covers the building, your liability and lost rent after a covered loss. Here is how it works.2 min read

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Lender fees vs. third-party fees

The closing costs on a mortgage come from different places: your lender, outside companies that provide services, and government offices. Here is who charges what, where each fee shows up on your Loan Estimate, which ones you can shop for, and how CapCenter's ZERO Closing Costs offer treats them.2 min read

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Liability vs. full coverage

Liability-only auto insurance costs less, but it doesn't pay to fix your own car. Here is what liability and full coverage each include, when dropping full coverage may make sense, and what you give up.2 min read

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Writing a listing description that sells

Your listing description works with your photos to turn a scroll into a showing. Here is how to lead with your best feature, write specific details buyers care about, stay within fair housing rules, and avoid the words that make buyers skip ahead.2 min read

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What happens if the appraisal comes in low?

When the appraisal on the home you're buying comes in below the contract price, your loan may be based on the lower value. Here is what that means for your cash at closing, the options you have as a buyer, how to challenge an appraisal, and how your appraisal contingency protects you.2 min read

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Moving checklist for new homeowners

Closing on a home is a big milestone, and the move that follows comes with its own long list. Here is a simple checklist for the weeks before you move, moving day and your first month as a homeowner.2 min read

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Moving out checklist

Selling your home means one more big job: moving out on time and handing over a home that's ready for its new owners. Here is a checklist for the weeks before closing, the final days and the handoff.2 min read

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Multiple offers: how to choose

Getting several offers on your home is great news, but the highest price isn't automatically the best choice. Here is how to compare offers on price, terms and certainty, how to estimate your net proceeds, when to ask for best and final, and how backup offers work.2 min read

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How to buy a home with no down payment

Buying a home with little or nothing down is possible for many buyers. Here are the loan programs that allow 0% down, the low down payment options that come close, how down payment assistance can help, and the cash you'll still want to plan for even with no down payment.3 min read

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Refinancing with a non-occupant co-borrower

A non-occupant co-borrower is someone who joins your refinance but doesn't live in the home, often a parent or other relative. Their income can help you qualify, but they take on real responsibility for the loan. Here is how it works, what lenders review and what to talk through before you apply.3 min read

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Buying a home with a non-occupant co-signer

A parent or other relative who won't live in the home can sometimes join your mortgage to help you qualify. Here is how a non-occupant co-borrower works, how rules differ by loan type, what lenders review, the risks for the person helping, and how they can come off the loan later.2 min read

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Questions to ask at an open house

An open house is your chance to learn what the listing doesn't say. Here are the questions worth asking about the home, the sale and the costs of owning it, plus what to look for as you walk through.2 min read

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Open house tips for sellers

A good open house can bring in buyers and useful feedback. Here is how to get your home ready, what to do on the day, how to keep your things safe, and what to ask your agent afterward.2 min read

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Paying off auto loans with home equity

Using home equity to pay off a car loan can lower your rate, but it also turns a short loan on something that loses value into a long loan backed by your house. Here is how it works, when it can make sense, and when your car loan is better left alone.2 min read

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Paying off credit cards with home equity

Credit cards often carry some of the highest rates people pay, so moving that balance into a fixed-rate home equity loan can save real money. It also changes the stakes, because card debt becomes debt secured by your home. Here is how to weigh it and how to make it stick.2 min read

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Paying off a home equity loan early

Paying off a home equity loan ahead of schedule can save you a good deal of interest and free up your home's equity. Here are the ways to do it, what to check in your loan papers first, and how to decide whether extra payments are the best use of your money.2 min read

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Paying off medical bills with home equity

Medical bills can pile up fast, and a home equity loan can seem like a way to clear them in one move. But many medical bills carry little or no interest, and you may have options that don't put your house on the line. Here is how to decide.2 min read

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Paying off your mortgage when you sell

You don't need to pay off your mortgage before you sell. In most sales, the settlement agent pays your lender out of the sale proceeds at closing. Here is how that works, what can affect the payoff amount, and what happens to your escrow.2 min read

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Paying off personal loans with home equity

Using home equity to pay off personal loans can lower your rate and simplify your bills, but it turns unsecured debt into debt backed by your home. Here is when it can help, when it may not, and how to compare the real cost.3 min read

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Paying off student loans with home equity

Rolling student loans into a home equity loan can sometimes lower your rate, but federal student loans come with protections you would give up. Here is what you trade away, when it can make sense for private loans, and the questions to ask first.2 min read

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Paying off tax debt with home equity

Owing back taxes is stressful, and penalties and interest can keep adding up while the balance sits. A home equity loan can clear the debt in one payment, but it isn't the only route, and a tax lien can complicate borrowing. Here is how to think it through.2 min read

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PMI cancellation vs. refinancing

If you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) on a conventional loan, there are two main ways to stop: ask your servicer to cancel it, or refinance into a new loan without it.3 min read

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Pre-listing home inspection: is it worth it?

