Mortgages

Understand the credit score requirements for buying a house and learn how your credit score impacts your ability to secure a mortgage.

Ashley Eneriz

A guaranteed loan is a mortgage option for borrowers with poor or no credit history. Learn how they work, the types and considerations.

Dr. Megan Hanna

An FHA streamline loan is a simplified way to refinance. Learn more about the guidelines, pros and cons and more to see if it's right for you.

Holly Johnson

About to start the mortgage process? Here’s how long underwriting can take and what you need to know to close on your home faster.

Jennifer Schurman

Mortgage underwriting is the process of reviewing a potential homebuyer’s finances. Read our guide to understand the process and timeline.

Holly Johnson

Wondering what is a good down payment? It is likely less than you think. Here’s how much you really need to save and put down to buy a house.

Ashley Eneriz

Learn how to identify real estate companies and landlords that are committed to fair housing practices and why it matters for your next home.

Ashley Eneriz

Getting a condo mortgage requires additional steps in underwriting, and some loan programs have specific rules. Read more about condo mortgages here.

Holly Johnson

If you’re applying for a home equity loan, learn about the qualifications for credit history, loan-to-value ratio and debt-to-income ratio.

Ashley Eneriz

How do USDA loan programs work? Read about USDA’s eligibility requirements and compare the pros and cons of USDA loans before you apply.

Ashley Eneriz

Want to refinance your mortgage? Compare our top 9 picks for 2021 based on verified reviews. Learn how to find the best mortgage refinance company for you.

Ashley Eneriz

Want a zero-down mortgage? Learn more about how to buy a house with no money down and the pros and cons of financing 100% of your home purchase.

Lee Huffman

Want to buy a house? Here’s everything you need to know about how to get a mortgage, from the preapproval process to the closing details. Learn more.

Kathryn Parkman

VA home loans are an affordable mortgage option for qualifying service members. Understand how your credit score affects your VA loan options.

Ashley Eneriz

Negative equity occurs when the value of real estate property falls below the outstanding balance on the mortgage used to purchase that property.

Holly Johnson

“Clear to close” means you have the lender’s approval to schedule a closing date. Learn more about how to get cleared to close and what happens after.

Ashley Eneriz

Learn what escrow is and how it works before you start shopping for your new home. Escrows protect your money during the homebuying process.

Ashley Eneriz

USDA eligibility maps help homebuyers find properties that can be financed with a USDA loan. Learn more about the USDA loan map and how to use it.

Holly Johnson

Considering an FHA mortgage loan? See if you qualify by reviewing the FHA loan requirements for down payments, loan limits and credit scores.

Ashley Eneriz

If you’re considering a reverse mortgage, explore alternatives, such as renting the property or getting a HELOC, before making a decision.

Ashley Eneriz

Yes, you can refinance a reverse mortgage. Read about reverse mortgage refinance benefits to find out if it’s right for you on ConsumerAffairs.

Leorah Gavidor

A piggyback loan is a small home equity loan you can take out alongside your mortgage. Learn how it works, the types available and what to consider.

Holly Johnson

Wondering how rising mortgage rates affect your loan? Even a 1% increase can limit what you can afford. Learn more about how rates work.

Emily Moore

Looking for the best mortgage lender? Our top picks include New American Funding, Cardinal Financial, AmeriSave and Rocket. Compare rates and reviews.

Kathryn Parkman

Looking for an online mortgage lender? Check out our top picks to compare requirements and customer satisfaction. Find the best lender today.

Kathryn Parkman

Learn about warranty deeds, the legal documents that ensure a property's transfer of ownership is valid, with no liens or encumbrances present.

Ashley Eneriz

Learn the differences between a conventional mortgage and an FHA when it comes to loan requirements, down payments and credit scores.

Ashley Eneriz

Learn the benefits and risks of owner financing, a real estate financing arrangement where the seller acts as the lender, to see if it's for you.

Ashley Eneriz

Buying a home? Getting preapproved for a mortgage is the first step. Discover the benefits of preapproval and how it differs from pre-qualification.

Ashley Eneriz

These first-time homebuyer programs make buying a home a reality with special financing and assistance and flexible lending requirements.

