Featured resources

7-minute read

Should I pay off my mortgage or invest?

Deciding whether to pay off a mortgage or invest can be tricky. Get familiar with all of the potential financial risks and rewards before making this decisio...

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6-minute read

How much is a mortgage on a $500K house?

A mortgage on a $500,000 home could cost you between $3.2K and $4.1K a month, but there’s more to account for. Here’s how to determine if you can af...

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6-minute read

What does collateral mean and how does it work?

Collateral is an asset used to secure a loan. If a borrower defaults, the lender can take the collateral to recover losses.

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4-minute read

Mortgage self-service options: Get 24/7 support with no wait

Mortgage self-service options let you get help with your loan and complete common transactions at your convenience. Learn more about what these tools offer.

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20-minute read

What is a joint mortgage? A complete guide for borrowers

Learn what a joint mortgage is, how co–borrowers qualify and share responsibility, plus key pros, risks and exit options before you apply with confidence.

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3-minute read

How bonds affect mortgage rates

Bonds and mortgage rates are related. When investors are buying bonds and mortgage-backed securities, interest rates are likely to fall, and vice versa.

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5-minute read

What is a loan-to-value ratio and how is it calculated?

When you buy a home, you may not be able to finance the entire loan. Your loan-to-value ratio, or LTV, determines how much you need to put down in cash.

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8-minute read

What is a mortgage rate?

A mortgage preapproval letter shows you how much a lender has conditionally approved you for. It lasts for a few months and may strengthen your offer.

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11-minute read

14 questions to ask a mortgage lender

Learn the right questions to ask a mortgage lender and the mortgage loan questions to ask so you can compare rates, fees, loan options, and timelines.

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7-minute read

How to get help with your mortgage payments

There are several ways to get help with your mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure. See what kind of assistance is available from a servicer if you qualify.

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8-minute read

How are mortgage rates determined?

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

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5-minute read

What is the average mortgage payment?

The average mortgage payment in the U.S. is $2,030 for 2025, though how much you'll pay depends on how much you borrow, your interest rate, and loan term.

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9-minute read

Does spousal support count as income for a mortgage?

Does spousal support count as income for a mortgage? In some cases, yes. Learn how lenders verify it, how it affects your DTI, and application considerations...

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6-minute read

A comprehensive guide to mortgage payments on a $300K loan

Learn what affects a $300K mortgage payment, how loan terms and rates change monthly costs, and what income may help you afford a $300,000 home.

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5-minute read

How to avoid three common mortgage servicing fees

Mortgage servicing fees typically fall to your lender, but some may be your responsibility. Fortunately, you can avoid these three servicing costs.

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4-minute read

What are mortgage servicing rights?

Mortgage servicing rights relate to who collects your mortgage payment, not who owns your mortgage. Many lenders outsource these tasks to save time.

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8-minute read

What is a dry closing in real estate?

In a dry closing, everything but the payment is completed at closing. Learn how dry closings work, what risks are involved, and what states allow dry funding.

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16-minute read

How to get a home loan as a first-time home buyer

First-time home buyer? This guide covers how to get a home loan, including budgeting, mortgage preapproval, underwriting, and closing on a home.

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