Resources

Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can save tens of thousands in interest, but the higher monthly payment isn’t right for everyone. Here’s how to run the real math.

Most lenders won’t originate mortgages under $150,000 — not because you don’t qualify, but because the economics don’t work for them. Here’s why small-dollar mortgages are so hard to find...

A credit score drop between pre-approval and closing can affect your rate, delay your loan, or risk approval. Here's exactly what lenders check, what causes drops, and how to protect...

In some states, buyers are negotiating prices down and winning concessions. In the Northeast and Midwest, it's still competitive. Here's how to read your market and use pre-approval to negotiate...

AI tools use the 28/36 rule to answer "how much house can I afford?" But they consistently miss five things that change the real number. Here's what the rule actually...

Buying a home on one income is possible in 2026, but it requires understanding how lenders calculate your borrowing power, which loan programs give you the most room, and what...

You can count Airbnb income toward a mortgage, but the rules depend on your loan type, how long you've been hosting, and how income is documented. Here's what to know.

New student loan repayment plans take effect July 1, 2026. Here's exactly how RAP, IBR, and the standard plan affect your DTI — and what to do before the deadline...

Losing your job mid-mortgage application doesn't always mean losing the deal — but it does change the process significantly. Here's exactly what lenders do, what your options are, and how...

New homes are now cheaper than existing ones for the first time in decades — and builders are offering rate buydowns. Here's how to decide which is the right buy...

AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Perplexity are now answering mortgage lender questions. Here's how they decide which lenders to recommend and what it means for your search.

An AVM — automated valuation model — is a computer-generated estimate of your home's value that lenders use instead of a full appraisal. Here's how it works, when lenders use...

For years, homeowners with sub-5% rates refused to sell. Now 1 in 3 spring sellers is listing anyway. Here's what the easing lock-in effect means for buyers in 2026 —...

More than a quarter of first-time buyers got family money for their down payment. Here's what actually works if you're building yours on your own — programs, loan types, and...

Wondering why Better Mortgage can be a good fit for first-time homebuyers? Here's a close look at what Better offers — from low down payment loans to a fully digital...

Federal regulators have approved two new mortgage credit scoring models: VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T. Here's what changed, who benefits, and what to do before you apply.

Cash to close is the total amount you need to bring to closing day — not just your down payment. Here's exactly what it includes and how to calculate it.

A 2-1 buydown temporarily lowers your mortgage rate for the first two years of your loan. Here's how the math works, who pays for it, and when it beats negotiating...

Rapid Rescore can update a credit score faster than usual, helping home buyers who just paid off debt improve their credit score sooner.

Nonconforming loans can offer outside-the-box financing for some buyers, but most first-time homebuyers need the safety and stability of conventional and government-backed loans.