VA Loan Funding Fee Requirements
The VA Funding Fee is a one-time charge that replaces mortgage insurance and ranges from 1.25% to 3.3% of the total loan amount.
VA Loan Requirements for 2026
VA loans typically don't require a down payment, but you still need decent credit and sufficient income to get approved.
VA Loans vs. Conventional Loans
VA loans require no down payment, but conventional loans are worth considering, especially if you can put 20% down to avoid mortgage insurance.
Guide to VA Home Loans: How They Work, Who Qualifies
VA loans are for current and veteran service members, as well as eligible spouses. VA mortgages have competitive interest rates and usually require no down payment.
80-10-10 Piggyback Loan: Avoid PMI With a Second Mortgage
An 80-10-10 or piggyback loan lets you buy a home with two loans totaling 90% of the price, plus a 10% down payment.
FHA Title 1 Loans: What You Need to Know
You don't need equity in your home to get one of these loans for improvements or repairs, but there are maximum loan amounts.
What Is a Construction Loan and How Does it Work?
Construction loans pay for home building or renovations and are paid in full or converted to permanent mortgages when the work is completed.
Mortgage Rate Tracker
How to Apply for a Mortgage
Our step-by-step guide details the mortgage application process, explaining what you do and what the lender does.
Pros and Cons of a 15-Year Mortgage
A 15-year mortgage lets you own your home faster and pay less interest. Higher monthly payments are the trade-off.
Pros and Cons of a 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage
A longer repayment period qualifies buyers for lower payments or a pricier home. But the rate will be higher and you'll pay more interest over the life of the loan.
How Interest-Only Mortgages Work: Pros and Cons
An interest-only mortgage offers a lower monthly payment at first and is best suited for people with ample assets, good credit and short-term ownership plans.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: Pros and Cons
Pros include low introductory rates; cons include the potential for bigger payments over time.
How to Get Rid of PMI
You can wait for PMI to cancel automatically, request early cancellation, get a reappraisal or refinance the mortgage to get rid of it.
How to Get a Mortgage
No-Closing-Cost Refinance: Is It Right for You?
A no-closing-cost refinance eliminates upfront fees but results in a higher monthly payment.
What Is PMI? How Private Mortgage Insurance Works
PMI protects your lender. You’re required to pay it if you put down less than 20% on a conventional loan or have less than 20% home equity when refinancing.
How to Calculate the Break-Even Point on a Mortgage Refinance
The break-even point of a refinance occurs when savings equal costs. Here’s how to do the math.
How to Get the Best Mortgage Rate
You can get the best mortgage rate by knowing what lenders are looking for, shopping around and paying aggressively upfront.
Prequalification vs. Preapproval: What’s the Difference?
Prequalification estimates how much you may be able to borrow, based on an informal evaluation of your finances. Preapproval requires documentation.