![](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/1328x500/fcf6d0713a/header_retirement-senior-living.webp)
Mortgages
Compare mortgage rates locally, evaluate lenders, and utilize our calculators to determine affordable home prices. Access expert guidance and updates.
Explore more
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
![Brick home with landscaped front yard](https://www.bankrate.com/2018/10/26140139/Closing-costs-are-expensive-and-often-surprising-home-buying-fees-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-them.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high)
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
News highlights
The latest
![Norfolk, Virginia](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/02/19105832/First_time_homebuyer_assistance_programs_Virginia.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Virginia, help is available.
![Grandparents spend time with their grandchild](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/06/29133841/What_happens_to_your_mortgage_when_you_die.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
When you pass away, your mortgage doesn’t suddenly disappear.
![A person with papers in front of them, using a calculator](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/02/22115354/Homes_How_to_get_a_mortgage_when_youre_self_employed.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
True, the path to homeownership will be bumpier, but these tips can help you navigate it.
![Brick home with landscaped front yard](https://www.bankrate.com/2018/10/26140139/Closing-costs-are-expensive-and-often-surprising-home-buying-fees-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-them.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
They’re upfront expenses you pay on closing day. And they can mount into the thousands.
![Collage featuring a house with a large approval stamp next to it](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/21144757/Homes-How-to-get-preapproved-for-a-mortgage.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you’re serious about buying a home, it’s the first thing you should do.
![A modern house](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/02/22135518/Homes_Mortgage_rate_lock.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It can make sure you don’t get burned by rising interest rates before you close.
![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
![](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/30093324/Homes-Can-you-use-sports-betting-income-to-qualify-for-a-mortgage-1.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Unless you’re winning on a regular basis, it might be tough to use sports betting income to qualify for a mortgage.
![Grandparents spend time with their grandchild](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/06/29133841/What_happens_to_your_mortgage_when_you_die.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
When you pass away, your mortgage doesn’t suddenly disappear.
![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.
![](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.
![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.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/19115307/Homes_Best-VA-mortgage-lenders-of-January-2024-1.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A current or veteran military person? Here are the top VA lenders for you.
![](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.
![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
![](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/2024/01/19115307/Homes_Best-VA-mortgage-lenders-of-January-2024-1.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A current or veteran military person? Here are the top VA lenders for you.
![](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.
![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.