Ashley Eneriz

Figure out how much house you can afford with a mortgage calculator and the 28/36 rule. Learn the factors that affect your mortgage eligibility.

Ashley Eneriz

Wondering if you should put in an offer over the list price? It may be necessary in a seller’s market, where the supply of available houses is low.

Jennifer Schurman

Looking to buy your first home? Discover the benefits of being a first-time homebuyer, including down payment assistance and tax credits.

Ashley Eneriz

Compare the best jumbo loan lenders to get the lowest rate. Learn about jumbo loan down payment options, interest rates, PMI and more. Top picks include ClearPath, Cardinal Financial and AmeriSave.

Emily Moore

Interested in a home equity line of credit for additional financing? Use our guide to compare and find the best HELOC lenders for you.

Jennifer Schurman

Our picks for the top USDA lenders are Caliber Home Loans, New American Funding and AmeriSave Mortgage. Compare reviews and features to learn why.

Ashley Eneriz

Need a home equity loan? Use our guide to find the best home equity loan lenders, compare loan requirements and fees and read verified customer reviews.

Lee Huffman

Interested in applying for a VA loan? Read our buyers guide, compare ratings and use consumer reviews to find the best VA loan lenders.

Jessica Render

Looking for the best reverse mortgage companies? Our top picks include FAR, AAG and Liberty Reverse, based on verified customer review data.

Ashley Eneriz

If you're interested in accessing your home equity with a cash-out refinance, we'll help you choose the best cash-out refi lender.

Lee Huffman

A mortgage is the type of loan you need to purchase or refinance a house. Learn important mortgage terminology and what to expect from the process.

Diana Flowers

Considering using your hard-earned equity in your home? You could get a refi, reverse mortgage, home equity loan or HELOC — which is right for you?

Taylor Sansano

You can’t avoid home closing costs, but you can lower them. While certain closing costs are fixed, you can save on variable ones. Learn more.

Ashley Eneriz

You're ready for a new house. Should you buy it or build it? Here's how to evaluate the pros and cons of each as you plan your move.

Holly Johnson

In a short sale, a property is sold for less than the amount owed on the mortgage. Learn how it works and why you may want to take advantage of one.

Holly Johnson

When you apply for a mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Agency, FHA loan limits place a cap on the amount you can borrow. Learn more.

Dr. Megan Hanna

The average monthly mortgage payment for U.S. homeowners varies according to different factors. Learn more about what impacts monthly payments.

Gabriel Shabat

What are the requirements for a reverse mortgage? Learn about age limits, ownership criteria and mandatory financial counseling with ConsumerAffairs.

Emma Simon

Check out these tips for negotiating after a home inspection to help you decide which concessions you should ask for from the seller.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Wondering what the best time of year to buy a house is? Use our guide to learn more about the process and seasonal considerations.

Josh Richner

A home equity agreement allows you to cash out some of the equity in your home in exchange for giving the lender an ownership stake in your property.

Ashley Eneriz

Not sure whether you want a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit? A fixed-rate HELOC may offer the solution. Learn more now.

Lee Huffman

Does something seem off about a home you are interested in buying? Here are a few easy ways to ensure a house isn't keeping secrets from you.

Gabriel Shabat

Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer or seller, you need to know how much a home is worth. Here are different ways to determine a home’s value.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Getting a mortgage to buy a duplex or multi-unit home is possible for buyers who meet guidelines. Learn more about the financing options.

Gabriel Shabat

Learn the basics of property taxes, including how to pay them, what happens if you can't afford them and who's eligible for exemption.

Holly Johnson

Homeowners can use several tax breaks, including the home mortgage interest deduction, to lower their tax bills. Learn more with our guide.

Gabriel Shabat

Capital improvements are permanent structural changes to a property that enhance value, increase useful life or allow for a new use. Learn more.

Jessica Martel

Is buying a house a good investment? Buying a house can be a good investment. Before you buy, consider the pros and cons of homeownership.

Ashley Eneriz

If you know anything about mortgages, you’ve probably heard a lot of talk about building equity. Read more about what this means and its importance.

