How to Read a Mortgage Loan Estimate
The Loan Estimate boils down the terms and projected costs of a mortgage and serves as a key tool to compare lenders and negotiate better offers.
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Finding Answers to Mortgage Questions in Your Mortgage Closing Disclosure
The Closing Disclosure recaps your personal information, loan terms, projected payments, costs and other details of the transaction.
Conforming Loan Limits 2026
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) will increase loan limits by 3.26%.
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When To Refinance Your Mortgage — and When Not To
It’s not just about chasing a lower rate. Here’s how to tell if refinancing actually makes sense for you right now.
ARM vs. Fixed-Rate Mortgage: Differences and How to Choose
ARM rates start low, and payments can go up or down over time. Fixed rates are stable for the life of the loan.
How Much Does It Cost To Refinance a Mortgage?
Most refinances cost 2% to 6% of the new loan amount — and even a “no closing costs” refinance doesn’t come free.
How to Make a Cash Offer With a Mortgage
Cash-offer financing programs give buyers who need mortgages the ability to make cash offers on homes.
What Are Non-QM Loans?
For creditworthy borrowers who don’t meet traditional lending requirements, a non-QM loan can provide a (more expensive) path to homeownership.
What Is an Energy-Efficient Mortgage?
These niche loans help you buy an energy-efficient home or finance energy-saving upgrades.
Mortgage Rate Buydowns: How They Help Buyers Afford Homes and Sellers Attract Offers
A “temporary buydown" is a strategy some sellers, builders and lenders use to reduce a buyer’s monthly mortgage payments during the first few years of the loan term, helping make the purchase more affordable.
What Is a 10-Year Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?
A 10-year ARM has an introductory interest rate for the first 10 years. The rate adjusts every six months afterward.
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What Is a 5-Year Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?
A 5-year ARM has an introductory interest rate for five years. After that, the rate changes every six months.
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10 Mortgage Lenders Serving Black Communities
Black-led lenders make more home loans to Black borrowers — and they can be a good fit for allies, too.
Mortgage Points: Should You Pay These Optional Fees?
Paying for mortgage points reduces your interest rate, but whether they're worth it depends on how long you stay in the home.
How Much Do Mortgage Brokers Make?
From lender-paid commissions to borrower fees, mortgage broker earnings come from various moving parts.
Using a Mortgage Broker vs. a Bank
A mortgage broker can offer a wider array of options and streamline the mortgage process, but working directly with a bank gives you more control and may cost less.
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