Mortgage Articles

A man crouching on the floor next to tools while repairing a bathroom sink.

Sept. 15, 2023 | By Natasha Etzel

Here's What Can Happen When You Delay Important Home Maintenance and Repairs

If you own a home, you must take good care of it. That includes handling maintenance and repair tasks. Find out what happens if you ignore proper upkeep.

Homeowner opening the door for repairman.

Sept. 10, 2023 | By Natasha Etzel

78% of Homeowners Are Delaying Necessary Home Maintenance Due to Inflation. Here's Why It Will Cost Them

It's essential for homeowners to stay on top of routine home maintenance. Find out what financial consequences could occur if you delay maintenance tasks.

Mature man going over paperwork with young couple.

Sept. 6, 2023 | By Chris Neiger

Should You Get a Trust to Protect Your Home?

Putting your home in a trust could help your heirs avoid months of court processing. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of a trust.

A man and woman sitting on a couch and talking with their realtor while holding paperwork.

Sept. 4, 2023 | By Natasha Etzel

The Median Home Sale Price in July Was $406,700. Will Prices Ever Come Back Down?

Are home prices getting you down? You're not alone. The median existing-home sale price in July 2023 was $406,700. Find out whether prices will drop soon.

A teacher speaking with a table of students in the lunch room at a school.

Sept. 4, 2023 | By Chris Neiger

School Is Starting Again. These Are the Most Affordable Cities for Teachers

An estimated 28% of teachers with education debt struggle to pay their mortgages. Read on to see some of the most affordable cities for educators.

Two people standing in the kitchen of a home for sale with a real estate agent.

Sept. 3, 2023 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Zillow Is Offering Mortgages With Just 1% Down -- Should You Take Advantage?

This program can help get you into a house faster, but is it a great idea for you? Keep reading to learn what to consider.

A realtor handing a set of house keys to a smiling man and woman.

Aug. 28, 2023 | By Steven Porrello

3 of the Best First-Time Home Buyer Assistance Programs in Texas

Home values in Texas are below the national average, but that doesn't make it easier to buy one. Learn what programs are available to help you with your first mortgage.

Two people holding hands while standing in the living room of a new house and talking with a realtor.

Aug. 28, 2023 | By Steven Porrello

3 of the Best First-Time Home Buyer Grants & Programs in California

The average home in California is worth twice the national average. Learn what programs can help first-time home buyers afford a home there.

A worried person looking out the window of their apartment.

Aug. 27, 2023 | By Dana George

Why Natural Disasters Aren't Discouraging People From Moving to These 5 States

Those who are able to are flocking to live in areas prone to natural disasters. Here, we look at where they're going and why they're moving.

Woman sorting through mail at her mailbox.

Aug. 27, 2023 | By Brittney Myers

JPMorgan Is Buying $2B in Single-Family Mortgages. Here's What Happens if You Get a New Lender

JPMorgan's purchase means many homeowners are about to have a new lender. This is what they could be facing.

A man and woman looking through the door of a house held open by a realtor.

Aug. 27, 2023 | By Steven Porrello

3 of the Best First-Time Home Buyer Grants and Programs in Florida

Buying your first home in Florida can be easier with state and federal programs. Check out the best home buyer programs Florida has to offer here.

Aug. 24, 2023 | By David Chang, ChFC®, CLU®

This Underrated Rule of Thumb Will Tell You How Much House You Actually Can Afford

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you have to make. Find out how much house you can afford with this helpful rule of thumb!

A stressed person looking through papers and sitting in front of a laptop at a kitchen counter.

Aug. 24, 2023 | By Dana George

Here's What Happens When You Inherit a House

Research shows that the number of people leaving inheritances has increased in recent years. Here's what to expect if your inheritance includes a home.

A realtor shakes hands with a senior couple in front of a For Sale sign and house.

Aug. 23, 2023 | By Dana George

A Surplus of Real Estate Agents Is Hurting the Housing Market and Costing Buyers Tons of Money

There are more than 2 million licensed real estate professionals in the U.S. Here's how the glut costs the average buyer and seller money.

A happy couple on a couch with receipts and a laptop.

Aug. 20, 2023 | By Natasha Etzel

Here's What Happens When You Pay Off Your Mortgage -- and What to Do After Your Home Is Paid Off

Paying off your mortgage is a major accomplishment and a big win for your personal finances. Here's what to expect after paying off your home loan.

A woman chats with her realtor while standing outside a nice house.

Aug. 18, 2023 | By Ashley Maready

These Are Suze Orman's Housing Predictions for the Rest of 2023

Buying a home isn't the easiest prospect these days. Keep reading for finance expert Suze Orman's take on mortgage loans right now and going forward.

Two people speaking with a real estate agent while looking at a pool in the backyard of a house.

Aug. 17, 2023 | By Ashley Maready

4 Things About a House You Can't Change -- So Choose Wisely

If you hate the kitchen in your new home, you can remodel. But keep reading to learn which qualities about a home can't be so easily altered.

A couple reads financial paperwork with an advisor.

Aug. 16, 2023 | By Ashley Maready

Even Though Housing Prices Have Declined, Homes Are Less Affordable Than Ever. Here's Why

Homes have declined in price over the past year, but that doesn't mean it's easy to buy one. Read on to learn why we still have a difficult housing market.

A smiling couple talking to a woman who is showing them a tablet.

Aug. 14, 2023 | By Chris Neiger

These Are the Most-Googled Mortgage Loan Terms

Mortgage prices have skyrocketed over the past few years. Read on to find out what mortgage terms online users are most interested in.

A person sitting at a desk and filling out paperwork.

Aug. 10, 2023 | By Charlie Pastor, CFP®

Considering a 40-Year Mortgage? You Could Pay Hundreds of Thousands More in Interest

Lower monthly payments might sound nice, but getting a 40-year mortgage could be a costly mistake in the long run. Here's why.

Man and woman working on a kitchen remodel.

Aug. 9, 2023 | By Ashley Maready

Most Remodels Don't Increase Your Home's Resale Value. Are They Still Worth It?

Remodeling your home with the intention to earn the money back when you sell is likely a losing proposition. Keep reading to learn when a remodel makes sense.

Two people walking through an empty room in a house with a realtor.

Aug. 7, 2023 | By Steven Porrello

4 of the Best First-Time Home Buyer Programs in New York

Homeownership might be within your reach, even if you don't have a large down payment. Learn which programs can help you buy your first home in New York.

Young couple signing paperwork while a professionally dressed woman looks on.

Aug. 7, 2023 | By Ashley Maready

Making a Home Down Payment Under 20%? Keep These 3 Factors in Mind

You don't have to put down 20% to get a mortgage loan -- but if you can swing it, it's worth it. Keep reading to learn why.

Two people walking in the front door of a house with a Realtor.

Aug. 6, 2023 | By Ashley Maready

If You Can Afford Mortgage Payments, Does That Mean You Can Afford to Own a Home?

On paper, mortgage payments look like they could cost the same as rent. Learn why you can't trust this metric to decide if you can afford homeownership.

A realtor showing a smiling couple a new home.