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Educational Resources
Check out our tips, articles, and insights dedicated to empowering everyone to get a great deal on their mortgage.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
From 480 to 750: The Real Way to Rebuild Credit Before Buying a Home
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Feb 25, 2026
The $80,000 Mistake Most Homebuyers Make Without Knowing
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 28, 2026
What is a Conventional Loan?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 27, 2026
What to Know About Credit Scores Before You Apply for a Mortgage
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
How to Actually Shop Your Mortgage Rate (Without the Chaos)
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 28, 2026
Navigating Uncertainty in 2026: What Every Borrower Must Know Right Now
Written by
Mack Abbott
Jan 28, 2026
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) vs Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP)
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Feb 9, 2026
The 5 Credit Score Factors Every Homebuyer Should Understand
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Feb 11, 2026
7 Costly First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes (And How Smart Buyers Avoid Them)
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Feb 13, 2026
The 50-Year Mortgage Proposal: What Homebuyers Need to Know
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Feb 13, 2026
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Guide: How to Remove It
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 27, 2026
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
From Loan Approval to Closing: What Happens in the Final Stretch
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Negotiating Repairs, Credits, and Seller Concessions Like a Pro
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Low Appraisal: Your 5 Options Explained (Negotiate or Walk)
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fincast vs. Credit Karma: Simple Guide to Mortgage Shopping & Credit Monitoring
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Loan Summary vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 30, 2025
How to Handle Multiple Offers (Without Overpaying)
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Understanding Real Estate Market Trends Before You Buy
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fincast vs. Bankrate: What's the Difference? A Simple Guide
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fincast vs. Zillow: Key Differences for Mortgage Shoppers
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fincast vs. Homes.com: A Simple Guide to Smarter Mortgage Shopping
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fincast vs. Redfin: Which Mortgage Platform is Right For You?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Pre-Approval vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Closing Cost Estimate vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Loan Summary vs. Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 30, 2025
Understanding Your Real Estate Agent's Role in Your Financial Decisions
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Feb 10, 2026
Appraisal vs. Inspection: What’s the Difference?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Final Walkthrough Checklist: What to Double-Check Before Closing
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Debt-to-Income Ratio Explained: Why It Matters to Lenders
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
How to Save for a Down Payment Without Feeling Broke
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fincast vs. LoanDepot: Compare and Evaluate Your Mortgage Options
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fincast vs. Realtor.com: Which Mortgage Path Saves You More?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Rate Lock Agreement vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Rate Lock Agreement vs. Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Might Qualify For
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Closing Cost Estimate vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Closing Disclosure vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Property Taxes, HOAs, and Zoning: The Fine Print You Can’t Ignore
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 30, 2025
Cost Worksheet vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 30, 2025
Top Smart Home Upgrades That Actually Add Value
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Dec 9, 2025
The Best Apps to Manage Home Maintenance and Expenses
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Earnest Money Deposits Explained: How Much and Why It Matters
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Closing Day Checklist: What to Expect & What to Bring
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
What a Buyer’s Agent Actually Does (and Why You Need One)
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
How to Research Neighborhoods Like a Local
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fincast vs. LendingTree: How to Shop Smarter for Your Mortgag
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fincast vs. NerdWallet: What's the Difference?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Pre-Approval vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Cost Worksheet vs. Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Cost Worksheet vs. Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
The Mortgage Cost Most Borrowers Miss: How Amortization Impacts Total Interest
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Feb 10, 2026
What to Do the First Week After You Move In
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
What Is Title Insurance — and Why You Shouldn’t Skip It
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Loan Summary vs. Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Loan Summary vs. Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 30, 2025
Understanding Home Equity — and How to Use It Wisely
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 12, 2026
The Ultimate Moving Checklist: From Utilities to Mail Forwarding
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Home Inspection Guide: What Happens & What to Look For
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
How to Choose a Qualified Home Inspector (8-Step Guide)
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Title Company vs. Attorney: Who Protects Your Closing?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fincast vs. Better: A Clear Guide to Smarter Mortgage Shopping
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Rate Lock Agreement vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Home Maintenance 101: The First-Year Homeowner’s Survival Guide
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 30, 2025
How to Build a Home Emergency Fund
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 29, 2025
Loan Summary vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 30, 2025
Cost Worksheet vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 30, 2025
Cost Worksheet vs. Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 30, 2025
Phone Quote vs Loan Summary: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 30, 2025
Fee Sheet vs. Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fee Sheet vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fee Sheet vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fee Sheet vs. Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Loan Summary vs. Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 30, 2025
Closing Disclosure Explained: Read Your CD Line by Line
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 26, 2025
When and How to Refinance Your Mortgage
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 12, 2026
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Invest the Extra Cash?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 12, 2026