Jennifer Schurman

A bridge loan is a short-term loan that’s often used for real estate. Read more if you’re interested in this type of gap financing.

Sandy Baker

Cash out-refinance and home equity loans have some similarities, but there are several key differences, including how they work and requirements.

Bradley Schnitzer

Nonrecourse debt is backed by collateral. If you default the lender can seize the collateral but can't go after other assets. Here's how it works.

Emily Moore

If you want to lower your monthly mortgage payment and save money on interest, a mortgage recast, or reamortization, may be right for you.

Jennifer Schurman

When you apply for a loan, the lender weighs its risk by dividing the amount of the loan by the value of the asset. What’s this mean for a mortgage?

Sarah Goldy-Brown

Ginnie Mae is a government-owned company that makes it easier for lenders to give affordable home loans to underserved communities.

Jennifer Schurman

An HFA loan is designed for buyers with low to moderate incomes. Learn about how it works, the eligibility requirements and considerations.

Jennifer Schurman

An assumable mortgage is one you can take over from the original borrower, keeping the rates and terms. Learn how it works, types and considerations.

Jennifer Schurman

An appraisal waiver can save a homebuyer time and money. Learn how skipping out on the appraisal works and what to consider if you waive it.

Josh Richner

A wraparound mortgage is an alternative form of home financing that can help buyers with poor credit. Learn how it works and what to consider.

Josh Richner

A title search is a thorough review of documents related to a property’s ownership. Read our guide to see how it fits in the homebuying process.

Jennifer Schurman

Subprime mortgages help those with lower credit scores purchase a home, but they have higher rates. Learn how they work and the different types.

Bradley Schnitzer

A no-doc mortgage is a home loan that doesn’t require traditional income verification from the lender. Learn how it works and the pros and cons.

Jennifer Schurman

A mortgage loan modification is a change to the original terms of your home loan. Read about how it works, how to get one and more.

Jennifer Schurman

A land loan is used to purchase property you plan to build a home on. Learn about how they work, the types available and what to consider.

Jennifer Schurman

A defeasance clause states that a borrower becomes the owner of the property once they’ve finished paying off a mortgage. What does it mean for you?

Jennifer Schurman

A Closing Disclosure is a document that outlines the finalized terms of your mortgage. Read our guide to see where it falls in the homebuying process.

Jennifer Schurman

Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase meaning “let the buyer beware.” Learn what it has to do with a mortgage and what to look out for as you buy a home.

Jennifer Schurman

A real estate attorney can help homebuyers through the closing process to make sure they understand the terms. Read more to find out if you need one.

Jennifer Schurman

A mortgage loan originator is the entity that distributes your initial home loan funds. Learn more about an MLO’s function and fees.

Jennifer Schurman

Seller concessions in a mortgage are incentives the seller uses to entice the buyer, like paying a portion of closing costs. Learn how they work.

Jennifer Schurman

Real estate comps are recently sold homes that are comparable to a home on the market. Learn how they’re used and how to find them.

Jennifer Schurman

Mortgage-backed securities are investment bonds backed by home loans. Learn more about how they work, the types and considerations.

Jennifer Schurman

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds are both deeds used to transfer ownership of property, but a warranty deed comes with certain legal guarantees.

Jennifer Schurman

Paying biweekly on your mortgage early on can shorten the repayment term on your home loan. Learn how this works and the pros and cons.

Jennifer Schurman

Is it better to rent or buy a home? We compare the pros and cons of each to help you determine if buying or renting is best for you.

Jennifer Schurman

In the homebuying process, the mortgagee is the lender and the mortgagor is the borrower. Learn the duties and responsibilities of each.

Jennifer Schurman

The number of parties involved is one of the main differences between a mortgage and a deed of trust. Find out the other key differences.

Bradley Schnitzer

Wondering how to get rid of PMI on your mortgage? Check out our timeline to understand what you can expect and when you can first request PMI removal.

Jennifer Schurman

Mobile homes may be less expensive than traditional houses, but they're still investments. Learn how to finance a mobile home now.