A pre-listing inspection is a home inspection you order before you put your home on the market. It can take surprises out of the sale, but it also brings disclosure questions. Here are the pros and cons, what it typically costs and finds, and how to use the report.2 min read

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Prepping your bedrooms to sell

Buyers picture themselves resting in a bedroom, so these rooms need to feel calm, clean and roomy. Here is how to declutter, set up the primary bedroom, make closets look bigger, handle kids' rooms and offices, and what not to spend money on.2 min read

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Prepping your front entry to sell

The front entry is the first thing buyers touch and the spot where they wait while their agent opens the lockbox. Here is how to clean it up, make the door stand out, light it well, choose a few simple touches and get the foyer just inside ready too.2 min read

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Prepping your garage to sell

Buyers open the garage door expecting storage, parking and a sense of how well the home has been kept. A cluttered, dim or oily garage sends the wrong message. Here is how to clear it out, clean it up, fix the small things and show it at its best, without spending much.3 min read

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Prepping your yard to sell

Having your paperwork ready is one of the easiest ways to keep a refinance moving. Here is what lenders usually ask for, why they need it, and tips for sending it.2 min read

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Refinancing in retirement

Retiring doesn't close the door on a refinance. Lenders can count Social Security, pensions and retirement account income, and federal law protects you from being turned down because of your age. Here is what income counts, how assets can help and how to choose a term that fits this stage of life.2 min read

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Refinancing an inherited home

If you inherited a home with a mortgage, you have options. You can keep paying the existing loan, sell the home or refinance it into your own name. A refinance can lower the rate, buy out other heirs or take cash out. Here are the steps, the protections for heirs and what to sort out first.2 min read

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Refinancing an investment property

Refinancing a rental property can lower your rate, improve your cash flow or free up equity for your next purchase.3 min read

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Refinancing a loan less than a year old

If rates have dropped since you closed, you may wonder whether you can refinance a loan that is only months old.3 min read

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Refinancing with a low appraisal

An appraisal that comes in lower than you expected can change your refinance, but it rarely has to end it. Here is how a low value affects your loan, how to check the report, and the options you have.2 min read

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Refinancing and your property tax escrow

When you refinance, your old escrow account closes and your new loan usually opens a new one. Here is how the money moves, why you may need to fund the new account at closing, and what happens to your refund.2 min read

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Refinancing a second home

Refinancing a vacation home or second home works much like refinancing your primary home, with a few extra rules.2 min read

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Refinancing when self-employed

Refinancing when you work for yourself is very doable.2 min read

Refinancing into a new 30-year loan can push your payoff date years further out. Here is how to lower your rate or payment and still keep your original payoff date, with a worked example and the trade-offs of each approach.3 min read

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Relocating for work: buying in a new city

Moving for a new job means buying a home in a place you may barely know, often on a tight timeline. With early pre-approval, a good local agent and a plan for the gap between homes, it's very doable. Here is how to qualify with a new job, shop from a distance and close smoothly.3 min read

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Removing someone from a mortgage

Taking someone off a mortgage, after a divorce, a breakup or when a co-signer wants out, usually takes more than a phone call to your lender. Here are the main ways to do it, why changing the deed is a separate step, what it takes to qualify on your own, and how to plan the costs.3 min read

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Rent-back agreements explained

A rent-back lets you stay in your home for a short time after it sells. It can make moving easier, especially if you're buying your next home at the same time. Here is how rent-backs work, what to put in writing, and what to watch for.2 min read

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Rental car coverage explained

"Rental car coverage" can mean two different things: paying for a rental while your car is repaired, or protecting a car you rent on a trip. Here is how each works and what to check first.2 min read

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Renters insurance explained

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Risks of using your home to pay off debt

Turning credit card or other debt into a loan backed by your home can lower your rate, but it raises the stakes. Before you borrow, it helps to see the risks clearly, spot the warning signs and know the safer options. Here is what to weigh.2 min read

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Should I roll closing costs into my refinance?

