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Mortgages
Compare mortgage rates locally, evaluate lenders, and utilize our calculators to determine affordable home prices. Access expert guidance and updates.
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Mortgage basics
![A house](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/02/12100948/Homes_How_To_Get_The_Best_Mortgage_Rate.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
How to get the best mortgage rate
Mortgages
With interest rates rising, shopping around is more important than ever.
![Family moving into home](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/07/03123917/First-time-homebuyer-guide.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
First-time homebuyer guide
Mortgages
Being a novice often feels like a nuisance. However, there are actually perks to being a first-timer.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/03181635/Homes_5_types_of_mortgage_loans_for_homebuyers.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
5 types of mortgage loans for homebuyers
Mortgages
A comprehensive list to help you find the right financing tool for your dream home.
Reviews & tools
Editor's picks
![A planned neighborhood of single-family homes](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/02/05100049/experts-making-mortgage-giants-private-could-help-some-homebuyers-hurt-othersjpg-scaled.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Experts: Making mortgage giants private could help some homebuyers, hurt others
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![A planned neighborhood of single-family homes](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/02/05100049/experts-making-mortgage-giants-private-could-help-some-homebuyers-hurt-othersjpg-scaled.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
What could happen to mortgages and rates if Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac exit conservatorship?
![Illustrated collage of: A hand holding a pencil with a house made of money](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/04125433/Homes-What-is-the-draw-period-on-a-HELOC-and-how-does-it-work.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It’s the fun part, when you get your money. But you have to be ready when it ends.
![A large "for sale" sign](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/02/12093432/Mortgages_Why_Your_Mortgage_Gets_Sold.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The first step is simple: Don’t obsess. It happens all the time.
![The American flag flies outside the U.S. Capitol before sunrise](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/11/08103549/what-is-fannie-mae.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Among other things, it makes your mortgage possible — and affordable.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/12/26102126/Homes-Best-mortgage-lenders-in-December-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are the best mortgage lenders for February 2025.
![A house on a sunny day](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/04/30153640/Homes-May-2024-mortgage-rate-forecast.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Bankrate’s Greg McBride and others weigh in on what to expect for mortgage rates in January 2025 and beyond.
![Mother holding a baby while looking at documents](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/02/29123452/notice-of-default.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A notice of default is the first legal step in foreclosure. If left unaddressed, you could lose your home.
![Image of a white house surrounded by greenery](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/18170549/Homes-Fannie-Mae-vs-Freddie-Mac-Whats-the-difference.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
And what do their differences mean for you, the mortgage borrower?
![](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/12/26102126/Homes-Best-mortgage-lenders-in-December-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are the best mortgage lenders for February 2025.
![Illustrated design features money shaped as a house](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/04/10110112/Homes_How-much-does-it-cost-to-refinance-a-mortgage_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It isn’t cheap. But what matters more is how fast you can recoup those closing costs.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/05/14143416/Homes-How-the-Federal-Reserve-affects-mortgage-rates.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
![A single-family home in suburban Michigan](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/09/28164156/How_to_pay_back_reverse_mortgage.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
How do you pay back a reverse mortgage, and when is it necessary?
![A house on a stack of money](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/31145750/Homes-1-31analysis.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Mortgage rates retreated this week as the Federal Reserve opted not to cut rates.
![Woman sitting on a blue armchair reviewing a tablet](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/03/21144038/GettyImages-1464824741-1.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
With mortgage rates set to gradually fall, does it make sense to refinance this year?
![An image of a silver SUV against a light screen square on a dark green background.](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/06164838/Loans_-How_to_refinance_your_car_loan.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how to refinance a car loan and save.
![A house with a sign that says "Reduced" behind it](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/23113331/Homes-How-to-get-a-low-cost-mortgage-refinance.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
But be careful, lest a strategy end up costing you more in the long run.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/12/26102126/Homes-Best-mortgage-lenders-in-December-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are the best mortgage lenders for February 2025.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/19120134/Mortgages-best-construction-loan-lenders.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here is Bankrate’s guide to the best construction loan lenders.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/19120259/Mortgages-best-jumbo-mortgage-lenders.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some of the best jumbo mortgage lenders in 2024.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/19120427/Mortgages-best-low-down-payment-mortgage-lenders.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some of the best lenders for low- and no-down payment mortgages in 2024.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/18083743/Homes_Best-mortgage-lenders-in-Texas-for-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some of the best mortgage lenders in Texas in 2024.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/18083429/Homes_Best-mortgage-lenders-in-California-for-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some of the best mortgage lenders in California in 2024.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/18083011/Homes_Best-mortgage-lenders-in-Reverse-for-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some of the best no-fee mortgage lenders in 2024.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/19115824/Mortgages-best-cash-out-refinance-lenders.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some of the best cash-out refinance lenders in 2024.
![Mother holding a baby while looking at documents](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/02/29123452/notice-of-default.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A notice of default is the first legal step in foreclosure. If left unaddressed, you could lose your home.
![Image of a white house surrounded by greenery](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/18170549/Homes-Fannie-Mae-vs-Freddie-Mac-Whats-the-difference.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
And what do their differences mean for you, the mortgage borrower?
![Wooden house in neighborhood](https://www.bankrate.com/2017/08/02142213/the-difference-between-your-mortgage-rate-and-the-annual-percentage-rate-or-apr.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It’s like a mortgage, only it makes foreclosure a lot easier. Homebuyer beware.
![An aerial of homes in a neighborhood](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/07/14112022/What_is_a_foreclosure.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
After several missed payments, your lender can start the foreclosure process.
![A forest fire in California](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/01/13152945/What_happens_to_my_mortgage_in_a_natural_disaster.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you’re a homeowner impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires, contact your mortgage servicer as soon as possible.
![Suburban house](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/11/29094505/Conforming-loan-limits-2023-1.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
For much of the U.S., the divide between conforming loans and jumbo mortgages will be $766,550.
![Cellist plays on porch during coronavirus](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/04/23165945/Everything-you-should-know-about-mortgage-forbearance.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Answers to borrowers most common mortgage forbearance questions
![Wide shot of a home on the east coast during autumn](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/10/24124415/what-is-a-zombie-mortgage-1208461121687402.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Some seemingly-dead second mortgages are coming back to life demanding payment.