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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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dec. 5, 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.
Dec. 3, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nov. 3, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

3 Reasons You Should Never Buy a House When You Retire

People are commonly advised to buy a home when planning for retirement, but it's not always the right solution. Find out why you shouldn't consider buying.
Nov. 1, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

How Much Cheaper Is It to Buy a Home With Excellent Credit?

It isn't just the current interest rate environment that affects your mortgage rate. Find out how important good credit is.
Nov. 1, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

3 Compelling Reasons Why Renting Beats Having a Mortgage

Recent home buyers have regrets, particularly because of unexpected costs. Find out why renting can make more financial sense and give you more freedom.
Oct. 29, 2024 | By Dana George

Do Elections Affect the Housing Market? Here's What Experts Say

Election cycles raise questions about the impact on home sales for both home buyers and sellers. Take a look at what we've learned.