Holly Johnson

From finding a lender and getting preapproved to designing the home of your dreams, learn how to buy a new-construction home in five simple steps.

Jennifer Schurman

Interested in buying a FSBO house? From preapproval to closing, we’ve got tips on how to buy a home for sale by owner in five simple steps.

Brandi Marcene

Closing costs on a refi typically range from 2% to 6% of the purchase price. Use our guide to calculate your costs and learn about the fees.

Jennifer Schurman

Eligibility requirements are the main distinction between FHA loans and USDA loans. Find out more about the key differences between these loan types.

Bradley Schnitzer

Wondering if refinancing affects your credit? It can reduce your score temporarily, but you should be OK as long as you pay on time.

Jennifer Schurman

Is it better to buy a condo or a house? We compare the pros and cons of each option to help you determine which one is best for you.

Jennifer Schurman

Supply and demand, local trends and other economic indicators determine whether you’re in a buyer’s or a seller’s market. Here's what to look for.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

VA rates are typically lower than conventional loan rates. See today’s rates and learn how to get the best mortgage rates from lenders.

Brandi Marcene

Title insurance protects homebuyers and lenders from issues that arise in the transfer of property titles. Learn how it works and the different types.

Jennifer Schurman

A mortgage lien is a creditor’s legal claim on a property. Learn about voluntary and involuntary mortgage liens and how they work.

Bradley Schnitzer

A promissory note is a document showing a borrower’s promise to repay a loan. Learn the differences between a mortgage and this type of document.

Jennifer Schurman

Closing costs are lender processing, property and other fees paid to the lender when you close on a home. Learn how they work and how much they are.

Jennifer Schurman

Paying off your mortgage early can save you money on your loan. Learn how this process works and the pros and cons of early repayment.

Jennifer Schurman

Conditional approval means you’re likely to be approved for a loan, as long as you meet certain criteria. Learn about how it works and the benefits.

Jennifer Schurman

A down payment is a cash payment you make upfront on a home in order to secure it and reduce your principal. Learn how it works and the pros and cons.

Jennifer Schurman

Mortgage amortization offers a payoff option with predictable, fixed monthly payments. Read about how it works and the pros and cons.

Jennifer Schurman

An appraisal contingency protects a homebuyer if the house is worth less than expected. Learn how it works and read about other common contingencies.

Jennifer Schurman

Curious about what you should know when getting a home inspection? Use our checklist to make sure you don't miss anything in the process.

Bradley Schnitzer

Looking for a lower tax payment? If you’re paying interest on a home loan, learn more here about mortgage interest deductions and how they work.

Jennifer Schurman

Read our guide to learn about how a mortgage works, what’s involved in the homebuying process and basic mortgage terms you should know.

Brandi Marcene

Looking to buy a home with a bad credit loan? Read our guide to learn about mortgage options and find out which one is best for you.

Bradley Schnitzer

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Jennifer Schurman

Looking to refinance your home but not sure how often it’s possible? Learn about refinance waiting periods and more with ConsumerAffairs.

Bradley Schnitzer

Steps to choose a lender, according to a loan officer: Consider mortgage options, get pre-qualified, compare offers and ask the right questions.

Kathryn Parkman

Not sure whether to get a 20-year or 30-year mortgage? Use our guide to understand the pros and cons of both mortgage term lengths.

Bradley Schnitzer

Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the conforming loan limit. Learn how jumbo loans work, if your eligible and how they compare to other loans.

Michele Lerner

To get a home equity loan with bad credit, you’ll need to jump through more qualifying hoops and pay a higher rate. Learn more here.

Lee Huffman

VA loans help veterans and active-duty service members purchase homes with 0% down. Find out if you qualify and start the homebuying process today.

Jessica Render

Thinking about buying a house? Read our guide to learn what affects mortgage qualification and how to increase your chances of approval.

Jennifer Schurman

Wondering how long the homebuying process is? It often takes between 30 and 60 days. Check out our timeline to understand what you can expect.

Valerie Johnston

Looking to buy a home but not sure where to start with a down payment? Read our guide for tips and advice to help save for a house.

Jennifer Schurman

Interest-only mortgages are nonconforming loans that let the borrower pay only on interest for a few years. Learn how they work and the pros and cons.

