Mortgage Article Library

Zero Down Payment Home Loans: How to Buy a House With No Money Down

Zero-down home loans let you finance 100% of a home's purchase price, but closing costs, higher interest, and cash reserve requirements still apply. Choose the right loan type for your situation and make sure you can cover the costs that come after closing.

Can You Get a Mortgage With Student Loans? What Lenders Really Look For

Jul. 08, 2026

Can You Get a Mortgage With Student Loans? What Lenders Really Look For

Student loans don't disqualify you from getting a mortgage, but how your lender calculates your qualifying payment can vary significantly by loan program. Comparing programs like Fannie Mae, FHA, and VA loans, and getting pre-approved early, can make the difference between approval and denial.

12M Loans Qualify for a Mortgage Assumption: Here’s How to Inherit a 3% Rate

Jun. 02, 2026

12M Loans Qualify for a Mortgage Assumption: Here’s How to Inherit a 3% Rate

A low mortgage rate can feel like a thing of the past, unless you can take over one that already exists. That’s the appeal of an assumable mortgage. Instead of applying for a brand new loan at today’s rates, a buyer may be able to step into the seller’s existing mortgage, including its lower interest rate and remaining loan terms.

First-Time Homebuyer Financial Assistance 101

May. 11, 2026

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.

Mortgages for Investment Properties: What You Should Know Before Buying a Rental

Apr. 30, 2026

9 min read

Mortgages for Investment Properties: What You Should Know Before Buying a Rental

Investment property loans cost more and require stronger credit, bigger down payments, and solid reserves, but they can build long‑term wealth if you buy conservatively and stress‑test cash flow.

Home Equity Loan vs. Line of Credit: Which Option Is Right for You?

Apr. 30, 2026

8 min read

Home Equity Loan vs. Line of Credit: Which Option Is Right for You?

Home equity loans work best for one‑time, fixed costs and stable payments, while HELOCs fit phased or uncertain expenses but add payment and rate risk if you overspend or rates rise.

Mar. 31, 2026

8 min read

How to Get Low Mortgage Rates in 2026

In 2026, mortgage rates remain one of the most important factors in the cost of buying or refinancing a home. Even a 0.5% difference in rate can mean paying or saving tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. That’s why understanding how to get a lower mortgage rate is key to smart home financing.

When to Refinance Your Mortgage: A Comprehensive Guide

Mar. 18, 2026

When to Refinance Your Mortgage: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding mortgage refinancing helps you secure the right funding for your future financial goals.

How to Choose the Best Mortgage Lender: 9 Steps to Save Thousands

Feb. 04, 2026

How to Choose the Best Mortgage Lender: 9 Steps to Save Thousands

Choosing the right mortgage lender is one of the most important financial decisions you'll make as a homebuyer.

Jan. 27, 2026

2 min read

Home Affordability Calculator

Your income tells only part of the story. Use this home affordability calculator to combine your salary, monthly debts, and down payment savings to estimate how much home you can realistically afford.

Home Equity Mortgage Lenders to Consider in {year}

Jan. 13, 2026

Home Equity Mortgage Lenders to Consider in 2026

In 2026, home equity loans (HEL) remain a popular way to access cash at lower rates than credit cards (avg. 8% vs 21%). Borrowers can typically access up to 85% of their home's value. Interest is tax-deductible only when used for home improvements.

Avoid These 6 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes

Jan. 11, 2026

Avoid These 6 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes

The time has finally come. You’ve worked hard, you’ve saved up some money and you’re finally ready to put down some roots. It’s time for you to realize your dreams of becoming a homeowner.

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

Jan. 11, 2026

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.

Jan. 11, 2026

12 Ways To Get a Lower Mortgage Rate

Even a 1% rate difference can translate into tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. For example, on a $400,000 30-year mortgage, moving from 6.5% to 7.5% can mean roughly $95K–$100K in additional interest, depending on fees and exact loan terms.

Understand Your VA Home Loan

If you are an armed forces veteran and are planning to apply for a mortgage on a new home or refinance an existing loan, you might be eligible to secure favorable terms from your lender.

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Mortgage

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Mortgage

Unless you're one of the lucky few that can purchase a home for cash, you're likely to need some kind of a loan to realize your dream of home ownership. Broadly, a mortgage refers to the specific type of loan that’s used for home purchase. There are many types of mortgage terms you’ll want to know for a variety of circumstances, though many people are looking for conventional home loans.

A Guide to Lowering Your Monthly Mortgage Payments

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?

How to Get a Home Loan When You Have Bad Credit

How to Get a Home Loan When You Have Bad Credit

Bad credit may seem like it stands between you and a new home purchase. Fortunately, there are ways to get a mortgage even with bad credit.

FHA Loans: Your Guide to Getting a Loan with Low Credit

FHA Loans: Your Guide to Getting a Loan with Low Credit

If you want to buy a new home, but have a low credit rating or don’t have a lot of cash, you may consider applying for a Federal Government-backed loan. FHA Loan helps borrowers to secure mortgages from authorized lenders for as low as a 3.5% down payment.

A First-Time Buyer's Guide to Choosing a Home

A First-Time Buyer's Guide to Choosing a Home

Buying a house isn’t only the biggest financial decision most people make - it’s also the most personal. There is no one-size-fits-all house, especially when you factor in budget, mortgage offers, location, and all the red lines and deal-breakers that buyers tend to have.

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

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.

7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mortgage

Jan. 04, 2026

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.