Hidden Costs of Homeownership You Should Plan For
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 26, 2025
10 Common Myths About Buying a Home — Busted!
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 12, 2026
Should You Use a Mortgage Broker or Go Directly to a Bank?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 20, 2025
Negotiating Closing Costs: A Guide to Saving Thousands
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 20, 2025
How to Compare Mortgage Rates and Lenders Like a Pro
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 20, 2025
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent & Save Thousands
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 20, 2025
How to Make a Competitive Offer in a Hot Housing Market
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 20, 2025
Email Quote vs Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 11, 2025
Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 4, 2025
Pre-Qualification vs Email Quote: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 5, 2025
Closing Costs Explained: What Homebuyers Need to Know (and Avoid) in 2026
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Sep 9, 2025
Email Quote vs Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 13, 2025
Loan Estimate vs Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Oct 20, 2025
Cracking the credit code: How your score shapes your mortgage journey
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Aug 20, 2025
Pre-Qualification vs Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 8, 2025
Pre-Qualification vs Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 7, 2025
Loan Estimate vs Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Oct 18, 2025
Fincast vs. Rocket Mortgage: What’s the Difference?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Oct 23, 2025
Pre-Qualification vs Phone Quote: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 5, 2025
Loan Estimate vs Pre-Qualification: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Oct 9, 2025
Pre-Qualification vs Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 10, 2025
Pre-Qualification vs Fee Sheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 5, 2025
Loan Estimate vs Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Oct 17, 2025
Mortgages: What you need to know to shop for a mortgage
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Aug 20, 2025
Loan Estimate vs Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Oct 29, 2025
Email Quote vs Phone Quote: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 10, 2025
Pre-Qualification vs Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 8, 2025
How to save thousands on your mortgage
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Aug 20, 2025
Loan Estimate vs Fee Sheet: What Every First-Time Homebuyer Must Know in 2026
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Oct 17, 2025
Decoding mortgage interest rates: How to secure the best deal and save thousands
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Aug 20, 2025
Loan Estimate vs Phone Quote: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Oct 10, 2025
Email Quote vs Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 13, 2025
Loan Estimate vs Email Quote: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Oct 10, 2025
Email Quote vs Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 11, 2025
What is Mortgage Shopping? Complete 2026 Guide
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Sep 9, 2025
Email Quote vs Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 11, 2025
Loan Estimate vs Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Oct 20, 2025
Pre-Qualification vs Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 6, 2025
Email Quote vs Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 10, 2025
Loan Estimate vs Loan Summary: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Oct 17, 2025
What is a Loan Estimate? How to read it and save money
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Sep 17, 2025
Loan Estimate vs Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 4, 2025
Email Quote vs Fee Sheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 10, 2025
Email Quote vs Loan Summary: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 10, 2025
Pre-Qualification vs Loan Summary: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Nov 6, 2025
Fee Sheet vs. Loan Summary: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fee Sheet vs. Pre-Approval: What's the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Phone Quote vs Fee Sheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Phone Quote vs Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Phone Quote vs Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Phone Quote vs Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Phone Quote vs Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Phone Quote vs Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
The Complete Roadmap to Buying Your First Home
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Renting vs. Buying: How to Know When You’re Ready to Own
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Home Loan Types Explained: Conventional, FHA, VA, & USDA
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Understanding Contingencies: What They Mean and When to Use Them
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Understanding Escrow Accounts for Taxes and Insurance
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Escrow Process Explained: Step-by-Step Guide for Buyers
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
Fee Sheet vs. Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?
Written by
Benjamin Schieken
Jan 20, 2026
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