Bradley Schnitzer

A mortgage broker is an intermediary who can help you choose the best loan for you. Should you work with a broker or a direct lender?

Valerie Johnston

Both mortgage lenders and banks can lend money for a home, but lenders usually offer more options, and banks often have stricter credit requirements.

Valerie Johnston

The current 10-year mortgage rates listed here depend on elements like your credit score and the type of property you want to buy.

Josh Richner

Get help with your down payment with a down payment assistance program. Learn more about what they are, how they work and how to apply.

Kathryn Parkman

Mortgage brokers act as an intermediary between homebuyers and lenders. You can also choose to work directly with a lender. But which is best?

Emily Moore

Debt-to-income ratio is the portion of your income that goes toward paying debts. DTI affects how much house you can afford. Learn how to calculate.

Diana Flowers

Home appraisals determine the value of a property and are used in homebuying and refinancing. Learn more about what you can expect from an appraisal.

Emily Moore

Adjustable-rate mortgages come with variable interest rates that tend to start low but change over time. How do they work, and when are they worth it?

Emily Moore

Your home loan APR includes more than just an interest rate. Learn more about mortgage rates and how to compare rates and lenders.

Diana Flowers

Looking to buy a house this year? ConsumerAffairs has 12 steps to help you land your dream home in 2021. See our guide for more information.

Brandi Marcene

Forbearance is an option to consider if you need mortgage relief. Read more about how this payment pause works and the pros and cons.

Jennifer Schurman

Mortgage insurance protects lenders from losing money if a borrower defaults on a home loan. Learn when PMI is required and how much it costs.

Trina Thomas

It’s important to know the differences between ARMs and fixed-rate mortgages so you choose the right loan for you. Each has benefits and drawbacks.

Brandi Marcene

A 15-year mortgage is a good alternative to a 30-year mortgage if you want to pay your home loan off faster. Learn more with ConsumerAffairs.

Josh Richner

Homeownership isn’t out of reach! Compare lenders and read our guide on how to buy a house when your credit score is less than perfect.

Leorah Gavidor

Buying your first home? Check out Rocket, Better, New American Funding and more of our top lender picks. Plus, get answers to mortgage questions.

Kathryn Parkman

A construction loan can help you pay to build a new house or renovate an existing one. Read more about how they work and how to get one.

Leorah Gavidor

Planning to buy a house? Learn what an origination fee on a mortgage is and how much it costs. Plus, find out about other closing expenses.

Leorah Gavidor

Wondering about the differences between mortgage pre-qualification and preapproval? Use our guide to understand how each process works.

Valerie Johnston

Should you buy or sell first? What’s a contingent offer? Get these answers and more in our guide to buying and selling at the same time.

Rosemary Avance, Ph.D.

Want to understand the types of mortgage rates available? Find more about mortgage rate types and discover important things you should know.

Danni White

Wondering what determines mortgage interest rates? Check out our guide to learn how market factors and personal finances influence your rate.

Jennifer Schurman

A conventional mortgage is a loan that’s not backed by the government. These loans have more flexibility but stricter qualifying requirements.

Bradley Schnitzer

A fixed-rate mortgage’s interest rate will never change. This certainty is popular among borrowers — see if it’s the right option for you.

Bradley Schnitzer

Buying a house and need a mortgage? Learn about the pros and cons of an FHA loan to decide if it’s the right type of mortgage for you.

Valerie Johnston

A blanket mortgage is a type of financing that can help you efficiently procure a loan for multiple properties. Learn about these loans here.

Brandi Marcene

An energy-efficient mortgage can help you pay for a home that’s already eco-friendly or finance new green improvements. Learn about programs here.

Brandi Marcene

Is it a good time to refinance? Compare current refinance rates and learn more about how refinance rates work to decide if you’re ready.

Emily Moore

Check and compare current mortgage rates and get the lowdown on terms and loan types. Plus, find answers to your mortgage questions.

Emily Moore

No-down-payment mortgages can be an appealing path to homeownership. Read the pros and cons, how to qualify and if they’re worth it.

