Mike Otto

Title insurance is one of those parts of closing that often gets overlooked because it happens behind the scenes. Its job is to help protect against certain title issues tied to ownership of the property. Understanding what it is can help buyers feel a little more confident about what they are paying for at closing.

Debt-to-income ratio is one of those mortgage terms that sounds more complicated than it really is.

It simply compares your monthly debt payments to your income to help determine how much house you may be able to comfortably qualify for.

Understanding this number early can help you set better expectations before you start shopping.