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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

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Guide: How to Remove It

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 27, 2026

What is a Conventional Loan?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 27, 2026

How to Actually Shop Your Mortgage Rate (Without the Chaos)

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 28, 2026

The $80,000 Mistake Most Homebuyers Make Without Knowing

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 28, 2026

Loan Summary vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 30, 2025

Fincast vs. Credit Karma: Simple Guide to Mortgage Shopping & Credit Monitoring

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 20, 2026

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

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

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 20, 2026

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

Loan Summary vs. Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 30, 2025

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

Closing Cost Estimate vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

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

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

Fincast vs. Bankrate: What's the Difference? A Simple Guide

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

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

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

What to Know About Credit Scores Before You Apply for a Mortgage

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

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

Loan Summary vs. Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 30, 2025

Loan Summary vs. Pre-Approval: 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

Pre-Approval vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

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

How to Research Neighborhoods Like a Local

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

What to Do the First Week After You Move In

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 20, 2026

The Best Apps to Manage Home Maintenance and Expenses

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 20, 2026

Navigating Uncertainty in 2026: What Every Borrower Must Know Right Now

Written by

Mack Abbott

Jan 28, 2026

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

Understanding Home Equity — and How to Use It Wisely

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 12, 2026

Rate Lock Agreement vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 20, 2026

Fincast vs. Better: A Clear Guide to Smarter Mortgage Shopping

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

What Is Title Insurance — and Why You Shouldn’t Skip It

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 20, 2026

The Ultimate Moving Checklist: From Utilities to Mail Forwarding

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 20, 2026

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

Loan Summary vs. Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 30, 2025

Home Maintenance 101: The First-Year Homeowner’s Survival Guide

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 30, 2025

Fee Sheet vs. Rate Lock Agreement: 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. Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 20, 2026

Home Inspection Guide: What Happens & What to Look For

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 20, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-Qualification vs Loan Summary: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 6, 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

Fee Sheet vs. Cost Worksheet: 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

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

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 Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jan 20, 2026