Emily Moore

Buying a condo is different from buying a house. From co-ops to home loans, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about buying a condo.

Emily Moore

Mortgage points are fees paid to a lender to reduce the interest rate you pay on your home loan. But how much do they cost, and are they worth it?

Sarah Harris

Government-backed loans can make it easier to qualify for a mortgage and buy a home. Compare your options and see which is right for you.

Bradley Schnitzer

No-closing cost refinances are available, but are they worth it? Read our guide to no-cost refinances to decide which refinance is right for you.

Bradley Schnitzer

A second mortgage is a loan taken out against the equity in your home. Learn more about how they work and how you qualify for one.

Sarah Harris

Earnest money, also called a “good-faith deposit,” is an upfront payment the buyer puts down before closing. It shows they’re serious about an offer.

Diana Flowers

Average closing costs range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. Use our guide to calculate closing costs and learn about closing fees.

Amelia York

You may have heard that 20% is the ideal down payment amount, but that’s not always true. Here’s how down payments work and how much you should pay.

Kathryn Parkman

PITI stands for principal, interest taxes and insurance. Learn how these four little letters make a big impact in your monthly mortgage payment.

Taylor Sansano

A title company confirms that a person has the legal right to sell a property. Learn what title companies do and how to choose one.

Taylor Sansano

What is a prepayment penalty, and what can you do to avoid it? Learn how to pay off your mortgage early without triggering the prepayment penalty fee.

Holly Johnson

Paying off your mortgage before retirement comes with a number of financial benefits. Read more to find out if it’s the right move for you.

Gabriel Shabat

Applying for a mortgage can be done online or in person. Learn about the digital mortgage process and how it can save you time and money.

Holly Johnson

A home inspection is part of the mortgage process. Learn about average costs, what home inspectors look for and how to read a home inspection report.

Taylor Sansano

Check out the current rates for 15-year mortgages. Depending on your situation, loan type and lender, your home loan rates may differ.

Jennifer Schurman

If you’re buying a home, our comprehensive guide will help you understand what a mortgage rate lock is, how it works and the fees associated with it.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Interest rate caps are commonly used in adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans. Learn more about how these caps work and what to look for.

Dr. Megan Hanna

A mortgage broker could save you time, money and stress by finding you a deal, negotiating fees and keeping the loan process on track.

Holly Johnson

The VA funding fee is between 1.4% and 3.6% of the total loan. The amount is calculated based on loan type, down payment and other factors.

Trina Thomas

Starting in 2020, the VA loan limit has been eliminated for most qualifying veterans. Read on for exceptions and to find out if you qualify.

Trina Thomas

We explore how many first-time homebuyers are buying homes in less competitive secondary locations rather than investing in a primary residence.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

We ranked major U.S. cities using Census data on housing costs. See which cities grabbed the top and bottom spots and where your city is on our list.

Vincent Landino

Should you take advantage of your VA benefit, or is the FHA home loan a better deal? Compare the two mortgage options side by side to decide.

Brandi Marcene

Facts and statistics on the fastest-growing cities in the United States by population number growth and population percent growth.

Jon Bortin

Your lender may ask for a letter of explanation to clarify details in your mortgage application. Learn the steps involved to write one.

Holly Johnson

When you apply for a mortgage, following the correct process matters. Here's how to prepare, what to do and what the lender does at each step.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Mortgage interest deduction could cut your tax bill this year if you itemize and follow a few other rules. Here's what to know about it.

Lee Huffman

Mortgage preapproval hurts your credit score temporarily, but it makes homebuying easier. Learn more about its impact and how long it lasts.

Holly Johnson

Your debt-to-income ratio impacts the type of mortgage you qualify for — and whether you qualify at all. Learn what you can do about your DTI ratio.

Holly Johnson

A no-closing-cost refinance means you don't have to pay for closing costs upfront. Instead, you pay a higher rate or add to your balance.

Ashley Eneriz

Mortgage refinancing requirements range from having a low debt-to-income ratio to having enough equity in your home. Here’s what you need to know.

