Most mortgage lenders use old FICO scores (2, 4, and 5), not the score you see on apps like Credit Karma—which means your “real” score might be very different.

The interest rate tells you what you’ll pay each month. The APR tells you what you’ll really pay overall. Smart borrowers check both before signing anything.

Down Payment Assistance Programs help homebuyers cover the upfront cash they need to buy a home—often with free money or low-interest loans.

Your score affects the type of mortgage you can get and how much it’ll cost. Above 760 get top rates, 620–759 qualifies but pay more, 580–619 are best off with FHA, and under 580, fix your credit first.

FHA loans help regular people buy homes—even with low credit scores or small savings. You just need to meet a few simple rules, and most of them are easier than you might think.

If you’ve served in the military, a VA loan could be your ticket to buying a home with no down payment and big savings—make sure you don’t miss it.

Buying a home? You’ll meet a bunch of people along the way. Here’s who they are, what they do, and why they matter.

If you're not using a paid service, you can still get your credit report and score—for free. Here's how, no strings attached

Getting a mortgage pre-approval letter before house hunting saves time, strengthens your offers, and helps you avoid heartache. It tells sellers you’re serious and ready to buy.

A bank statement loan lets you, as a self-employed person, use bank statements instead of pay stubs or tax forms to qualify, trading stricter documentation for higher rates and down payments.

You’ve got to choose your lender wisely—once they pull your credit and lock you into their process, you’ve lost flexibility and your score takes a (sometimes lasting) hit. 

If you’re short on savings or have less-than-perfect credit, FHA loans can help you buy a home—just know how they compare to regular loans and what lenders may not tell you.

The Fed held rates steady and signaled fewer cuts ahead—meaning mortgage rates are likely to stay higher longer than many hoped.

Mortgage rates likely stay high after today’s Fed update — but any shift in bond yields or Fed tone could change that.

If your phone won't stop ringing after applying for a mortgage, you're not alone. It's not a mistake—it’s something called a “trigger lead.”

Home prices are sky-high—and it’s not just one thing causing it. From low supply to higher costs to competition from investors, here’s what’s driving prices up.

If you’re financially ready, plan to stay put for at least 5–7 years, and find a home you love, it could be a smart move. But if you're stretching your budget or unsure about your job or future plans, waiting might be safer.

Inflation news may sound boring or confusing, but it affects your wallet. The more you understand it, the better choices you can make when buying a home.

Most people need 7 things: tax returns, pay stubs, bank info, credit check, gift letter (if needed), photo ID, and rent history.

Most people overpay their lender just because they didn’t shop around. You could be leaving tens of thousands on the table—without even knowing it.

Buying your first home might feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. With some smart planning and the right help, you can make it happen.

Getting a home loan can be confusing, but choosing the right lender can save you a lot of money. Lenders charge different prices and offer different deals. That’s why it’s smart to look around before choosing one.

Getting a mortgage loan can be expensive, but there are ways to pay less. If you want a better rate, here’s what you can do:

When you’re looking for a home loan, you might wonder why it’s so hard to find a lender’s rate online. There are several reasons for that.