Mortgage Articles
Buying a home is probably your life's most costly undertaking. Learn how to find the best lenders and get the best interest rates and you can save tens of thousands of dollars.
Recent Articles
May 1, 2024 | By Ashley Maready
I Could Buy a Home With an FHA Loan -- Here's Why I'm Not
First-time buyers (or those who haven't owned in at least three years) qualify for FHA mortgages. Read on to learn why they aren't always the best fit, though.
May 1, 2024 | By Ashley Maready
No Matter What, Do This Before You Start House Hunting
There's one absolutely vital step to take first if you're hoping to buy a home. Keep reading to learn why it's so important.
April 30, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
2 Pitfalls You Might Encounter if You Refinance Your Mortgage in the Spring of 2024
Thinking of replacing your current mortgage with a new one? Read on to see why that may not be the best idea right now.
April 28, 2024 | By Chris Neiger
Americans Now Need to Earn $113,520 Annually to Afford a Typical Home
Houses are at near-record unaffordability. Read on to learn a few steps to help increase your chances of buying a home.
April 28, 2024 | By Ashley Maready
If You Don't Have Kids, Is It Still Worth Buying a Home?
Homeownership is not the exclusive province of parents or future parents -- it's open to all of us, even if we won't be raising kids. Read on to learn why.
April 28, 2024 | By Ashley Maready
5 Ways to Tell You're Really Ready to Buy a Home
Renting vs. buying is a major personal finance debate. Keep reading to see how you can tell you're in a homeowner mindset.
April 26, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
I Would Never Buy a Home With These 3 Issues
Some house-related problems are deal-breakers in my book. Read on to learn about the issues I wouldn't willingly take on.
April 25, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel
Here's the Money Move I'm Making Since Ditching My PMI
If you're no longer paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI), you may want to save the extra money. Find out why one writer is making this money move.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
3 Signs an FHA Loan Isn't Right for You
Tempted by an FHA loan? Read on to see why you may want to go another route.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
64% of Americans Say It's Best to Pay Off a Mortgage ASAP. Here's Why They're Wrong
In some situations, it's best to get ahead of a mortgage. But read on to see why that advice may not apply to you.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
Here's What Happens When You Apply for a Mortgage and You're Self-Employed
It's by no means impossible to get a mortgage when you're self-employed, but it can be harder than if you're a salaried employee. Read on to learn more.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
3 Signs You're Not Ready to Buy a Home This Year
It may not be the best time for you to buy a home. Read on to see how to tell.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
Never Overlook This When Applying for a Veterans Mortgage
One of the biggest perks of a VA loan may also be a huge drawback. Read on to learn what to consider with this kind of mortgage.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
Common Mistakes Veterans Make When Applying for a Mortgage
Buying a home as a veteran comes with special considerations and a few potential pitfalls. Read on to find out how to avoid them.
April 24, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®
I Want to Buy an Airbnb -- How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment on the Mortgage?
Airbnb rentals can be an excellent way to invest in real estate and have a vacation home for your family to enjoy. Find out the down payment you'll need.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
How Low Will Mortgage Rates Go in 2024? Here's What We Know So Far
Mortgage rates are expected to fall later in 2024. Just how far they fall is the big question. Read on to learn more.
April 23, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
Here's How Much You Might Save on a $300,000 Mortgage if You Pay It Off in 15 Years
A 15-year mortgage is a lot cheaper than a 30-year one -- if you can afford the higher monthly payments. Read on to learn more.
April 22, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
My Spouse Has Poor Credit. Is a Joint Mortgage Out of the Question?
Getting a joint mortgage could be tough when one person's credit needs work. Read on to learn more.
April 21, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
3 Times a Mortgage Refinance Absolutely Doesn't Pay
Refinancing a mortgage could save money -- but only under the right circumstances. Read on to learn more.
April 21, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen
Thinking About Buying a Home This Year? Do This Right Now
Finding an affordable home is tough these days. But there's one step you can take to help your offer stand out from others.
April 21, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
Here's What Happens When You Put 50% Down on a Home
Making a higher down payment on a home could leave you with smaller mortgage payments. But read on to see why you may not want to put down too much.
April 21, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
Here's What Happens When You Put 30% Down on a Home
Making a higher down payment could make your mortgage more affordable on an ongoing basis. Read on to learn more.
April 21, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
Seniors Are Often Told to Pay Off Their Homes Before Retirement. Here's Why That's Bad Advice Today
Don't assume that paying off your home ahead of retirement is the right move. Learn why this decision should hinge on what your mortgage is costing you.
April 20, 2024 | By Maurie Backman
Warren Buffett's $31,000 House Is Now Worth $1.4 Million -- but He Still Says Renting Would've Made Him Wealthier
Real estate has the potential to gain value over time. But you might do even better for yourself by investing. Read on to learn more.
April 20, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®
Second Home vs. Investment Property: What's the Difference?
These might sound like the same thing, especially if you're buying an Airbnb. But they aren't. Read on to learn more.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent, a Motley Fool service, does not cover all offers on the market. The Ascent has a dedicated team of editors and analysts focused on personal finance, and they follow the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands. The Motley Fool has a Disclosure Policy. The Author and/or The Motley Fool may have an interest in companies mentioned.