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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
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How to get the best mortgage rate
Mortgages
With interest rates rising, shopping around is more important than ever.
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First-time homebuyer guide
Mortgages
Being a novice often feels like a nuisance. However, there are actually perks to being a first-timer.
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5 types of mortgage loans for homebuyers
Mortgages
A comprehensive list to help you find the right financing tool for your dream home.
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![A suburban street](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/09/09145852/How_to_avoid_mistakes_when_closing_on_your_mortgage.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
How to navigate the time between when you apply for a mortgage and when it closes.
![How to refinance a house you’re renting out](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/11/01155658/GettyImages-1060350112.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
No, it’s not exactly the same as refinancing your home’s mortgage.
![A single-family one-story home in Los Angeles, California](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/01/06092508/What_is_a_wholesale_mortgage_lender.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
You may not recognize their name, but they might have a better deal for you.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/04/15175311/Loan-modification-vs.-refinance_-Whats-better-for-borrowers_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The bottom line: You can choose to refinance, but you’re forced into a loan modification.
![When is it a good idea to refinance](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/05/04112619/GettyImages-591213359.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
There are specific times and situations when it makes sense to refinance your mortgage.
![Illustrated collage featuring a set of keys and an American flag](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/10/10123215/Homes-VA-loan-down-payment-Definition-and-requirements.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Most VA loan borrowers don’t have to make a down payment. Here’s how to decide whether you should.
![Illustrated collage featuring a house with colorful graphics behind it](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/28134930/Mortgages-What-is-PMI-Guide-to-how-private-mortgage-insurance-works.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Hard to avoid it if your down payment is low. But must you pay this extra fee forever?
![gray formal livingroom](https://www.bankrate.com/2018/01/23084831/how-can-i-lower-my-mortgage-payment.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Yes, you can pay less each month. Not all methods are worth the time or upfront expense, though.
![Illustrated collage featuring a mailbox with money falling out](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/05/05104747/Homes_How-to-take-equity-out-of-your-home.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Your home isn’t a piggy bank, but there are wise ways to tap your ownership stake for cash.
![A woman meets with her lender to refinance her mortgage.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/05/13142658/Should_you_refinance_ARM_fixed_rate_mortgage.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It all depends on how interest rates are trending and how your financials are looking.
![A gray accented suburban home with a double garage](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/07/07104936/GettyImages-157191865.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It could be a shrewd strategy, as long as the costs suit your budget and timeline.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/31145750/Homes-1-31analysis.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Mortgage rates rose slightly this week, but remain firmly under 7 percent.
![Couple sitting on a sofa, looking at a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/21132012/should-you-refi-now-or-wait.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Mortgage rates have fallen, but the imminent Fed cut could make them even more favorable for refinancers.
![A woman reviewing documents](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/04/12124827/Homes-Key-mortgage-terms-to-know.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
From A(RMs) to V(A loans), the most common words mortgage shoppers should know.
![Illustrated image with a man and a dog](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/02/07094813/BR_Banking_Refinancing_a_home_equity_loan.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
How to calculate if the costs outweigh the benefits.
![A house with a fenced-in yard](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/07/01094355/What_is_prepayment_penalty.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It’s basically a fee to stop you from settling your mortgage early.
![](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/2024/01/18084621/Homes_Best-FHA-mortgage-lenders-of-January-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
When it comes to these easier-to-qualify-for loans, these lenders are tops.
![Image of houses on a sunny day](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/30103521/Homes-Best-mortgage-lenders-in-February-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are the best mortgage lenders for April 2024.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/12/19115614/Mortgages-best-203k-rehab-mortgage-lenders.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here is Bankrate’s guide to the best 203(k) rehab mortgage lenders.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/18084138/Homes_Best-low-credit-score-mortgage-lenders-of-January-2024_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some of the best bad credit mortgage lenders in 2024.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/18083208/Homes_Best-mortgage-lenders-in-Online-for-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
OK with doing your loan digitally? These mortgage companies are the tops.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/19120653/Mortgages-best-refinance-mortgage-lenders.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are some of the best mortgage refinance lenders in 2024.
![Illustrated image featuring a house](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/12/29172148/Homes_Best-mortgage-lenders-no-origination-fee-of-January-2024.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Bankrate’s guide to finding the best reverse mortgage lender for you
![Close up of a person signing a contract](https://www.bankrate.com/2010/09/15082549/what-to-know-about-insolvency.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Insolvency is a difficult financial situation, but it doesn’t have to last forever.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/12/21145642/GettyImages-83802508.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Discount real estate brokers cut their commissions. Do they axe services too?
![The exterior of a two-story single-family home with attached garage and driveway](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/08/23112215/Flex_Modification_what_to_know.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you’re behind on your mortgage, a Flex Modification might be able to help.
![Foreclosed home](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/04/24134937/Missing-your-mortgage-payments-heres-how-to-avoid-foreclosure.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are strategies for avoiding foreclosure if you have trouble making house payments.
![Couple reviewing bills, managing finances](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/05/14121006/how-to-refinance-an-underwater-mortgage.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Even if you owe more than your home is worth, there are options to refinance.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/08/24112530/what-is-mortgage-forbearance-agreement.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Borrowers can request forbearance when there’s a change in their financial situation.
![A single-story home with yard and driveway](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/09/03103621/What_is_preforeclosure.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It’s the first step on the road to losing your home. So avoid it.
![Senior couple payings bills inside home](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/28171549/mortgage-deferment.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Although used interchangeably, deferment isn’t the same as forbearance.