Lee Huffman

Looking for ways to lower your mortgage payment? Learn about the differences between a loan modification and a refinance and which one might help you.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Getting a mortgage for a second property is different from getting a mortgage for your first property. Here’s what you need to know.

Holly Johnson

Rental property mortgage rates differ greatly from those for primary residences. Learn how to get the best interest rate for your rental property.

Lee Huffman

A low home appraisal could hurt your chances of qualifying for a refinance, so it’s important to know why it could happen and how to appeal one.

Lee Huffman

Homebuyers sometimes confuse contingent and pending. Learn the difference between pending and contingent and what the two terms mean for homebuying.

Holly Johnson

A reverse mortgage is a type of loan that allows property owners 62 and older to convert real estate equity into spendable cash. Learn more.

Lee Huffman

If you are looking to turn your home equity into cash you can use, consider whether a reverse mortgage, HELOC or home equity loan is right for you.

Ashley Eneriz

There are several ways to pay back a reverse mortgage. While selling the home is fairly common, you also have other options to explore.

Ashley Eneriz

Whether you have low income, poor credit, or little equity, there are plenty of options for you to refinance your mortgage as a senior. Find out more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

One way to pay off student loans is by taking out a student loan cash-out refinance. This wraps your debt into your mortgage and can save you money.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Cash-out refinancing helps you leverage your home equity into cash. Learn more about the pros and cons by reading our article here.

Dr. Megan Hanna

With the threat of recession, experts predict the housing market will cool. What does this mean for buyers and owners, and how are they preparing?

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Are home equity loans a good idea? Learn how home equity loans work, the benefits and disadvantages, home equity loans vs line of credit...

Michele Lerner

Our study explores how the average cost of living for a baby boomer in their twenties (in the 1970s) compares with that of twenty-somethings today.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

We explored how long women need to save to afford a home in their state — and how much longer than men it takes them to reach homeownership.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Do you feel like you spend too much on homeownership? You’re not alone. Check out homeowner perspectives on housing expenses and affordability.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Eminent domain is the power of a city, state or federal government to take ownership of your property for public use. Read about how it works.

Emily Moore

Whether you're buying your first home or you’ve owned for years, there are quite a few deductible expenses, from mortgage interest to property taxes.

Emily Moore

A proprietary reverse mortgage is a type of loan that gives seniors access to higher amounts of their home equity. Learn more about how it works.

Emily Moore

Refinancing your mortgage is a way to lower your payments or cash in on the home equity you’ve built up. Here’s how to refinance in eight steps.

Kathryn Parkman

VA loans are 0%-down mortgages for military members. Read our guide to learn how they work, pros, cons and how they compare with other home loans.

Jessica Render

Loans backed by the federal housing administration can be easier to qualify for. What they are, how they work and the pros + cons of FHA loans.

Jessica Render

A reverse mortgage can help you tap into your home’s equity, but is it worth it? Find out how it works and see the pros and cons with ConsumerAffairs.

Taylor Sansano

Ready to apply for a VA home loan? Here’s what you need to do to get a Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Diana Flowers

Can you refinance a VA loan? Yes! Learn how to get cash out or reduce interest rates with an IRRRL. Plus, eligibility requirements and costs.

Emily Moore

Thinking about getting a mortgage through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs? Explore VA home loan benefits to find out if it’s really worth it.

Jessica Render

When you can refinance depends on the mortgage type. Learn about timelines for refinancing FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo and conventional home loans.

Diana Flowers

There are many reasons to consider tapping into home equity through a cash-out refinance. Weigh the pros and cons to decide if it’s right for you.

Kathryn Parkman

Learn about four types of reverse mortgage scams and how to avoid them with ConsumerAffairs. Plus, find out where you can get legitimate information.

Leorah Gavidor

VA loan closing costs are typically 3% to 5% of the mortgage amount. Learn about appraisal fees, origination charges and other expenses.

Trina Thomas

VA loans don’t require a down payment, but making one can save on interest. We break down the pros and cons to help you decide to pay or save.

Diana Flowers

With a cash-out refinance, you use home equity to pay off other debts — but should you? We look at pros, cons and the true cost of refinancing.

Bradley Schnitzer