Mortgage basics

Featured resources

Man filling out tax paperwork, income is assessed for mortgages.

10-minute read

The mortgage interest deduction: Your guide for the 2024 tax year

Wondering whether itemizing your mortgage interest deduction will lower your tax payment? Find out everything you should know about mortgage interest deduction.

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3-minute read

Amortization in real estate: A complete guide and definition

Amortization schedules your mortgage payments and tracks what the money goes toward. Learn how amortization works in real estate for different loans

A couple working on a laptop together, potentially related to real estate or financial activities.

6-minute read

What home buyers need to know about appraisal gaps

An appraisal gap occurs when a home appraisal comes in lower than an accepted offer. Learn more about what an appraisal gap is and how this process works.

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5-minute read

Alimony and your mortgage: How to qualify

Discover how alimony plays a role in mortgage qualification, how it can boost your income for a mortgage and what to do if you’re the one making payments.

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7-minute read

Ultimate mortgage preapproval checklist

Getting ready to apply for a home loan? Use our complete mortgage preapproval checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you apply.

8-minute read

What's the mortgage payment on a $400K loan?

The monthly mortgage payments on a $400K loan vary based on factors such as term length and interest rate. Learn more about the payments on a $400K mortgage.

9-minute read

How to determine your mortgage payment on a $250K loan

Are you thinking of taking out a $250K mortgage? Explore how interest rates, loan terms and other factors can influence your mortgage payment on a $250k loan.

Two lawyers or real estate agents discussing some documents with a women.

6-minute read

How does a prenup agreement affect a mortgage?

Whether you’re buying a house with or without a prenup, it’s important to know how it can affect your mortgage. Learn how to protect your future mortgage today.

A woman filing papers, potentially related to mortgage or financial documentation.

5-minute read

What are mortgage servicing companies?

Mortgage servicing companies handle daily administrative tasks related to your loan. Learn all about what they do and how they differ from your lender.

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5-minute read

Pros and cons of mortgage forbearance

Mortgage forbearance can be a lifeline for many homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments. Find out whether mortgage forbearance is a good idea.

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4-minute read

What is HUD and what does it do?

HUD is an acronym for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Learn how HUD works, what it does and how it helps aspiring home buyers.

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6-minute read

Homeowners insurance deductible: What it is and how to choose

Not sure how to choose the right homeowners insurance deductible? Check out our guide to find out how to weigh short-term finances against long-term savings.

A woman multitasking on a phone call and computer, potentially related to mortgage or real estate inquiries.

4-minute read

Prequalified vs. preapproved: What's the difference?

A prequalification estimates how much you can afford, while a preapproval gives a better estimate and verifies your financial info for a loan. Learn more.

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6-minute read

A complete guide to a $100,000 mortgage

Considering a $100,000 mortgage? Learn about a loan this size, including how much you can expect to pay each month, eligibility requirements and more.

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4-minute read

Selling mortgages: How it affects you and what to do next

How does selling mortgages work? Find out why lenders sell mortgages to investors, how the process works and how it affects you.

Two girls smiling and laughing on a bed.

7-minute read

Prepayment penalty: What it is and how to avoid it

A prepayment penalty is a fee some lenders charge when you pay all or part of your loan off early. Find out what triggers the fee and how to avoid it.

A realtor explaining things possibly about a property to a couple interested in buying it.

6-minute read

Mortgage insurance premium (MIP) vs. private mortgage insurance (PMI): How do they differ?

As you learn more about mortgage insurance, you’re likely to encounter two acronyms: MIP and PMI. We'll break down how they each work and their key differences.

3-minute read

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): How it can help you afford your mortgage payments

A mortgage credit certificate (MCC) is a tax credit that can help homeowners save on their tax bill. Learn if you’re eligible for an MCC and how to apply.

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