Rolling closing costs into a refinance means you borrow the fees instead of paying them at closing. It saves cash today, but you pay interest on those fees for years. Here is how it works, what it can really cost, the other trade-offs to watch, and why ZERO Closing Costs leaves little to roll in.3 min read

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How your roof affects insurance

Your roof is one of the biggest factors in what you pay for home insurance and what you get back after a claim. Age, material and condition all matter. Here is how carriers look at roofs, what to check in your policy and how a new roof can help.2 min read

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How to save for a down payment faster

Saving for a down payment can feel slow, but a few habits and the right loan program can shorten the road. Here are practical ways to build your savings, how much you may need, and where help can come from.2 min read

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Scheduled personal property coverage

Standard homeowners and renters policies limit what they'll pay for valuables like jewelry, art and collectibles. Scheduling an item lists it on your policy for a set value. Here is how it works and when it's worth it.2 min read

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Selling and buying at the same time

Selling one home while buying the next means juggling two contracts, two closings and your own move.3 min read

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Should I sell now or wait?

Deciding when to sell is part money, part life. Waiting for the perfect market can cost you in other ways. Here are the questions to ask, the numbers to run and the trade-offs to weigh before you decide.3 min read

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Sell or rent out your home?

When you move, keeping your old home as a rental can look like an easy way to build wealth. But rent has to cover far more than the mortgage, and being a landlord takes time. Here is how to run the numbers, the tax and insurance questions to ask, and how to decide between selling and renting.3 min read

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Seller concessions explained

Seller concessions are money you agree to put toward your buyer's closing costs. They can help a cash-tight buyer and close a deal without cutting your price. Here is how they work, the limits loan programs set, how a concession compares with a price cut, and when to offer one.2 min read

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Seller concessions: what they can cover

Seller concessions are money a seller agrees to put toward your costs at closing. They can make buying more affordable, but loan programs limit how much and what they can pay for. Here is how concessions work and how they fit with ZERO Closing Costs.2 min read

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Selling a condo

Selling a condo works a lot like selling a house, with a few extra steps tied to your association. Here is what documents buyers will expect, how the building can affect financing, and how to price and present your unit.2 min read

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Selling a townhome

Townhomes appeal to buyers who want space without the upkeep of a detached house. Selling one well means highlighting that appeal, getting your HOA paperwork ready early and pricing against the right homes. Here is how to prepare, what buyers compare, and how HOA rules can shape your sale.2 min read

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Selling a vacant home

An empty house can be easier to show, but harder to sell. Bare rooms can feel small, and small problems stand out. Here is how to keep a vacant home safe, presentable and ready for buyers.3 min read

You can sell a rental home with a tenant still living in it, but the lease, notice rules and buyer pool all shape how it goes. Here are your options and how to keep the sale on track.3 min read

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Shared equity agreements vs. home equity loans

Shared equity agreements and home equity loans both turn your home's value into cash, but they work in very different ways. One sells part of your home's future value. The other is a loan you repay with interest. Here is how each works, what each can cost, and how to choose.2 min read

Insuring a townhome depends on what you own and what your HOA insures. Some townhome owners need a full homeowners policy, while others fit a condo-style policy. Here is how to read your HOA documents, choose between HO-3 and HO-6 and fill the gaps around shared walls.2 min read

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Umbrella insurance explained

Umbrella insurance adds extra liability coverage on top of your home and auto policies. Here is how it works, what it covers and doesn't, and how to decide how much you might need.2 min read

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Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when the driver who caused a crash has no insurance, or not enough. Here is what it pays for, how underinsured coverage fills the gap, two claim examples, how to choose a limit, and what to ask your agent about the rules where you live.2 min read

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Refinancing a VA loan to conventional

VA loans are a strong benefit, so moving to a conventional loan should be a deliberate choice. Here are the common reasons veterans refinance out of a VA loan, what happens to your entitlement, and the trade-offs to compare first.2 min read

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Video and 3D tours for listings

Video walkthroughs and 3D tours let buyers explore your home online before they book a showing. They can help the right buyers find you faster and screen out poor fits. Here is how each type works, when they help most, how to prepare and what to ask your agent.2 min read

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Water backup coverage

Water backup coverage helps pay for damage when water comes up through your drains or your sump pump can't keep up. Standard homeowners policies often exclude it, so it's usually an add-on. Here is what it covers, what it doesn't, a claim example and how to choose a limit.2 min read

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What are contingencies in a home offer?

