Mortgage guide

Featured resources

Loan officer reviewing mortgage paperwork with smiling couple.

6-minute read

Is a mortgage secured or unsecured debt?

A mortgage is typically secured because your home serves as collateral. Learn how secured vs. unsecured debt works, what happens if you miss payments, and more.

Woman smiling while reviewing finances on tablet while man drinks coffee and looks at the screen. Paperwork and calcluator are on the table nearby.

6-minute read

Should you make one extra mortgage payment per year?

Making an extra mortgage payment each year could help you save on interest. Use this guide to figure out how much difference it will make for your finances.

A couple on a couch with a laptop, potentially engaging in real estate-related activities or discussions.

8-minute read

Why are mortgage rates still going up, and how can you buy in 2026?

Many factors can determine whether you qualify for a mortgage. Learn what influences your mortgage qualification and how you can improve your chances at the rig...

Two women looking over mortgage documents together at signing.

7-minute read

How does mortgage interest work? Everything you need to know

Understanding how mortgage interest works can help you estimate costs and choose a loan that fits your goals. Get the full details on mortgage interest here.

Young married couple doing their paperwork together, paying bills online. Focus on the guy. Loving young couple using laptop and analyzing their finances. Writing notes.

10-minute read

Should you prioritize paying off student loans or mortgage?

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...

Suburban white house with large green front lawn.

4-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in Arkansas?

What’s the average mortgage payment in Arkansas? Learn how to calculate your payment and find out how it compares to nearby states.

A man looking at finances, possibly related to financial planning or reviewing financial data.

8-minute read

Home appraisal amount vs. loan amount

Understanding home appraisals is critical because they guide how much your home can be sold for or the amount of your mortgage loan.

A happy couple reading and drinking coffee on a couch, likely depicting leisure or relaxation at home.

4-minute read

What Is A YOURgage® and how does it work?

If you'd like more choices than a 15- or 30-year mortgage, a YOURgage may be the solution. This Rocket Mortgage program lets you choose a custom loan term.

Multigenerationl trio of women chatting and having coffee.

5-minute read

Why the 28/36 rule matters for home affordability

When you're buying a home, the 28/36 rule helps assess mortgage affordability by considering your housing costs, debt, and income. Learn why it's important.

A couple meeting with a tax advisor, potentially discussing financial or real estate planning with a professional.

6-minute read

What if the appraisal comes back lower than the offer? Here’s what’s next.

What happens if your home appraisal comes in lower than your offer? Learn about your options if your home appraisal value is less than the purchase price.

Woman looking at paperwork while on phone, sitting at desk with two computer monitors.

8-minute read

What is a crypto mortgage?

A crypto mortgage is a loan that utilizes cryptocurrency holdings, such as Bitcoin, as collateral. This is how they work and why they are gaining popularity.

A young woman working on a laptop, possibly in a home or office setting.

6-minute read

DSCR: What it is and how to calculate it

Debt service coverage is a measure used by businesses and lenders to measure healthy debt management. Learn how to calculate it for yourself.

Skyline of Santa Fe, New Mexico with mountains in the background.

4-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in New Mexico?

What’s the average mortgage payment in New Mexico? Learn how to calculate your payment and find out how it compares to nearby states.

Father and son playing with wooden blocks together on floor of living room.

5-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in Tennessee?

The average monthly mortgage payment in Tennessee is about $1,636 before property taxes and i...

Aerial view of Salt Lake City against the mountains in Utah.

5-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in Utah?

The average monthly mortgage payment in Utah is about $1,775 before property taxes and insurance. Learn what can affect this payment and how it compares to othe...

Beautiful large trees line a road in South Carolina.

5-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in South Carolina?

The average monthly mortgage payment in South Carolina is about $1,733 before property taxes ...

Large homestead in Montana during winter with snowy pines behind.

4-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in Montana?

What’s the average mortgage payment in Montana? Learn how to calculate your payment and find out how it compares to nearby states.

Rolling hills of rural Virginia with farms and the Appalachian mountains in the distance during a late fall afternoon.

5-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in Virginia?

The average monthly mortgage payment in Virginia is about $2,036 before property taxes and insurance. Learn what can affect this payment and how it compares to ...