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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.
![](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
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The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
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![Homes in Charleston](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/03/27135636/Heres-what-drives-mortgage-rates-and-not-its-not-the-Fed.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Understanding mortgage rate movements could save you money.
![A young couple dancing together in their kitchen](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/08/25150408/shared-appreciation.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A shared appreciation mortgage is a unique home financing arrangement.
![](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 2025.
![Illustrated collage featuring a tree growing behind a house](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/28100606/Homes_Should_I_pay_off_my_mortgage_early.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you’ve got some extra cash, should you throw it at your mortgage?
![Man cutting wood](https://www.bankrate.com/2017/09/07111602/how-to-pay-for-home-improvements-with-government-grants.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Find out whether you qualify for grant money to fund home repairs.
![](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 2025.
![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.
![](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 2025.
![](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 2025.
![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.
![](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 2025.
![](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 2025.
![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.
![A young couple dancing together in their kitchen](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/08/25150408/shared-appreciation.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A shared appreciation mortgage is a unique home financing arrangement.
![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