Contingencies are conditions in your offer that let you renegotiate or walk away if something important falls through, often with your earnest money back.2 min read

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What happens on closing day

Closing day is when the home becomes yours. Here is what to bring, what you'll sign, how the money moves, and when you can expect the keys.2 min read

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What happens during underwriting?

Underwriting is the step where your lender verifies your income, assets, credit and the home itself before giving final approval. Here is what the underwriter reviews, what conditions are, how long it often takes, and what you can do to keep your loan moving toward closing.2 min read

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What happens at a refinance appraisal?

Many refinances need an appraisal to confirm your home's value. Here is what the appraiser looks at, how recent sales set the number, how to prepare your home, and what you can do if the value comes in lower than you hoped.2 min read

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What isn’t covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance covers a lot, but not everything. Floods, earthquakes, wear and tear, pests and slow leaks are common gaps. Here are the exclusions that surprise people most, the add-ons and separate policies that can fill them, and how to read your own policy.2 min read

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Comparative market analysis (CMA) explained

A comparative market analysis, or CMA, is how a listing agent estimates what your home will sell for. Here is what goes into one, how agents adjust for differences, and how to use it to set your price.3 min read

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What is combined loan-to-value (CLTV)?

Combined loan-to-value, or CLTV, measures all the loans on your home against its value. It's one of the main numbers lenders use to decide how much you can borrow with a home equity loan. Here is how it works and how to figure yours.3 min read

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What is home equity?

The part of your home you own, and how it grows.2 min read

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What is PITI?

PITI stands for principal, interest, taxes and insurance: the four parts of most monthly mortgage payments. Here is what each part does, why it can change, and how lenders use it.3 min read

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What moves mortgage rates day to day?

Mortgage rates can change from one day to the next, and sometimes within the same day.2 min read

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What to bring to closing

Closing day goes smoothly when you show up with the right documents and your funds already sent the right way. Here is what to bring, how to send your closing funds safely, how to protect yourself from wire fraud, and what to check in your Closing Disclosure before the big day.3 min read

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What to leave behind when you sell

When you sell, some things stay with the house and some go with you. The general rule is that fixtures stay and personal property leaves, but your contract has the final word. Here is what usually stays, what usually goes, the items that cause disagreements, and what to leave for the new owners.2 min read

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When refinancing doesn’t make sense

A lower rate isn't automatically a better deal. Here are the situations where refinancing can cost more than it saves, and how ZERO Closing Costs changes the math.3 min read

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When to lower your asking price

Most buyers decide quickly whether a home is priced right. Here are the signs it may be time for a price change, how big a cut tends to work, and what to try before you adjust.2 min read

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When to switch insurance companies

Switching insurance companies can save money or get you better service, but timing and a few steps matter. Here are the signs it may be time to switch, the best moments to do it and how to change carriers without leaving a gap in coverage.2 min read

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Who pays the buyer’s agent?

How buyer's agents get paid changed after the 2024 real estate settlement rules. Now your written agreement with your agent sets the pay, and sellers can still offer to cover some or all of it. Here is how it works, the ways it can be paid, how loan rules come in and what to ask before you sign.2 min read

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Who pays closing costs, buyer or seller?

Buyers and sellers each pay their own share of closing costs, and the split is part of what you negotiate.2 min read

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Who services my loan after I refinance?

After you refinance, a company called a servicer collects your payments and manages your escrow. It may not be the same company you paid before. Here is how you'll find out who it is, what to expect if servicing moves, and how to keep your payments safe.2 min read

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Why home insurance premiums go up

Many homeowners see their insurance premium rise at renewal, even without a claim. Here are the common reasons, how a higher premium affects your mortgage payment, and what you can do about it.3 min read

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Percentage deductibles for wind and hail

Some homeowners policies use a separate deductible for wind and hail damage, set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage. Here is how it works, how to do the math, and what to check so a storm claim doesn't catch you off guard.2 min read