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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.
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Recent Articles

A house set on a yellow background alongside varying sizes of dollar signs.
July 9, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

Warren Buffett Could've Bought His House in Cash. Here's Why He Still Took Out a Mortgage

Warren Buffett is worth billions, but he still took out a mortgage on his home. Here's why it made financial sense, and what everyday borrowers can learn from it.
A small house sits on a background of percentage signs.
May 18, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

I'm a Gen-Z Homeowner. Here Are 3 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Bought

Buying my first home was exciting, but I definitely had some learning to do along the way. Find out how you can be more prepared than I was.
A small wooden house with couple blurred in background.
April 21, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's the Median Down Payment on a Home in 2025

First-time home buyers put down a median of 9% last year, and 23% for repeat buyers. Learn more about lender requirements and savings tips.
Couple lounging by an inground pool in the back yard of a large home.
March 1, 2025 | By James McClenathen

Why Elon Musk and Other Billionaires Take Out Mortgages

Billionaires use mortgages to buy homes so they can keep as much money as possible in wealth-growing investments. Find out how regular people can do the same.
A realtor showing a smiling couple a new home.
Dec. 11, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Want to Buy a Home in 2025? 4 Crucial Moves to Make Now

I don't have a crystal ball, but I can tell you how to get ready for impending homeownership. Read on for the details.
A calculator, pad, and pen against a yellow background
Dec. 9, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Here's How Much Debt You Can Have and Still Get a Mortgage

Lenders look at two different debt ratios. Read on to learn what it means for you.
A man and woman meeting their realtor at the front door of a house with a For Sale sign out front.
Dec. 9, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

3 Ways You Can Still Buy a Home Even With Zero Down

Want to buy a house and still hold on to your nest egg? It's possible with these zero down programs. Read on to learn more.
Folded currency bills in the shape of a house
Dec. 8, 2024 | By Dana George

10+ Cities Where Buying a Home Makes No Financial Sense

In some cities, you may be setting yourself up to overpay for a home. Here's where researchers say to be careful.
a bunch of hundred dollar bills in the shape of a house
Dec. 8, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

What Can You Buy With Your Home Equity?

Home equity is more than a new roof or a snazzy front door. Read on to learn what you can do with your home's equity.
Young couple signs paperwork with agent as a set of keys sits nearby.
Dec. 6, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

3 Reasons You SHOULD Include Taxes and Insurance Into Your Mortgage

The question of whether to escrow your taxes and insurance with your mortgage is pretty controversial. Here are three reasons I say you definitely should.
Folded currency bills in the shape of a house
Dec. 6, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

Decoding Mortgage Interest Rates: How Can You Tell When It's Time to Buy?

Should you buy a home soon? Here are the key questions about finances, long-term plans, and emotional readiness you need to ask yourself.
Woman holding glasses with one hand on computer keyboard.
Dec. 6, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

What Buyers Need to Be Doing Now to Buy a Home in 2025

Want to buy a home in 2025? Learn how to prepare your finances, navigate market trends, and find the right agent.
A couple decides whether to sign a loan agreement or not while sitting at a desk in a bank.
Dec. 1, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

5 Reasons You Can Be Denied a Mortgage -- Even if Your Credit Score Is Excellent

Your credit score is certainly a big factor in mortgage approval. But it isn't the only one. Read on to learn other reasons you might be denied by a lender.
A man and woman sitting on their couch looking through bills and signing papers.
Dec. 1, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

This Underrated Hack Could Save You More Than $20,000 in Mortgage Interest

A realtor opening the door of a new home for a young couple.
Nov. 29, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

I'm a Former Realtor. Here's What I'd Do to Get Ready for the Spring 2025 Home Buying Market

Are you planning on buying a house in spring 2025? Now's the time to prepare. Read on for tips to help you get a solid start.
A house against an orange background
Nov. 26, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

Can You Buy a House Without a Credit Score?

Believe it or not, you can buy a house without a credit score, but you'll have to jump through extra hoops to do so. Read on to find out how.
A smiling real estate agent shows two clients features of a home's exterior.
Nov. 19, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

What Does the Fed Rate Cut Mean for Home Prices?

Cutting the federal funds rate is never a guarantee that mortgage rates will fall, since the two are not directly connected. Find out what's coming here.
A man sitting on his couch and reading on a tablet.
Nov. 18, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Prediction: Here's When We'll See 4% Mortgage Rates Again

Many people think low mortgage rates are a thing of the past, but I'm not so sure. Read on to find out when mortgage rates could fall.
A realtor showing a smiling couple a new home.
Nov. 17, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Here's What Happens to Your Credit Score if You Get Pre-Approved by 10 Mortgage Lenders

You might be surprised at the rules for mortgage shopping and credit scores. Find out what all home buyers need to know.
Folded currency bills in the shape of a house
Nov. 16, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

I'm 45 Years Old and Still Owe $300,000 on My House. What Should I Do?

If you're 45 and still saddled with significant mortgage debt, it's time to make some hard decisions for Future You. Find out what I'd do if I was in your shoes.
Happy, mature couple laying on the floor surrounded by moving boxes.
Nov. 15, 2024 | By Dana George

I'm 60 Years Old and Still Owe $200,000 on My House. Should I Be Worried?

It's natural to worry about whether you'll be prepared for retirement as you reach your 60s. Here are your options if you still have a mortgage.
A smiling couple talking to a woman who is showing them a tablet.
Nov. 12, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Here's What 5% Mortgage Rates in 2025 Would Mean for Home Buyers

You might be shocked at how much more affordable buying a home could get if mortgage rates reach 5%. Here's what you need to know.
Woman making calculations as she uses her laptop.
Nov. 11, 2024 | By Brittney Myers

My Mortgage Principal Only Went Down $2,400 After a Year of Payments. Here's Why

The first few years of mortgage payments can feel like a loan from Sisyphus. Read on to see where your money is really going.
A man and woman sitting at their kitchen table with papers spread around them while researching something on a laptop.
Nov. 11, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Can You Get Mortgage Rates Without a Hard Credit Pull?

You might be able to check your mortgage rates without impacting your credit score. Read on to find out how.
Woman holding glasses with one hand on computer keyboard.
Nov. 10, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

3 Ways to Take Advantage of the Lower Mortgage Interest Rates That Are Coming

A big drop in the federal funds rate generally points to a decent drop in mortgage rates. Find out how you can take advantage of the situation.