Mortgage guide

Featured resources

Father spending quality time with his daughter, possibly engaged in a learning or creative session.

3-minute read

Freddie Mac BorrowSmart® Accessâ„ expands home afffordability

Freddie Mac BorrowSmart^® Accessâ„ offers a credit toward the down payment or closing costs of qualified buyers in certain areas. Read on for details!

Group of people discussing mortgage options and paperwork.

8-minute read

Mortgage statements: What are they and how long should you keep them?

Some mortgage documents contain important info you should hold onto for tax purposes. But how long should you keep mortgage statements? Find the answer.

7-minute read

Your guide to a $450,000 mortgage: Costs and requirements to consider

Ready for a $450,000 mortgage to buy a home? Read our guide to understand the costs and requirements that come with taking out a $450,000 loan.

An asian couple discussing their future plans or real estate investment with an agent.

7-minute read

What to do if you're applying for a mortgage and a business loan

Follow these quick tips if you have no choice but to go “all in” on both a mortgage loan and a business loan at once.

A young couple reviewing paperwork together, possibly related to a mortgage or property.

8-minute read

What types of mortgage lenders are there, and how do I choose the right one?

There are several types of mortgage lenders you can work with when buying a house. From traditional banks to credit unions, discover which one is right for you.

A couple with two kids giving piggyback rides in front of their house, symbolizing family happiness and homeownership.

4-minute read

Should I lock in my mortgage rate today?

Are you unsure whether you should lock in your mortgage rate today, or wait? Learn about the mortgage rate lock and why you might consider locking your rate.

Mortgage calculator, pencils and phone on wooden table.

6-minute read

How to use a mortgage calculator

Learn how to use our mortgage calculator to determine your monthly mortgage payments, including PMI, taxes, insurance, down payment, interest rate and more.

A young Asian woman working on a computer, potentially in an office or work setting.

6-minute read

Types of eClosing and how they work

Looking for digital options to close on your new house? Learn about the different types of eClosings available to you and Rocket Mortgage^®

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

5-minute read

What happens if the appraisal is lower than the offer?

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.

A row of townhomes, illustrating residential complexes or real estate developments.

5-minute read

How much of your income should go to your mortgage?

Are you preparing to buy a house but are unsure how much income should go to your loan payment? Learn what percentage of income is needed for mortgage approval.

A couple looking at an iPad in a kitchen.

5-minute read

How to lower your mortgage payment

Lowering your mortgage payments can offer you financial flexibility for other things. Learn all the ways you can lower your monthly mortgage payment.

Asian couple saving for vacation, possibly discussing financial plans or budgeting.

9-minute read

What does inflation do to mortgage rates? A guide for uncertain times

When inflation increases, interest rates on new mortgages and ARMs increase too. Learn more about the relationship between inflation and mortgage rates.

A young Asian couple smiles as they unpack cardboard boxes in a warmly lit living room, creating a cozy scene of settling into their new home.

5-minute read

Interest rate vs. home price: Which matters more?

If you’re a prospective home buyer, looking at interest rates vs. home price can help you decide your budget. Get familiar with what these metrics can impact.

A man and woman possibly discussing switching lenders or financial arrangements related to a property.

6-minute read

How (and when) to change your mortgage lender

Has your mortgage been sold, or are you seeking a better offer than what your initial lender provided? Learn about how and when you can change lenders.

11-minute read

How to buy a house with no money down

If you’re struggling to come up with a down payment, you may still be able to qualify for a home loan. See your options for buying a house with no money down.

A brick home in Texas, depicting a traditional residential property in a specific location.

11-minute read

How rising fed interest rates can affect home buyers and sellers

The Fed rate hikes have raised mortgage interest rates in 2022. See how higher Fed interest rates affect home buyers and sellers and what borrowers can do next.

Woman sitting at kitchen table working on laptop.

6-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.

Man writing finances in a notebook, indicating budgeting or financial planning.

6-minute read

How to calculate your monthly mortgage payment: A guide

Are you wondering how much your estimated monthly payment would be on a mortgage? Check out our guide and learn how to calculate your mortgage payment.