Personal Finance
Advertiser Disclosure

Mortgages

Best Mortgage Refinance Rates

Best Mortgage Refinance Rates for September 2024

Our comprehensive guide will show you what to do to get the best mortgage refinance rate right now.

cash to close

Cash to Close: Definition, Calculation & How to Prepare Early

Do you know what you need to pay when you close on a home? Read on to learn exactly what cash to close is and to estimate how much you’ll need when buying a house.

how to refinance mortgage

A Complete Guide to Refinancing Your Mortgage

Are you considering refinancing your mortgage? We cover everything you need to know in our comprehensive guide.

Pay mortgage with credit card

Is It Possible to Pay Your Mortgage With a Credit Card?

You might be able to pay your mortgage with a credit card, but it may not be easy or affordable. Find out when it makes sense.

What Is A Bridge Loan

What Is a Bridge Loan? A Complete Guide to Bridge Financing

Are you considering a bridge loan? We’ll walk you through how they work, the things you need to consider, and whether or not you might qualify.

how to get a mortgage

A Complete Guide to Getting a Mortgage

Are you looking to buy a home and need help navigating the world of mortgages? This guide covers everything from types of loans to tips for getting approved.

What Is a Reverse Mortgage

What Is a Reverse Mortgage and Is One Right for You?

A reverse mortgage could help you cover your monthly expenses if you have limited retirement funds, but it has pros and cons. Learn more.

How to Buy A House in 2023: An Essential Guide

How to Go About Buying a House Step by Step

Want to know how to buy a house in 2023? Learn more about purchasing a home in a transitioning real estate market.

percentage sign next to a model home, in the background man signing on a mortgage

What Is the Ideal Percentage of Income for Mortgage Payments?

The percentage of your income that should go to a mortgage depends on your other debts and your comfort level. Find out the common rules of thumb and when they apply.

Rent or Buy

Renting vs. Buying: Which Is the Best Choice for You?

While homeownership allows to build equity, renting offers freedom and flexibility. Want to learn more about the pros and cons of renting versus buying? Learn more.

mortgage lender

Shopping for a Mortgage? How to Choose a Mortgage Lender to Suit Your Needs

Finding the best mortgage lender doesn’t have to be difficult. Use these tips to find the best mortgage lender for your unique lending needs.

cost of house renovations

How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a House? What to Spend, How to Pay for It

Knowing how much it costs to renovate a house can help you plan and budget for this endeavor. Keep reading to learn how much you could spend.

types of mortgages

The Different Types of Mortgage Loans for Homebuyers

Mortgages, like the real estate they finance, come in a wide variety of options designed to suit different buyers. Some, like fixed-rate loans, are more common than others.

Down Payment on a House

What Is the Average Down Payment on a House in 2024?

The average house down payment varies across the country. Find out how much you need to save based on where you live and the type of home loan you want.

2 people talk about a house offer

Can You Back Out Of A House Offer?

A home purchase contract is legally binding, but you may still be able to back out of a house offer if certain situations occur.

man looking at a model house with a magnifying glass

What is an Appraisal Contingency?

Buying a home? Learn what an appraisal contingency is when it comes time to draft a purchase offer with your real estate agent.

What are Construction to Permanent Loans?

Are you planning to build a new home? Construction-to-permanent loans might be the best way to finance the project. Here’s everything you need to know.

credit score

Which Credit Score Do Mortgage Lenders Use?

Looking to take out a mortgage? It’s important to find out what credit scores mortgage lenders use so you can put your best financial foot forward.

historical cd rates

Historical Mortgage Rates: Past, Present, and Future

Learn more about the history of mortgage rates and how economic conditions have impacted rate trends over time.

30 year mortgage rates

Best 30-Year Mortgage Rates in September 2024

The best 30-year mortgage rates can lead to huge savings over the life of the loan. These lenders offer some of the lowest APRs.

How to Pay Your Mortgage

How to Pay Mortgage: 7 Payment Methods

Learn everything you need to know about mortgages, from ways to pay your mortgage monthly to innovative strategies for paying it off faster.

