State programs can help you buy a home From low-cost mortgages to cash for down payments, every state offers some kind of help, especially for first-time buyers.
	How to land the best loan Our plan will help you find the cheapest possible mortgage and walk you through the application process.
	10 questions your GFE should answer Use your good faith estimate to make sure you're getting the loan you've been promised and avoid nasty surprises.
	Jumbo loans are getting cheaper But you'll still need a substantial income, little debt and a big down payment to take advantage of the low rates.
	VA loans: The best mortgages around If you've served in the military, you can qualify for a good rate even with bad credit and no money for a down payment.
	10 smart moves for buying a foreclosure You'll save 10% to 20% -- even after repairs -- if you get a good deal and avoid the costly pitfalls.
	How to take advantage of a short sale These smart moves can help you buy a home at a bargain price without all the damage and repairs of a foreclosure.

view all

	Fixed mortgage rates fall this week The average conventional 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage costs 5.26%, while the average jumbo loan costs 6.14%.
	Some Fed officials conflicted on mortgage program WASHINGTON - Some Federal Reserve policymakers last month were conflicted over whether to expand or cut back a program intended to drive down mortgage rates, bolster the housing market and keep the recovery going.
	Foreclosures weigh on home appraisals LOS ANGELES - It wasn't the first time that Katherine Scheri ruined a real estate agent's day with a low property appraisal.
	Bernanke pushes for more oversight WASHINGTON - Stronger regulation should be the first line of defense against excessive speculation that could send the economy into a new crisis, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Sunday.
	Fannie, Freddie proving too big to shrink WASHINGTON - The government's Christmas Eve pledge of unlimited financial aid to mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is aimed at making sure the housing market doesn't take another turn for the worse and cause the economic recovery to unravel.
	New California laws protect borrowers SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Hammered by a housing downturn that contributed to the state's budget crisis, California is boosting protections for home buyers and punishing brokers who mislead borrowers and steer them into costly loans.

view all

	Home prices expected to fall again in 2010 Foreclosures will continue to flood the market with cut-rate inventory, but values will grow again in 2011, economist says.
	Pay a reasonable loan origination fee Check your good faith estimate carefully to be sure you're being charged an acceptable amount.
	Take full advantage of the tax credits U.S. extends and broadens the deal for home buyers, and it's particularly valuable because it reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar.
	How to avoid foreclosure It's not always easy to find, but help is available -- if you know where to look for it.
	Buy foreclosures through agents, not auctions That way, you won't be up against professional investors who are expert bidders.
	Refinance if you can save a point of interest For every point you shave off your loan, you'll pocket $65 a month for every $100,000 you borrow.

view all

Mortgage calculator
Calculate the monthly payments for any fixed-rate loan. Just enter the amount and terms.