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Mortgage Article Library

Learn more about the mortgage process, mortgage rates, credit scores, and loan programs.

Oct. 21, 2025

4 Different Ways to Leverage Your Home Equity

Building equity is important because you can tap into it to pay for major expenses such as a home remodel, credit card bills, or college tuition. The more equity you have, the more funds you can access when you need them. Buying a home and building equity is wonderful, but how do you access that cash when you need it?

7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mortgage

Oct. 21, 2025

3 min read

7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mortgage

When purchasing a home, a mortgage is almost always an inevitability. To ensure the best outcome, it’s important to plan ahead and make a decision that meets your financial and personal needs.

How to Choose a Mortgage Lender for a First-Time Home Buyer

Oct. 21, 2025

5 min read

How to Choose a Mortgage Lender for a First-Time Home Buyer

To first-time home buyers, the mortgage application process may seem like a whole new world, with different terms and rules to learn, and so many decisions to make. Home buyers not selling a home tend to have smaller down payments, and less-established credit histories. On the other hand, they may qualify for government programs to help them get into a home.

Home Equity Mortgage Lenders to Consider in {year}

Oct. 21, 2025

4 min read

Home Equity Mortgage Lenders to Consider in 2025

If you own a property, the value of that property minus the outstanding mortgage is known as equity. With a home equity loan (HEL), you put that equity down as collateral in order to borrow money.

10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Lender

Oct. 21, 2025

4 min read

10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Lender

You’ve narrowed your search down to a short list of lenders, or perhaps you’ve even been pre-qualified for a mortgage. The next part is beginning your formal mortgage application—but before you do that, it’s important to make sure you’ve prepared the right questions to ask your lender. Here are the 10 questions to ask your mortgage lender to get you started:

A Guide to Lowering Your Monthly Mortgage Payments

Oct. 21, 2025

5 min read

A Guide to Lowering Your Monthly Mortgage Payments

Your mortgage has been approved, you’ve made your down payment and paid all closing costs, and you’re ready to move into your new home. But your biggest cost is still ahead of you: your monthly mortgage payments. So, what exactly are these payments, and what can you do to make sure they cost you as little as possible?

Mortgage vs. Mortgage Refinance - What's the Difference?

Oct. 21, 2025

3 min read

Mortgage vs. Mortgage Refinance - What's the Difference?

The more you understand about your home and the mortgage you pay, the easier it will be to sort through your finances and have realistic expectations for your current situation.

Elections & Mortgage Rates: What Homebuyers Should Know

Oct. 21, 2025

4 min read

Elections & Mortgage Rates: What Homebuyers Should Know

As mortgage rates fluctuate, Americans question how much presidential policies influence housing costs. In reality, the connection isn’t as direct as campaign speeches suggest.

First-Time Homebuyer Financial Assistance 101

Oct. 21, 2025

5 min read

First-Time Homebuyer Financial Assistance 101

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. Finding the perfect home, putting together a down payment, and getting approved for a mortgage - it’s a lot of work and the financial burden adds up quickly. The good news is that first time buyers have special programs designed just for them. We’ll explain everything you need to know about how to qualify for them.

Oct. 21, 2025

3 min read

5 Reasons to Tap Your Home Equity

Home equity is the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount of mortgage debt owed. The amount of your home equity typically increases as you pay down the mortgage debt on your home. Home equity is a resource available to homeowners and can be useful if used properly. If you decide to tap your home's equity be sure to consider a variety of lenders and loan types.