Unsure whether to pay extra on your mortgage or federal student loans? We break down the factors you need to consider for making the right financial decision.

Is saving 1% on your mortgage interest rate worth it? Whether you’re shopping for a mortgage or refinancing your current loan, the savings are significant.

Not sure which documents to expect at closing? Learn more about the documents you will need to sign, approve and review to close on a real estate deal.

Private mortgage insurance can be a tricky subject, so we broke down what PMI is, how much it costs, and how to tell whether it's the right option for you.

A mortgage is a type of secured debt, meaning it’s backed by your home as collateral. Learn how secured loans differ from unsecured ones.

Your loan-to-value ratio measures your loan amount against the value of the home you’re buying. Figure out how your LTV ratio is calculated.

Getting a mortgage can feel daunting if you’re a first-time home buyer. Learn the steps you must take to prepare for and successfully apply for a mortgage.

How long a mortgage preapproval lasts will depend on the lender, but it’s usually 60 – 90 days. Uncover more about how long mortgage preapprovals last.

There are many unfamiliar terms to learn when you’re buying a home and need to apply for a mortgage. Here’s a list of common mortgage terms and what they mean.

An acceleration clause in a mortgage means that your mortgage balance becomes due if you default on payments. Learn how a mortgage acceleration clause works.

Your Closing Disclosure is an important mortgage document, but it can be difficult to interpret. We broke down the essential components in this complete guide.

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.

Discover what determines interest rates with our in-depth analysis. Explore how economic trends, credit scores, and more impact mortgage rate decisions.

See how current mortgage rates compare to historical mortgage rates. Rates are among the highest of the decade but relatively low compared to the 1980s.

Mortgage fraud occurs when someone lies or omits information to get loan approval or favorable loan conditions. Learn about common types of mortgage fraud here.

A letter of explanation can be important in the mortgage underwriting and application process. Learn when and how you’ll need to write an explanation letter.

Most home buyers and sellers should anticipate title fees as a part of closing costs. We’ll help you estimate the title-related expenses you’ll have to pay.

It’s a misconception that a house’s title and deed are the same, but they aren’t. Learn the differences to be prepared for your home sale or purchase.