Mortgage Articles

A smiling real estate agent shows two clients features of a home's exterior.

Feb. 1, 2024 | By Dana George

3 Ways Landlords Impact Your Ability to Buy a Home

Although landlords are just doing their part to make a living, they can also cut in on your ability to purchase a home. Find out how.

Two people with a baby walking down a residential street and carrying groceries.

Jan. 31, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

5 Affordable Cities to Buy a Home in 2024

Homes are still expensive across much of the country. But check out these cities that offer some relief.

A woman sits in her kitchen, going over her personal finances.

Jan. 31, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

How Much Does 'Home Equity' Really Matter?

With skyrocketing home values in the wake of COVID-19, a lot of people have more equity in their homes. Here's why it might not matter as much as you think.

Two women dumping home renovation scraps in a pile outside

Jan. 31, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

I Bought a Fixer-Upper Home in 2015 and Here's Why I Still Don't Regret That Choice

Buying a fixer upper is one of the greatest things I've ever done. Keep reading to learn why it's worked out so well for me.

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

Jan. 27, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Want to Buy a Home in 2024? Here Are 4 Ways to Help Make It Happen

It might not be a great year to become a homeowner, but many of us are dreaming about it. Learn what you can do to turn the dream into reality.

Young couple meets with professional woman.

Jan. 27, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

4 Tips to Get a Mortgage -- Even With a Lower Credit Score

While a higher credit score can make buying a home easier, you still have options without one. Read on to see what to do.

A woman sitting on the kitchen counter in her apartment and smiling at a tablet she's holding.

Jan. 26, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

4 Reasons to Rent a Home in 2024 -- Instead of Buying

Buying a home isn't a requirement for, well, anyone. Keep reading to learn why it might be better to keep renting this year.

A realtor showing a smiling couple a new home.

Jan. 23, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

3 Bold Housing Market Predictions for 2024

I don't have a crystal ball. But keep reading for three housing market what-ifs that I believe are rather likely to happen.

Jan. 22, 2024 | By Dana George

When and How Homes Will Become Affordable Again

For anyone on the lookout for a new home, today's prices are a source of frustration. Find out what it will take for them to become more affordable.

Two people sitting on the floor and talking next to a large living room window.

Jan. 21, 2024 | By Dana George

What to Do if You Regret Buying Your Home

82% of millennial home buyers report having one significant regret regarding the decision to buy. If that sounds like you, find out what you can do.

Smiling woman gestures to gray-haired man over desk.

Jan. 19, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Could Mortgage Rates Drop Into the 5% Range in 2024? This Mortgage Giant Just Predicted They Will

Mortgage giant Fannie Mae just lowered its forecast for mortgage rates. Find out what it could mean for home buyers this year.

A man and woman standing with their arms around each other in front of their house with a For Sale sign behind them.

Jan. 15, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

Mortgage Rates Are Down, but Home Sales Are Flat. Here's Why

Home sales didn't budge in November. Buyers may be waiting for brighter days ahead. Learn more here.

Two smiling people sitting on the floor between moving boxes.

Jan. 14, 2024 | By Dana George

If We'd Made This One Decision, Our Entire Financial Situation Would Be Different

Choosing one path means missing out on another. Read on to find out how one writer's story of how one choice altered their future.

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

Jan. 14, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

Redfin Predicts a Huge Shift for the 2024 Real Estate Market. What Does It Mean for Buyers?

Real estate agent fees are under pressure. And it could be good news for home buyers.

A family meets with a realtor, who points at paperwork and smiles in a kitchen.

Jan. 11, 2024 | By Dana George

Here's How a Seller Can Accept Another Offer, Even When You're Under Contract

Legally, there is a way a seller can accept another offer, even after you have a contract. Here's what you need to know.

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

Jan. 9, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Financial Independence Is Key for Women. 4 Tips for Buying a Home on Your Own

The number of women buying houses on our own is on the rise. Learn how to make yourself a stronger home buyer.

A young couple sit on a couch, looking at a tablet.

Jan. 8, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

Redfin Says Home Prices Will Fall in 2024. What About Mortgage Rates?

Mortgage rates could continue their decline this year. Here's why they might fall and how to prepare for an improved housing market.

Jan. 7, 2024 | By Dana George

Why I'm a Big Believer in the Adage 'Marry the House, Date the Rate'

During tough housing markets, the phrase "marry the house, date the rate" becomes more relevant. Here's why.

Jan. 7, 2024 | By Dana George

The Top 5 Regrets of Recent Home Buyers

For some, becoming a new homeowner is tinged with regret. Take a look at why and what they can do about it.

Couple looking at something together on a tablet screen.

Jan. 5, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

No, the Fed Didn't Lower Rates, But This Is Why It's Still OK to Buy a House Right Now

The Fed may not have lowered rates, but it doesn't really matter if you're looking to buy a home. Buy anyway -- here's why.

A woman sitting at her kitchen counter next to bowls of fruit and a laptop and writing in a notebook.

Jan. 4, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

4 Ways to Be a More Attractive Home Buyer if You're Self-Employed

Buying a home in this market without a W-2 job is "even harder mode." Read on to learn how you can get approved for a mortgage loan if you work for yourself.

Two people viewing the interior of a house with a realtor.

Jan. 4, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Buying a Home in 2024? 3 Credit Moves to Make -- and 3 to Avoid

To qualify for a good rate on a big loan, your credit score is vitally important. Read on to learn how to boost yours ahead of applying for a mortgage.

An air conditioner repairman uses a clipboard to explain the cost of repairs to the homeowners.

Jan. 3, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Don't Make This Dangerous Move if You're Buying a Home

Owning a home is expensive. Learn why draining your savings account in the process of buying one is a bad idea.

Mortgage lender goes over documents with couple.

Jan. 3, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

The Best Tools for Tracking and Predicting Mortgage Rate Increases

There's no shortage of mortgage rate information out there. Here are some of the best places to keep tabs on rate changes.