Learn how to calculate how much home you can afford based on your income, debt, and expenses.

void common mistakes when buying your first home and make smarter financial decisions.

Compare the pros and cons of 30-year vs. 15-year mortgages to determine the best choice for your financial goals.

Learn the steps to get pre-approved for a mortgage, from checking your credit score to submitting an application.

Even a small change in interest rates can impact your mortgage payment. Learn how rates affect affordability and loan costs.

Choosing between a 30-year and 15-year mortgage can significantly impact your monthly payments and long-term financial goals. Here's what you need to know.

Choosing between a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)? Learn the pros, cons, and when each option makes sense.

Choosing between buying and renting depends on finances, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Let’s break down the pros and cons.

Closing costs are additional fees homebuyers must pay before finalizing a home purchase. Learn what they include and how to save money.

Not sure how much to put down on a home? Learn how different down payment amounts impact your mortgage.

First-time homebuyer programs and grants help make buying a home more affordable by offering down payment assistance, tax benefits, and lower interest rates.

Not sure how much to put down on a home? Learn how different down payment amounts impact your mortgage.

Even a small change in interest rates can impact your mortgage payment. Learn how rates affect affordability and loan costs.

Lenders use your income, debts, and credit score to determine how much house you can afford. A key factor is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

Buying a home is exciting, but knowing your budget is crucial. Use these steps to calculate how much house you can afford.

Wondering how much house you can afford? Learn the key factors that determine your mortgage budget.

Understanding how mortgage payments work can help you make informed homebuying decisions. Here's a simple breakdown of how your monthly payment is structured.

A higher credit score can help you secure better mortgage rates. Follow these steps to boost your score before applying for a home loan.

Paying off your mortgage early can save you tens of thousands in interest and free up cash for investments, retirement, or other financial goals.

The traditional 20% down payment isn’t always required. Here’s a breakdown of typical minimum down payments by loan type.

Want to buy a home but struggling to save for a down payment? Here are proven strategies to help you reach your goal faster.

A larger down payment can lower your mortgage costs and help you qualify for better loan terms.

Your credit score directly impacts your mortgage rate— a higher score means lower interest rates and monthly payments.

Refinancing your mortgage can help you lower your interest rate, reduce monthly payments, or access home equity. But is it the right move for you?

Should you rent or buy a home? The answer depends on your financial situation, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Let’s break it down.

Buying a home isn’t just about the mortgage. From property taxes to maintenance, here’s a breakdown of hidden costs you should prepare for.

Many homebuyers focus on mortgage payments, but homeownership comes with extra costs that can surprise new buyers.

When buying a home, lenders offer pre-qualification and pre-approval to estimate how much you can borrow. While similar, they serve different purposes in the home-buying process.

Mortgage insurance is often required for homebuyers who put down less than 20%. Learn how it works, how much it costs, and how you can remove it.

Mortgage points can lower your interest rate—but are they worth it? Learn how they work and when they make sense.

Closing costs are the fees and expenses buyers and sellers pay when finalizing a home sale. These costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount.

HOA (Homeowners Association) fees are monthly or annual payments made by homeowners in a planned community, condo, or townhouse development to cover shared amenities and maintenance.

Property taxes are annual fees homeowners pay based on their home’s value and local tax rate. These taxes help fund schools, roads, and public services.

Your credit score affects mortgage approval, interest rates, and loan terms. A higher score can save you thousands in interest.

The two main types of mortgages are fixed-rate and adjustable-rate. Each has pros and cons depending on your financial goals.

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) plays a big role in mortgage approval. Learn how to calculate it and what lenders consider an acceptable DTI.

A home equity loan lets homeowners borrow against their home’s equity, using the property as collateral.

A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds conventional loan limits, typically used to finance luxury or high-cost homes.

An escrow account is a holding account managed by a third party to cover property taxes, homeowners insurance, and other costs.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is a type of insurance that protects the lender if you default on your loan. It’s typically required for conventional loans when you put down less than 20%.

PMI can add hundreds to your mortgage payment. Learn when it’s required, how much it costs, and how to avoid it.

Refinancing replaces your existing mortgage with a new loan—often with a lower interest rate, a different term, or access to home equity.