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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.
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Editor's picks
![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)
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![Two people meeting with an agent](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/04/09094119/Homes-Mortgage-vs-home-equity-loan-What-is-the-differenc.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
There are many options for borrowing money based on a home’s value. Here are two.
![A borrower is meeting with a lender and signing documents](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/05/11111510/What_is_predatory_lending1.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Predatory lenders employ many tactics. Here’s what to watch for.
![Illustrated collage featuring a young adult holding an infaltn and using a smart device anchored to a wall](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/11134609/Homes_Milennials-and-Homebuying.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Millennials are different from previous generations when it comes to homebuying. Here’s what that looks like.
![Aerial shot of a residential neighborhood in Stamford, Connecticut on a sunny day in Fall, looking down on houses and vibrant autumn leaf color on the trees.](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/10/25180424/fannie-rental-history-credit-scores.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A free rent reporting program has helped thousands increase their credit scores.
![Panoramic aerial view of upscale neighborhood in the suburb](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/10/20122704/how-high-can-mortgage-rates-go.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The sharp rise in mortgage rates raises a new question: How much higher could they go?
![Small middle class American home](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/10/19100318/Mortgage-rates-reach-8-a-first-since-2000.png?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate touched 8 percent on Oct. 19, according to Bankrate data.
![Three single-family homes in a Florida neighborhood](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/03/23104820/What_is_a_mortgage_commitment_letter.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It means you’ve got financing to buy a home — probably. But it’s far from a done deal.
![Aerial view of a modern housing development with solar panels installed on all the rooftops](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/12165612/lenders-raising-jump-mortgage-rates.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The largest mortgage lenders have raised the ceiling on conforming loans.
![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.