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Latest article
How Can I Fund a New Business Without a Monthly Payment?

Learn how one homeowner accessed $60,000 to start a business using an Equity Sharing Agreement without new monthly loan payments.

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Renovations & Remodeling
7 Smart Home Upgrades That Add Real Convenience & Value

Looking to make your home smarter? Discover practical smart home upgrades that save time, add convenience, and increase value – without the frustration or high costs of unnecessary gadgets.

keys on a table
Financial Health
How to Invest in a Second Property, Part 1: Deciding Whether (& When) to Invest

For many homeowners, the idea of buying a second property represents more than just a second real estate purchase. It’s a vision of financial freedom, flexibility, and future security – whether that means having a vacation spot to enjoy, a rental home generating income, or a nest egg that can grow in value over time.

A person getting money from their equity sharing agreement with unison.
Financial Health
2026 Re-Fi Reality Check: Why Many Homeowners Are Skipping the Cash-Out Refinance

Mortgage rates are still high in 2026. Learn why homeowners are skipping cash-out refinancing & what equity alternatives make more sense in today’s market.

How Much Should I Budget for Renovations and Repairs Over the Lifetime of a Home?
Renovations & Remodeling
How Much Should I Budget for Renovations and Repairs Over the Lifetime of a Home?

Learn how much to budget for home repairs and renovations over the lifetime of a home. See annual and monthly averages, regional differences, and smart ways to plan.

woman running a business
Financial Health
Top 5 Myths About Owning Your Own Business

Many would-be entrepreneurs talk themselves out of it before they even begin, thanks to a handful of persistent myths. But the truth is, owning a business is possible. And while it takes some serious work, it’s not reserved for the ultra-rich, ultra-connected, or ultra-lucky.

rundown house as an example of buying a home as-is
Homeownership
How Bad Is It To Buy A Home “As-Is”?

The phrase “as-is” shows up often in real estate listings, and it tends to raise eyebrows. For some buyers, it feels like an opportunity – a chance to get a deal on a property that others might overlook. For others, it sounds like a trap.

Financial Health
How Many Mortgage Quotes Do You Really Need?

Mortgages are stressful, and it can be tempting to just want to get it over with, but doing your homework can have a major impact. (Hint: get at least 4!)

Homeownership
How Does the Underwriting Process Work?

Mortgage underwriting is usually the make-or-break phase of a home purchase, and while it can seem simple, it's important to understand the details behind each step of the process.

Financial Health
What is a Piggyback Loan?

A piggyback loan is a second loan issued to a homebuyer, alongside a typical mortgage. Whether it's right for you likely depends on your credit and other details, but there are alternatives.

Financial Health
How Does an Earnest Money Deposit Work?

"Earnest money" is a deposit to the seller that indicates the buyer's intent to purchase a home. Read on to learn about when it's required, how much to expect, and how it all works.

Home Equity
Retirement Planning, Putting Home Equity to Work for You

The retirement landscape is changing every day, and traditional methods of funding it are beginning to fall away. We surveyed homeowners to gauge their thinking and find new solutions.

Financial Health
What is the Ideal Debt-to-Income Ratio to Buy a Home?

In the world of lending, "DTI" is one of the crucial tools used to measure your financial health. It's important to understand the different methods of measuring DTI and how it might affect you.