Mortgage Articles

A house set on a yellow background alongside varying sizes of dollar signs.

July 9, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

Warren Buffett Could've Bought His House in Cash. Here's Why He Still Took Out a Mortgage

Warren Buffett is worth billions, but he still took out a mortgage on his home. Here's why it made financial sense, and what everyday borrowers can learn from it.

A small house sits on a background of percentage signs.

May 18, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

I'm a Gen-Z Homeowner. Here Are 3 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Bought

Buying my first home was exciting, but I definitely had some learning to do along the way. Find out how you can be more prepared than I was.

A small wooden house with couple blurred in background.

April 21, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's the Median Down Payment on a Home in 2025

First-time home buyers put down a median of 9% last year, and 23% for repeat buyers. Learn more about lender requirements and savings tips.

Couple lounging by an inground pool in the back yard of a large home.

March 1, 2025 | By James McClenathen

Why Elon Musk and Other Billionaires Take Out Mortgages

Billionaires use mortgages to buy homes so they can keep as much money as possible in wealth-growing investments. Find out how regular people can do the same.

A realtor showing a smiling couple a new home.

Dec. 11, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Want to Buy a Home in 2025? 4 Crucial Moves to Make Now

I don't have a crystal ball, but I can tell you how to get ready for impending homeownership. Read on for the details.

A calculator, pad, and pen against a yellow background

Dec. 9, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Here's How Much Debt You Can Have and Still Get a Mortgage

Lenders look at two different debt ratios. Read on to learn what it means for you.

A man and woman meeting their realtor at the front door of a house with a For Sale sign out front.

Dec. 9, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

3 Ways You Can Still Buy a Home Even With Zero Down

Want to buy a house and still hold on to your nest egg? It's possible with these zero down programs. Read on to learn more.

Folded currency bills in the shape of a house

Dec. 8, 2024 | By Dana George

10+ Cities Where Buying a Home Makes No Financial Sense

In some cities, you may be setting yourself up to overpay for a home. Here's where researchers say to be careful.

a bunch of hundred dollar bills in the shape of a house

Dec. 8, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

What Can You Buy With Your Home Equity?

Home equity is more than a new roof or a snazzy front door. Read on to learn what you can do with your home's equity.

Young couple signs paperwork with agent as a set of keys sits nearby.

Dec. 6, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

3 Reasons You SHOULD Include Taxes and Insurance Into Your Mortgage

The question of whether to escrow your taxes and insurance with your mortgage is pretty controversial. Here are three reasons I say you definitely should.

Dec. 6, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

Decoding Mortgage Interest Rates: How Can You Tell When It's Time to Buy?

Should you buy a home soon? Here are the key questions about finances, long-term plans, and emotional readiness you need to ask yourself.

Woman holding glasses with one hand on computer keyboard.

Dec. 6, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

What Buyers Need to Be Doing Now to Buy a Home in 2025

Want to buy a home in 2025? Learn how to prepare your finances, navigate market trends, and find the right agent.

A couple decides whether to sign a loan agreement or not while sitting at a desk in a bank.

Dec. 1, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

5 Reasons You Can Be Denied a Mortgage -- Even if Your Credit Score Is Excellent

Your credit score is certainly a big factor in mortgage approval. But it isn't the only one. Read on to learn other reasons you might be denied by a lender.

A man and woman sitting on their couch looking through bills and signing papers.

Dec. 1, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

This Underrated Hack Could Save You More Than $20,000 in Mortgage Interest

A realtor opening the door of a new home for a young couple.

Nov. 29, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

I'm a Former Realtor. Here's What I'd Do to Get Ready for the Spring 2025 Home Buying Market

Are you planning on buying a house in spring 2025? Now's the time to prepare. Read on for tips to help you get a solid start.

Nov. 26, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

Can You Buy a House Without a Credit Score?

Believe it or not, you can buy a house without a credit score, but you'll have to jump through extra hoops to do so. Read on to find out how.

A smiling real estate agent shows two clients features of a home's exterior.

Nov. 19, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

What Does the Fed Rate Cut Mean for Home Prices?

Cutting the federal funds rate is never a guarantee that mortgage rates will fall, since the two are not directly connected. Find out what's coming here.

A man sitting on his couch and reading on a tablet.

Nov. 18, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Prediction: Here's When We'll See 4% Mortgage Rates Again

Many people think low mortgage rates are a thing of the past, but I'm not so sure. Read on to find out when mortgage rates could fall.

Nov. 17, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Here's What Happens to Your Credit Score if You Get Pre-Approved by 10 Mortgage Lenders

You might be surprised at the rules for mortgage shopping and credit scores. Find out what all home buyers need to know.

Nov. 16, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

I'm 45 Years Old and Still Owe $300,000 on My House. What Should I Do?

If you're 45 and still saddled with significant mortgage debt, it's time to make some hard decisions for Future You. Find out what I'd do if I was in your shoes.

Happy, mature couple laying on the floor surrounded by moving boxes.

Nov. 15, 2024 | By Dana George

I'm 60 Years Old and Still Owe $200,000 on My House. Should I Be Worried?

It's natural to worry about whether you'll be prepared for retirement as you reach your 60s. Here are your options if you still have a mortgage.

A smiling couple talking to a woman who is showing them a tablet.

Nov. 12, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Here's What 5% Mortgage Rates in 2025 Would Mean for Home Buyers

You might be shocked at how much more affordable buying a home could get if mortgage rates reach 5%. Here's what you need to know.

Woman making calculations as she uses her laptop.

Nov. 11, 2024 | By Brittney Myers

My Mortgage Principal Only Went Down $2,400 After a Year of Payments. Here's Why

The first few years of mortgage payments can feel like a loan from Sisyphus. Read on to see where your money is really going.

A man and woman sitting at their kitchen table with papers spread around them while researching something on a laptop.

Nov. 11, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Can You Get Mortgage Rates Without a Hard Credit Pull?

You might be able to check your mortgage rates without impacting your credit score. Read on to find out how.

Nov. 10, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

3 Ways to Take Advantage of the Lower Mortgage Interest Rates That Are Coming

A big drop in the federal funds rate generally points to a decent drop in mortgage rates. Find out how you can take advantage of the situation.

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