Mortgages

Looking to move soon? Explore the pros and cons of renting versus buying a home in this guide.

VA loans help military members and veterans purchase a home with preferential terms. Find out how these home loans work and what the eligibility requirements are.

Choosing a mortgage lender is a crucial part of the homebuying process. Finding one that best fits your needs can save you a significant amount of money.

Navigating the mortgage process means budgeting, getting pre-approved, finding the perfect home, finalizing the loan, and closing the deal smoothly.

Conventional mortgages are not insured or guaranteed by the federal government. There are several key differences between conventional mortgages and government-backed mortgages.

Mortgage preapproval offers you clarity on how much you can borrow, streamlines homebuying and boosts your loan approval odds. Learn how it works and what it takes to qualify.

First-time homebuying can be daunting, but understanding the process and your financial situation, such as your credit score, ensures a smooth journey to homeownership.

The Fed is expected to lower interest rates in 2024, but no one knows when or by how much. In the meantime, investors should look to CDs, savings accounts and bonds to provide a return.

When considering a new home purchase, prospective homebuyers should plan to spend no more than 28% of their gross monthly income on a mortgage payment.

FHA and conventional loans are both types of mortgages. FHA loans are easier to qualify for, making them popular among those entering the housing market.

Home inspections are a part of the homebuying process. A home inspection reassures buyers that a property is in good condition.

A mortgage denial can happen for a variety of reasons such as too much debt, insufficient income or a low credit score. Here’s how to deal with it.

Mortgage insurance is typically required when you put down less than 20% on a conventional loan or when you take out an FHA loan. Here’s how it works, how much it costs and alternatives to avoid it.

You can cut your tax bill by deducting the mortgage interest paid on the first $750,000 of your principal loan amount for married couples ($375,000 for single homeowners).

Mortgage prequalification is an informal step that tells you how much house you can reasonably afford. Here’s how to prequalify for a mortgage and why it matters.

A court case against the National Association of Realtors may lead to lower real estate commissions. Here’s why it matters.

Making a winning offer on a home requires a preapproval letter and a willingness to negotiate on important terms. Find out what you need to secure the home of your dreams

Not all home mortgages require a 20% down payment. Learn more about these options and how to qualify.

It’s possible to pay your mortgage with a credit card for rewards, but the fees might outweigh the benefits. Here are some other options to consider.

A reverse mortgage lets homeowners aged 62 or older tap into their home equity to boost their retirement income, but it's not free money. Here's how a reverse mortgage works.

Closing costs are costs you must pay before you finalize a property purchase. They are normally between 1.72% and 2.47% of the cost of the property, but can vary a lot.

Paying off your mortgage early can give you financial freedom and flexibility. However, be cautious of potential prepayment penalties and tax ramifications.

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) feature interest rates that can change over time. Find out how these mortgages work and which factors set them apart from fixed-rate loans.

Most mortgage lenders want to see a credit score of 620 or higher when you apply for a home loan, but it’s not always required for all loan types.

FHA loans have looser requirements than conventional mortgages, making them a good option for people with lower credit scores, smaller down payments or higher debt.

Learn more about FHA loans, how they work, their benefits and drawbacks, and who they’re right for.

Jumbo loans are home loans in amounts that exceed conforming loan limits. Find out what this means and the criteria you'll need to meet to qualify.

The home-buying process can require up to 15 steps from start to finish. We break it down from first finances to closing costs.

A piggyback loan is a viable option for homebuyers needing additional cash to complete the home-buying process.

If you’re getting ready to purchase a home or apply for a loan, understanding your debt-to-income ratio is crucial. Learn how to calculate your DTI in this article.

Escrow means a third party holds and manages the movement of payments between buyers and sellers in a transaction. Learn more about this concept.

A conforming loan is a mortgage that meets FHFA standards and can be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Here’s what you need to know about conforming loans.