Mortgage guide

Featured resources

Woman with pixie cut silver hair having coffee while checking email on laptop on outdoor balcony.

4-minute read

How long should you keep your mortgage statements?

Wondering how long to keep your mortgage statements? Learn what to save, what...

Man sitting cross legged with his laptop on his back deck of wood panelled home.

6-minute read

What is an interest-only mortgage?

An interest-only mortgage lets you make interest-only payments for an initial term. Learn how this type of loan works to decide whether it's right for you.

Young couple standing before a new house at sunset.

5-minute read

How to choose a mortgage lender in 5 steps

Choosing the right lender can save you time, money, and peace of mind in the long run. Use these steps to pick the best home loan lender for your finances.

Large multistory home in an expansive field of blue bonnets.

5-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in Texas?

Curious about the average mortgage payment in Texas? Explore monthly costs, state-specific trends, and what to expect when buying a home in the Lone Star State.

6-minute read

What is the average monthly mortgage payment in Ohio?

Discover the average monthly mortgage payment in Ohio, the factors influencing it, and how it compares nationally. Learn more about owning property in Ohio.

A family playing together in the lounge at home, showing family bonding and leisure time.

3-minute read

Home Mortgage Disclosure Act: Defined and explained

The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) requires lenders to report on its lending activities to the public. Learn more about the HMDA and how it works.

Young couple standing in their kitchen together looking over papers on the counter.

5-minute read

Mortgage fees to avoid

Home loans come with a lot of fees, but you may be able to steer clear of some. Learn which mortgage fees to avoid.

Retired couple having coffee in their kitchen.

4-minute read

What happens when you pay off your mortgage

Paying off a mortgage is a great achievement that impacts your credit score, mix of accounts and utilization rate. Here are the facts to consider.

8-minute read

How the federal funds rate affects mortgage rates

The federal funds rate helps regulate the U.S. economy, but it can also affect mortgage rates. Learn how it can affect you as a home buyer and homeowner.

Sunset view of the Duquesne Incline and the three rivers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

6-minute read

Buying by state: This is the average mortgage payment in Pennsylvania

The average mortgage payment varies by state. What is the average mortgage payment in Pennsylvania? Estimate what you might pay for a home in Pennsylvania.

Two women going over paperwork in an office setting.

5-minute read

What is the average mortgage payment?

Wondering what you can expect for your monthly mortgage payments? Learn about the average mortgage payment and the factors that affect it.

Mixed race couple diligently working while standing on personal finances and budgeting documents.

7-minute read

What is considered ‘debt’ when applying for a mortgage?

What is considered ‘debt’ when applying for a mortgage? Our guide describes what monthly debt payments lenders consider when approving a mortgage.

Smiling mother giving daughter a piggy back ride in yard of new home.

9-minute read

Alimony and mortgage qualification: How spousal support affects home loans

Discover how alimony and child support influence mortgage qualification. Learn documentation requirements, DTI considerations, and tips to obtain a home loan.

A young family at a kitchen table, possibly discussing household matters or finances.

8-minute read

Why does my mortgage keep going up?

An unexpected change to your mortgage payment can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know why it happened. Find out some possible reasons for the cha...

A man with a credit card, potentially symbolizing financial transactions or purchases related to homeownership.

4-minute read

Does mortgage preapproval affect your credit score?

Worried that getting preapproved for a mortgage will hurt your credit score? Learn how preapproval impacts your credit, including how much and for how long.

View of downtown Charlotte skyline from water.

6-minute read

What is the average mortgage payment in North Carolina?

Discover the average mortgage payment in North Carolina, the factors influencing it, and how mortgage payments in the Tarheel State compare nationally.

Woman reviewing financial graphs on laptop at kitchen table.

4-minute read

How to calculate per diem interest

Borrowers can calculate per diem interest using a simple formula. Learn more about what per diem interest is and how it can be calculated on a mortgage loan....