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By Craig Johnson

Public Records That Can Harm Your Credit Score

Any public record on your credit report is a mark against you, but some are worse than others.

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The three major credit reporting companies—TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax—use public records. Public records are the data and documents filed by federal, state, and county government. They are visible to the public by default. Keeping records public has the protection of the First Amendment because knowing the workings of their judicial system i...
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Home Loans

What Is Pre-Foreclosure and How Does It Work?

In this early stage of foreclosure, homeowners have several options to save their home.
Getting Started

Seller Financing: How It Works, Pros And Cons, And If It’s A Right Move For You

Gain a better understanding of seller financing, how it works, and the pros and cons from a buyer and seller perspective.
Home Loans

Guide to a House Property Deed

Clear explanations for every part of the document that officially makes you a homeowner.
Getting Started

What Is An Easement?

Easement in real estate explained.
Getting Started

What Is a Warranty Deed—Top Things You Should Know

Find out what a warranty deed is, learn the benefits, and see if it’s the right real estate move for you.
Major Purchase

Tax Lien Investing Explained

In many states you can buy the right to collect someone's tax debt and charge high interest, but proceed with caution.
Getting Started

How to Find Out Who Owns a Property

Are you trying to find out the ownership details of a particular home or property? We discuss numerous avenues to determine a property's owner.
Home Loan

How Do I Get a USDA Home Loan?

Discover if a USDA home loan is right for you and if you qualify.
Mortgage Refinance

Can You Refinance an FHA Loan?

Despite the unique features of an FHA loan, refinancing one is a lot like a conventional loan.
Home Loans

FHA Loans vs. Conventional Loans: Key Differences

We explain the many differences between FHA loans a conventional home loans.
Refinancing

Refi Breakeven Point: How to Calculate Yours

A mortgage refinance takes money in the form of closing costs, so when does the saving start?
Refinancing

More Good Uses for a Cash-Out Refi (and One Bad Use)

The cash from a cash-out refinance can put you on stable footing to make smart moves with your money.
Buying a Home

How You Can Avoid Paying PMI

Putting 20% down is the surefire way to avoid PMI, but here are three other ways.
News & Views

Higher Rates, Lower Prices. The Housing Market Course Correction Is Here.

As sellers scramble, buyers suddenly find themselves in the catbird seat.
Buying a Home

Silver Linings Playbook: Why Higher Rates Are Actually Good for Homebuyers

It’s counterintuitive, sure. It also just so happens to be true.
Solar Basics

Customization Makes Going Solar Easier Than Ever

Systems can be tailored to most any home, and you can mix and match options to your liking.
Solar Incentives

2022 Is the Final Year to Claim Your 26% Solar Tax Credit

Homeowners who don’t go solar this year are set to miss out big-time.
Home Improvement

Solar Success Story: A Home in the Woods

Follow the straightforward installation of an 18-panel rooftop solar energy system that paid for itself in five years.
Solar Basics

Solar Panels vs. Other Home Improvement Projects

Tackle big-ROI upgrades.
Solar News

Same-Day Permitting Launches Home Solar Into Warp Speed

Solar Access Act to reduce permit wait times to a matter of hours.
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