Jan. 04, 2026

2 min read

Understanding Common Mortgage Terms

Applying for a mortgage involves a lot of confusing numbers, but it's actually the words around those numbers that you should be focused on. Learning and understanding common mortgage terms can make the application process a lot easier.

How Your Debt-To-Income Ratio Affects Your Mortgage

Oct. 27, 2025

How Your Debt-To-Income Ratio Affects Your Mortgage

Your debt-to-income ratio plays an important role in determining whether you qualify for a mortgage and what terms you'll receive.

Oct. 27, 2025

First-Time Home Buyer Checklist

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone but can also feel overwhelming. Buyers must navigate mortgage options, find the right property, manage closing logistics, and coordinate moving in.

Elections & Mortgage Rates: What Homebuyers Should Know

Oct. 27, 2025

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.

Mortgage Points: What They Are and When They Make Sense

Oct. 21, 2025

Mortgage Points: What They Are and When They Make Sense

Understanding mortgage points can be the difference between paying thousands more or less in interest over your loan's lifetime.

How To Avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Oct. 21, 2025

How To Avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

From 20% down payments to government loan programs, multiple strategies can eliminate PMI.

Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: What’s the Difference?

Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: What’s the Difference?

Understanding fixed vs adjustable rate mortgage options helps you choose the right financing for your home purchase.

What Is Mortgage Insurance and How Does It Work?

What Is Mortgage Insurance and How Does It Work?

When buying a home with less than 20% down, you'll likely encounter mortgage insurance—a cost that protects your lender but adds to your monthly payment.

Your First-Time Homebuyer Guide: 12 Steps to Owning Your Dream Home

9 min read

Your First-Time Homebuyer Guide: 12 Steps to Owning Your Dream Home

Buying your first house is a major life milestone and financial transaction.

How Does A VA Loan Work? The Essential Details You Need To Know

How Does A VA Loan Work? The Essential Details You Need To Know

Serving your country takes sacrifice, so the government rightfully established several benefit programs to recognize your dedication.

13 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes To Avoid

13 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes To Avoid

Buying your first home is one of life's biggest financial decisions—and it's surprisingly easy to make costly mistakes.

How to Get Approved for a Mortgage With Bad Credit: Your Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Approved for a Mortgage With Bad Credit: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Having bad credit doesn't mean you can't buy a home.

Balloon Mortgage: What Is It And What Are the Benefits?

Sep. 02, 2025

Balloon Mortgage: What Is It And What Are the Benefits?

Understanding balloon mortgage options helps you evaluate unique financing structures with lower initial payments.

How to Get a Mortgage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Aug. 28, 2025

How to Get a Mortgage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a mortgage is an important step when you need to buy a home, as few people can afford to pay for a house entirely in cash.

How to Use Your Home Equity: A Comprehensive Guide

Aug. 28, 2025

How to Use Your Home Equity: A Comprehensive Guide

Home equity is one of the most significant financial resources available to homeowners.

Mortgage Approval Process: How Does It Work?

Aug. 26, 2025

Mortgage Approval Process: How Does It Work?

Getting a mortgage can feel overwhelming, especially if you're buying your first home.

Mortgage Pre-Approval: Your Guide to a Smoother Home Buying Journey

Aug. 25, 2025

Mortgage Pre-Approval: Your Guide to a Smoother Home Buying Journey

Navigating the home-buying process can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time home buyers.

What Is a Second Mortgage and How Does It Work?

Aug. 25, 2025

What Is a Second Mortgage and How Does It Work?

A second mortgage can be a powerful financial tool when you need to access your home's equity for major expenses.

Jan. 30, 2025

FHA Loans 101 for 2026

FHA mortgage loans are an attractive option for first-time homebuyers. If you’re looking for your first home and don’t have 20% of the home purchase price for a conventional loan down payment, FHA loans backed by the U.S. government can offer between 3.5% and 10% down payments.

Second Mortgage Lenders & Loans in {year}

Jan. 30, 2025

Second Mortgage Lenders & Loans in 2026

Own a home and in need of a loan? One of the most convenient ways to secure the large amount of cash you need to fund that renovation, medical bill, or college tuition is to take out a second mortgage on your home.

How I Saved Thousands Negotiating My Mortgage Terms

May. 15, 2023

How I Saved Thousands Negotiating My Mortgage Terms

Buying a house is an exciting time, but it isn’t a stress-free process. Part of the process is getting approved for a mortgage to help pay for the home. My wife and I recently went through this experience when we were moving from Florida to Indiana.

Refinance Without Closing Costs - Is it Right for You?

May. 14, 2023

Refinance Without Closing Costs - Is it Right for You?

You might be considering refinancing your mortgage. Before agreeing to a new deal at the lowest rate, it is worth calculating whether you can save more with a no-closing-cost refinance.

Apr. 30, 2023

What is a Manufactured Home?

Also known as “prefab” or prefabricated homes, manufactured homes are built in factories. Unlike traditional homes, which are constructed on-site with a permanent foundation, manufactured homes are put together on a temporary chassis and then transported to the site where they are installed.

Apr. 27, 2023

Is A 15-Year Mortgage Right for You?

So, you’re in the market for a house? You’ve probably been reading up on all there is to know about taking out a mortgage. The basics are pretty straightforward: once you put in a down payment, a mortgage loan covers the remaining cost of a home, which you’ll need to pay back over x number of years.

Mar. 25, 2021

Should I Refinance My Mortgage?

Refinancing your home loan can save you a lot of money in the long run. However, there are some things to be aware of. In this article, I'm going to unpack what you need to know about refinancing your home so you can get started right away.

Tougher Mortgage Requirements? Learn How You Can Qualify

Mar. 18, 2021