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.
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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 an FHA Title 1 loan, but there are maximum loan amounts to consider.
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.
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.
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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
To get a mortgage, you’ll generally need a decent credit score and sufficient down payment — though exact requirements vary by loan type and lender.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Requirements for Self-Employed Mortgage Borrowers
Expect to show extra documentation to prove income and debt levels, and boost your chances by separating business and personal finances.
Should You Refinance Back to a 30-Year Home Loan?
Refinancing back to a 30-year home loan may offer lower payments, but you'll pay more interest in the long run.
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How to Get Preapproved for a Mortgage
Mortgage preapproval shapes your budget and how sellers view you — here’s what you need to know.
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