Mortgage Articles & Resources

Let our mortgage articles help you understand both our services and home loans in general. Guaranteed Rate is dedicated to placing you and your needs at the center of everything we do, and that includes sharing our wisdom and expertise. Explore our collection of mortgage articles and let us know how we can help you navigate your home-buying journey.

Buying a Home

What is a short sale?

By Jeff Keleher on 6/11/2021

A short sale is when a homeowner sells their home for less than what they owe on the mortgage. See how short sales in real estate work & how it compares to foreclosures.

Mortgage Process & Options

VA loan termite & pest inspections: Everything you need to know

By Marty Arneberg on 6/8/2021

Termite & pest inspections are required for VA loans in certain parts of the country. See if your VA loan requires a termite inspection, who pays & how pest inspections for VA loans work.

What is Ginnie Mae (GNMA)?

By Jeff Keleher on 6/8/2021

Deed of trust: What it means for buyers

By Jeff Keleher on 6/3/2021

View all Buying a Home articles

What is a mortgage insurance premium (MIP)?

By Jeff Keleher on 6/8/2021

How does a cash-out refinance work?

By Marty Arneberg on 6/3/2021

View all Mortgage Process & Options articles

Owning a Home

What are joint tenants with right of survivorship (JTWROS)?

By Jeff Keleher on 6/2/2021

Joint tenants have right of survivorship transfers ownership from one party to another after a death. See how JTWROS works, its tax implications and how it compares to similar laws.

Refinance

Should I refinance now?

By David Insley on 6/3/2021

While some may think historically low interest rates have passed them by, the truth is that mortgage rates remain near record lows. Explore the savings and financial flexibility a refinance can provide.