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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

May 5, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Buying a Home in My 20s Was a Huge Mistake. Here's Why Doing It Now Is Different

No financial move is right for every person at every stage of life. Learn why buying a house at the wrong time is one writer's biggest money regret.
May 5, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

The Federal Reserve Will Likely Lower Rates Later This Year. Here's Why You Should Buy a House Now

Buy a house now, don't wait for Fed Chief Jerome Powell to cut the federal funds rate. Learn why it'll be worth it.
May 4, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Waiting on Your Mortgage Closing? 3 Dos and 1 Big Don't

The period between submitting a mortgage application and actually getting the keys can be interminable. Read on for your to-do (and to-don't) list.
May 3, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Why Mortgages for Veterans Are Less Expensive Than You Think

There's a big cost difference between VA loans and conventional mortgages. Here's what you need to know.
May 1, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

I Could Buy a Home With an FHA Loan -- Here's Why I'm Not

First-time buyers (or those who haven't owned in at least three years) qualify for FHA mortgages. Read on to learn why they aren't always the best fit, though.
May 1, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

No Matter What, Do This Before You Start House Hunting

There's one absolutely vital step to take first if you're hoping to buy a home. Keep reading to learn why it's so important.
April 30, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

2 Pitfalls You Might Encounter if You Refinance Your Mortgage in the Spring of 2024

Thinking of replacing your current mortgage with a new one? Read on to see why that may not be the best idea right now.
April 28, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

Americans Now Need to Earn $113,520 Annually to Afford a Typical Home

Houses are at near-record unaffordability. Read on to learn a few steps to help increase your chances of buying a home.
April 28, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

If You Don't Have Kids, Is It Still Worth Buying a Home?

Homeownership is not the exclusive province of parents or future parents -- it's open to all of us, even if we won't be raising kids. Read on to learn why.
April 28, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

5 Ways to Tell You're Really Ready to Buy a Home

Renting vs. buying is a major personal finance debate. Keep reading to see how you can tell you're in a homeowner mindset.
April 26, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

I Would Never Buy a Home With These 3 Issues

Some house-related problems are deal-breakers in my book. Read on to learn about the issues I wouldn't willingly take on.
April 25, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

Here's the Money Move I'm Making Since Ditching My PMI

If you're no longer paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI), you may want to save the extra money. Find out why one writer is making this money move.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Signs an FHA Loan Isn't Right for You

Tempted by an FHA loan? Read on to see why you may want to go another route.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

64% of Americans Say It's Best to Pay Off a Mortgage ASAP. Here's Why They're Wrong

In some situations, it's best to get ahead of a mortgage. But read on to see why that advice may not apply to you.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's What Happens When You Apply for a Mortgage and You're Self-Employed

It's by no means impossible to get a mortgage when you're self-employed, but it can be harder than if you're a salaried employee. Read on to learn more.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Signs You're Not Ready to Buy a Home This Year

It may not be the best time for you to buy a home. Read on to see how to tell.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Never Overlook This When Applying for a Veterans Mortgage

One of the biggest perks of a VA loan may also be a huge drawback. Read on to learn what to consider with this kind of mortgage.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Common Mistakes Veterans Make When Applying for a Mortgage

Buying a home as a veteran comes with special considerations and a few potential pitfalls. Read on to find out how to avoid them.
April 24, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

I Want to Buy an Airbnb -- How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment on the Mortgage?

Airbnb rentals can be an excellent way to invest in real estate and have a vacation home for your family to enjoy. Find out the down payment you'll need.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

How Low Will Mortgage Rates Go in 2024? Here's What We Know So Far

Mortgage rates are expected to fall later in 2024. Just how far they fall is the big question. Read on to learn more.
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.