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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
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The latest
![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.
![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 September 2024 and beyond.
![](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.
![Homebuyers research mortgage lenders.](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/04/02143747/Bank_or_local_lender_deciding_where_to_get_your_mortgage.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Although lenders can provide the same end product, not all are created equally.
![A boy plays with blocks with his parents; his mother is in the military](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/05/21095134/How_to_get_VA_certificate_of_eligibility.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Don’t skip this crucial step on your road to homeownership.
![An apartment garden complex](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/06/09152657/What_is_a_blanket_mortgage.png?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It covers a particular type of borrower or investor. Newbies needn’t apply.
![A couple standing in front of a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/02/17150649/Homes-What-is-an-assumable-mortgage-and-how-does-it-work.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It could be a smart move if interest rates are high. But will the lender allow you to?
![Does refinancing affect property taxes?](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/05/11115028/GettyImages-875247398.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
No, there won’t be an immediate impact. But there are some things to watch out for.
![](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 family sitting together on a couch](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/12/21124526/Homes_How_to_get_the_best_refinance_rate.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It takes a bit of strategy. Here’s what you need to know, in seven handy tips.
![](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/29075515/SMB_When-to-refinance-a-business-loan.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
The best time to refinance a business loan is when you can qualify for loans at lower interest rates.
![Portrait of bearded man sitting at a table at home filling out a document with pitcher and glass on the table in front of him](https://www.bankrate.com/2010/04/16141856/How-to-remove-a-co-signer-from-a-car-loan.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
A lender may not let you remove a car loan co-signer without refinancing.
![An exterior of a home and yard](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/07/10093612/Upside_down_underwater_mortgages.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Underwater mortgages can occur during an economic downturn when home values fall.
![Couple discussing contract terms during meeting with realtor](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/03/21113921/choose-the-right-kind-of-refinance.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
There are many mortgage refinance options, and more than one might suit your needs. Here’s how to choose the best one.
![A single-family home in Phoenix, Arizona](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/03/01121833/What_is_an_acceleration_clause.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Trust us, you don’t want to trigger it. Here’s why.
![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/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.
![](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
![A single-story home with lawn and front path](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/10/22103247/What_happens_if_you_inherit_a_mortgage.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
First off, the mortgage still needs to be repaid — whatever your ultimate plans for the home are.
![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.