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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.

Recent Articles

April 23, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's How Much You Might Save on a $300,000 Mortgage if You Pay It Off in 15 Years

A 15-year mortgage is a lot cheaper than a 30-year one -- if you can afford the higher monthly payments. Read on to learn more.
April 22, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

My Spouse Has Poor Credit. Is a Joint Mortgage Out of the Question?

Getting a joint mortgage could be tough when one person's credit needs work. Read on to learn more.
April 21, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Times a Mortgage Refinance Absolutely Doesn't Pay

Refinancing a mortgage could save money -- but only under the right circumstances. Read on to learn more.
April 21, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

Thinking About Buying a Home This Year? Do This Right Now

Finding an affordable home is tough these days. But there's one step you can take to help your offer stand out from others.
April 21, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's What Happens When You Put 50% Down on a Home

Making a higher down payment on a home could leave you with smaller mortgage payments. But read on to see why you may not want to put down too much.
April 21, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's What Happens When You Put 30% Down on a Home

Making a higher down payment could make your mortgage more affordable on an ongoing basis. Read on to learn more.
April 21, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Seniors Are Often Told to Pay Off Their Homes Before Retirement. Here's Why That's Bad Advice Today

Don't assume that paying off your home ahead of retirement is the right move. Learn why this decision should hinge on what your mortgage is costing you.
April 20, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Warren Buffett's $31,000 House Is Now Worth $1.4 Million -- but He Still Says Renting Would've Made Him Wealthier

Real estate has the potential to gain value over time. But you might do even better for yourself by investing. Read on to learn more.
April 20, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Second Home vs. Investment Property: What's the Difference?

These might sound like the same thing, especially if you're buying an Airbnb. But they aren't. Read on to learn more.
April 20, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

1 in 4 Parents Think They Can Help Their Kids Buy a Home. But Here's the Danger in Doing That

It's nice to want to help your children purchase a home. But read on to see why you may want to think twice.
April 20, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Signs a 15-Year Mortgage Isn't Right for You

You might save on interest with a 15-year loan. But read on to see why this option may not be a good idea for your finances.
April 16, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

4 Things Every Home Buyer Needs to Know in 2024

Buying a home this year feels like going to battle. Keep reading for a few tips from the front lines of the housing market.
April 16, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Can You Get a Mortgage for an Airbnb Rental Property?

You can finance a short-term rental property, but it can be harder than buying a home to live in. Here's what you need to know.
April 16, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

3 Great Perks of Buying a Home as an Empty Nester

If your kids have left home, it may be a great time to buy a new home. Here are a few key perks of purchasing a property of your own as an empty nester.
April 16, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Could House Hacking Be the Best Way to Buy Your First Home in 2024?

Does owning a home seem out of reach financially? Here's one technique that could help.
April 15, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Signs a New Construction Home Is Wrong for You

Interested in buying new construction? Read on to see why you may want to think twice.
April 15, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

Buying a House? This Is the Single Most Important Number to Focus On

It's critical that potential homeowners don't devote too large a percentage of income to their mortgage costs. Read on to learn why.
April 14, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Got a Home Offer Accepted? Here's Your To-Do List

Having a seller agree to your offer for their home is only the beginning. Keep reading for what comes next in the home-buying process.
April 13, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

5 Reasons to Think Twice About Buying a Starter Home

Starter homes are popular with first-time home buyers. Learn about the downsides of buying one and why you may want to keep renting instead.
April 13, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

1 Simple Mortgage Hack That Could Save You Thousands

Want to pay off your mortgage years sooner and save tens of thousands of dollars in interest? Keep reading for a move to try.
April 12, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's What Happens When You Accept an Offer on Your Home and Then Change Your Mind

Backing out of a home sale could be a costly decision. Read on to learn more.
April 12, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Waiting for Mortgage Rates to Drop? Here's Why You Might Have to Wait Longer

Mortgages are expensive to sign right now. Read on to see why they might remain expensive a bit longer.
April 12, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Need to Buy a Larger Home to Fit Your Family? Here's Why That May Be a Problem

You might struggle to find a larger home if you need one. Read on to see why.
April 11, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

3 Items I'm Splurging on When Remodeling My House

Putting more money into certain materials used for a home remodeling project makes sense. Here's why.
April 11, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

Home Price Growth Is Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels. Here's What It Means for Buyers

Home price growth is finally stabilizing. Read on to find out why and how to take advantage of it.