mortgages

15 Personal Finance Calculators Everyone Should Use

Personal finance is best handled with numbers — accurate numbers. These great online calculators have you covered, no math skills required.

The Only 5 Rules of Home Buying You Need to Know

Buying a home can be seem scary — and complicated. But if you keep these basics in mind, you'll soon have the home of your dreams.

Everything You Need to Know About Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae

The names Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae probably ring a bell, especially if you've applied for a mortgage lately — but who or what, are they, exactly?

6 Reasons You Should Still Go to the Bank

Sure, many of us manage our money online or on our smartphones these days, but it's still smart to pop into your local bank once-in-awhile.

Everything a First-Time Home Buyer Needs to Buy a House

Buying a home for the first time can be super stressful. Get your finances move-in ready before you start your hunt, and it'll go easier than you expect.

You've Defaulted on Your Loan. Now What?

If late loan payments have snowballed into default, don't panic. It's time to dust yourself off and get back on track.

The Fed Raised Rates — Then Something Weird Happened

The Fed raised its benchmark rate last December and — almost nothing changed? Now, just why, exactly?

Here's What Happens to a Mortgage in a Divorce

Divorce is messy. And step one is figuring out how to split ways with your biggest shared asset; your home.

5 Things Lenders Look For in a Loan Application

Ready to make a house a home? Get a leg up on a mortgage application by knowing what lenders are looking for.

5 Ways to Strengthen Your Finances Before Retirement

Make the transition to retirement a little easier by taking care of few personal finance tasks before your income shrinks.

3 Terrible Things Foreclosure Does to Your Credit

A foreclosure stings, but you can rebuild. Here's what it will do to your credit, and the steps to take to get it back.

Is it Safe to Re-Finance Your Home Close to Retirement?

Refinancing to a lower mortgage may sound like a no-brainer, but if you're close to retirement, consider these complications.

Home Equity Loan or HELOC: Which Is Right for You?

You have equity in your home, and you need to borrow money. Should you turn to a HELOC or a home equity loan?

Ask Yourself These 5 Questions Before Buying a Home

Before you seal the deal on a new house, ask yourself: Are you prepared for the investment? Run through these questions first.

Is an FHA Home Loan Right for You?

With an FHA loan you don't need great credit — nor a lot of cash — to get into a home. What's the catch?

Here's Why a 30-Year Mortgage Is a Smart Financial Choice

A 15-year mortgage is a lot cheaper than a 30-year mortgage. You should probably choose the 30-year loan anyway.

2 Things You Must Know About the New Mortgage Rules

Homebuyers should face fewer mortgage surprises with the "Know Before You Owe" disclosure process — and they may even save some money. Here's how.

Frayed Relationships, Damaged Credit, and Costly Additions — What a Multi-Generational Home Might Cost You

Multiple generations living under one roof is becoming more common. Keep the family peace by planning for some of the potential pitfalls.

5 Ways to Qualify for a Mortgage With a Small Downpayment

A 20% down payment isn't pocket change. If you can't afford 20% down on your mortgage loan, you still have other loan options.

3 Ways to Finance a Tiny House

Tiny houses leave small footprints, but they are big trouble when it comes to finding financing. Here's where to look.