Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

This device is too small

If you're on a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to best optimize your experience.

Skip to main content

Mortgage Articles

Buying a home is probably your life's most costly undertaking. Learn how to find the best lenders and get the best interest rates and you can save tens of thousands of dollars.

Recent Articles

Aug. 23, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

What Mortgage Interest Rate Can You Get With a Credit Score of 720?

Knowing your mortgage interest rate before you even start shopping for mortgages can give you a leg up. Read on to learn how your score affects them.
Aug. 21, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

2 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Refinancing Your Mortgage

If you bought a home with a high mortgage rate in recent years, refinancing could make sense. But here are two mistakes to watch out for.
Aug. 20, 2024 | By Robin Hartill, CFP

What Would My Monthly Payment Be on a $1,000,000 House?

In many real estate markets, $1 million homes are becoming the norm. Find out what you'd owe every month on a million-dollar house.
Aug. 20, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

Will I Be Able to Afford a House if Rates Fall?

Housing affordability is the worst it's been since the 1980s. Find out why falling rates could help, as long as property prices don't increase even more.
Aug. 20, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

What Would My Monthly Payment Be on a $600,000 House?

You can help control the monthly price of your home. Read on to find out what steps to take.
Aug. 20, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Prediction: It's Going to Be Cheaper to Sign a Mortgage in 2025

Tired of sky-high mortgage rates? Read on to see why relief may be in sight.
Aug. 19, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Prediction: It's Going to Be Cheaper to Buy a Home in 2025

There's a reason home prices are likely to fall in 2025. Read on to see why.
Aug. 18, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

Should You Use Your 401(k) to Pay Off Your House?

If you have enough in your 401(k) to pay off your house, should you do it? Learn when it makes sense and when it will cost you.
Aug. 18, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

What Would My Monthly Payment Be on a $400,000 House?

Mortgage rates have come down significantly in recent weeks. See how it could impact your ability to afford a home.
Aug. 16, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

$1 Million Starter Homes Are the Norm in This State

Starter home prices have spiked nationwide. Read on to find out where it's the most expensive to buy.
Aug. 16, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Prediction: Mortgage Rates Will Drop in 2025

Mortgage rates have fallen sharply from their highs recently, but this could be just the start. Read on to see where rates are going next year.
Aug. 13, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Forget Mortgage Rates: This Is Way More Important to Home Buyers

It's easy to get hung up on mortgage rates. Read on for another big factor that should grab your attention even more if you're looking to buy a home.
Aug. 13, 2024 | By Danielle Antosz

Here's Why I Stopped Making Extra Payments on My Mortgage

When I bought my home in 2021, I paid extra toward the principle every month. Then I did some math and decided to invest that extra money instead.
Aug. 12, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Mortgage Rates Just Plunged. Is It Time to Refinance?

30-year mortgage rates just fell to a 15-month low. Find out how to tell if refinancing is right for you.
Aug. 11, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Will Mortgage Rates Get Better in 2025? Here's What to Expect

Will home buyers who need mortgages get any relief in the new year? Read on to find out.
Aug. 10, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Signed a Mortgage a Few Years Ago? This Could Be One of the Worst Financial Moves You Make Now

You may be inclined to put extra money into your mortgage to shed that loan sooner. Read on to see why that's a move you might regret.
Aug. 10, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Here's How Low Mortgage Rates Could Go in 2025

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower interest rates soon. Could it finally make buying a house cheaper? Learn the latest projections here.
Aug. 8, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Mortgage Rates Just Plunged to Their Lowest Level in More Than a Year. Is Now the Time to Buy?

Mortgage rates just took a dive. But does that make it a good time to buy a home?
Aug. 7, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Forget Paying Off Your Mortgage Early. Here's a Much Better Use of Your Money

You may be inclined to pump extra money you have into your mortgage. But read on to see why that's really not your best move.
Aug. 7, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

Here's Why You'll Definitely Want to Buy Your First Home in a Rural Town

Buying a first home is tough, but if you choose a rural town for your home sweet home, you'll thank me. Find out why here.
Aug. 7, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

The Average Cost of Home Maintenance Is Up, Now $10,000 a Year. How Do You Compare?

With the cost of home maintenance up, saving every nickel you can is vital. See what's the most expensive and how to fight back.
Aug. 6, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

Here's How to Know How Expensive a Mortgage You Can Afford

Buying a house is a huge decision, and you want to make sure you don't regret it. Check out these tips to confirm that your mortgage loan is within budget.
Aug. 6, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

Here's Why I'll Never Get a 15-Year Mortgage

Are you considering a 15-year mortgage? It can offer savings, but you should beware of the risks. Here's why you may want to get a 30-year mortgage instead.
Aug. 5, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

Thinking of Downsizing to a Smaller House? Here's Why It Might Not Be Worth It

Are you struggling to afford your house, or are you considering downsizing to reduce the amount of upkeep? Find out why you may want to wait to downsize.
Aug. 3, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Is It Safe to Rent Your Home During Retirement?

Owning a home during retirement might seem like a more financially stable option than renting. But learn why renting could be a great idea for retirees, too.