Mortgage guide

Featured resources

Neighborhood block, showcasing houses and streets in a residential area.

5-minute read

Is property tax included in your mortgage payment?

Learn how factors like property taxes and insurance can change your monthly home payment.

Patio outside home with sliding glass doors outside living room.

6-minute read

How to find liens on a property: A home buyer's guide

Looking to find liens on a property you want to buy? Discover how title searches and combing through county records can help.

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

7-minute read

Mortgage fees to avoid

Knowing what fees to watch out for before and after you close your loan can save you money. Learn how to recognize fees you can avoid.

A couple talking with a mortgage lender, potentially in a home buying process.

6-minute read

Getting a mortgage with a new job: What to know

Getting a mortgage with a new job or in between jobs can be challenging, but not impossible. Learn how to approach the mortgage process with confidence.

A pregnant Asian woman browsing or working on a computer, possibly researching or organizing information online.

3-minute read

Applying for a home loan while on maternity leave: A guide

Wondering if maternity leave will affect your ability to get a mortgage? Learn what to expect when applying for a home loan while on maternity leave.

Two women looking over mortgage documents together at signing.

7-minute read

How does mortgage interest work? Everything you need to know

If you’re buying a home, you’ll need to know how mortgage interest will work with the loan you choose. Learn the basics of mortgage interest and why...

An image possibly related to the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) financial concept.

6-minute read

The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), defined and explained

Until recently, LIBOR was a longstanding benchmark interest rate for adjustable-rate mortgages and other loans. Learn about LIBOR and its replacement.

Young woman with tattoos and short white hair working on a laptop with paperwork, indicating financial or work-related tasks.

7-minute read

Rolling student loans into a mortgage: The pros, cons and alternatives

Rolling your student loans into a mortgage can make it easier to manage your finances. Learn your options for reducing or consolidating student debt.

Young couple standing before a new house at sunset.

8-minute read

How to choose a mortgage lender: Steps, tips & FAQs

With many financing options available, home buyers should be savvy when picking a mortgage lender. Learn how to choose a mortgage lender that will work for you.

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...

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 y...

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.