Mortgage - Buying your first home?

Mortgage Advice

• 7 mortgage fears that sideline homebuyers

  Would you like to buy a home but worry that you'd never qualify for a mortgage? It's time to stop guessing and evaluate your chances to land a loan based on everything from how much you make to your credit score. Believe it or not, the odds are in your favor.

  June 14th 2018

• Should you lend your kids money to buy a home?

  Lending money to your child is risky business. But if you can avoid the personal pitfalls and convince the federal government that this is really a loan, and not a gift, the Bank of Mom and Dad can be a financial boon for everyone in the family.

  June 13th 2018

• How to save on closing costs

  You’ve scouted out the best mortgage rate and fought hard to get the best price on your new home. But your bargaining shouldn’t stop there. Here's how you can save on everything from settlement fees to title insurance.

  June 8th 2018

• How to tell if mortgage points are worth the cost

  Paying points to get a lower interest rate is almost always a losing proposition because most homeowners don’t keep their loans long enough to recoup the up-front costs. Are you an exception to the rule?

  June 1st 2018

• Reverse mortgage disadvantages and advantages

  Can a reverse mortgage help you? Before utilizing it as a tool, take time to thoroughly understand reverse mortgage disadvantages and advantages.

  May 23rd 2018

• 7 smart moves for buying a foreclosure

  Deals on foreclosures are still out there. But they're not as easy to find as they were a few years ago, and you still need to avoid all of the costly pitfalls that can turn any repossessed home into a burden, not a bargain.

  May 23rd 2018

• The 7 biggest mortgage mistakes to avoid

  Dodging these pitfalls will make you a happier homebuyer now and more satisfied homeowner down the road. You'll know that you got the best possible mortgage and won't be overwhelmed by unexpected costs.

  May 22nd 2018

• Get your paperwork ready before applying for a mortgage

  Here's a checklist of what you'll need and it's extensive — W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, brokerage statements and more. It's never too early to start a file and fill it up.

  May 21st 2018

• Mortgage rates inch up in May 2018

  Current mortgage rates are higher than they were last March. But home loans are still historically low and a little easier to obtain, too.

• 8 critical questions your Loan Estimate will answer

  Borrowers are receiving a new form called a Loan Estimate after they apply for a mortgage. It explains the key terms, from interest rates to closing costs, and ensures you're getting the home loan your lender promised.