15-year mortgage rates

Best 15-Year Mortgage Rates in September 2024

A 15-year mortgage can be an excellent way to finance a home and keep interest costs under control.Find the best 15-year mortgage rates here.

Reverse Mortgage vs Home Equity Loan

Reverse Mortgage vs. Home Equity Loan: Key Differences And Which To Choose

Reverse mortgages and home equity loans allow you to access your home’s equity, but how they impact your finances is vastly different.

How to find a real estate agent

How to Find A Real Estate Agent (For Buyers and Sellers)

Choosing a real estate agent can be a stressful process, but by following a few easy steps you can find the best agent to help you buy or sell a home.

home appraisal

Home Appraisal: What Is It, How It Works, Types

When buying or refinancing, a home appraisal report is often required by lenders prior to closing. Here’s a look at what home appraisals are and how they work.

best mortgage lenders

Best Mortgage Lenders for 2024

Mortgage loans typically have repayment terms that last decades, so it’s important to choose the right lender from the start. Our list of the best mortgage lenders can help you narrow down the choices.

refinance mortgage

How Long Does It Take to Refinance a House?

A mortgage refinance usually takes about 30 to 45 days to complete, but it could take more or less time, depending on the situation.

buy and sell house

How to Buy and Sell a House At the Same Time

Buying and selling a home at the same time can be tricky. Find out how to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

cash out refinance mortgages

Best Cash Out Refinance Mortgages 2024

A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a new one while providing a lump sum of cash from your home’s equity.

closing on a house

What to Expect When Closing on a House

Closing is the final stage of a real estate transaction, concluding with the title transfer. It can last up to two months, and the buyer has several responsibilities.

online mortgage lenders

Best Online Mortgage Lenders for 2024

Many of the best mortgage lenders offer an entirely online application and origination process. Here’s how to get an online mortgage and which lenders to consider.

Mortgage points

Mortgage Points: What Are They And How Do They Work?

Confused about mortgage points? Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about buying and using mortgage points for your home loan.

Is PMI tax deductible

Is PMI Tax Deductible?

Your private mortgage insurance (PMI) used to be tax deductible if you met certain conditions. While you can’t take a deduction now, you might qualify to file an amended return for past years.

How to Pay Back a Reverse Mortgage

How to Pay Back a Reverse Mortgage

Paying back a reverse mortgage can be done by selling the home, using savings, obtaining a new mortgage, or giving the lender a deed in lieu of foreclosure.

first time home buyer grant

First-time Home Buyer Grants & Programs: All You Need to Know

Buying your first home and wondering how to afford it? Learn about what first-time home buyer grants and programs you may qualify for to make your new home more affordable.

best time to buy a home

Best Time to Buy a House in 2024

Spring signals the start of the homebuying season, when home inventory and sales typically hit their annual peaks. But it's not necessarily when buyers get the best deals.

va loan limits

VA Loan Limits 2024: What You Need To Know

If you’re trying to get a VA loan to buy a home, you might face VA loan limits. It depends on your history and eligibility.

 pay off your mortgage or invest

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?

Debating whether you should put extra cash towards mortgage payments or investing it? It’s a tricky decision, but both are worthy goals.

mortgage preapproval

How Long Is a Mortgage Preapproval Good For?

A mortgage preapproval is usually good for up to 90 days. Learn what it’s used for, when you should apply, and how it differs from a prequalification.

second mortgage

What is A Second Mortgage & How Does It Work?

A second mortgage is an additional loan against your home’s equity. Learn the pros and cons of a second mortgage and how it works to decide if it's right for you.

appraisal gap clause

What Is an Appraisal Gap Clause?

An appraisal gap clause says you agree to pay the difference between the appraised value and the agreed-upon purchase price of a home, up to a limit.

private mortgage insurance

What is Private Mortgage Insurance? All You Need To Know

PMI protects the lender if you default on your mortgage. You may be required to pay for it if your down payment is less than 20%.

Jumbo Loan

What Is A Jumbo Loan And How Does It Work?

A jumbo loan is a nonconforming mortgage above the Federal Housing Finance Agency maximum. Learn how they work, pros and cons, plus how to qualify.

1.3046.0+2.4.0