Financing -- Mortgage madness is sweeping the country. Rates have dropped so low even people who have almost no need or desire to buy real estate are jumping in -- just so they don't miss out. But while the rates are at their best point in four decades, the intricacies of borrowing are no simpler. With the help of an army of experts, we'll walk you through the entire mortgage process. Well-informed, you'll stroll into closing a confident consumer.

Getting the down payment
How to save for that down payment -- There are many ways. Some strategies are for people who have some money saved up somewhere, others are for people who are practically broke.

Where to stash that down payment dough -- Safety of principal is more important than getting the best return.

Think before you plunge
Should you stretch to buy that house? -- "Buy all the house you can afford! Borrow to the limit!" some will tell you. It's bad advice, and you should ignore it, financial experts say.

Getting a bigger home? Look beyond the mortgage -- Taxes, insurance and utility bills will all grow when your square footage does.

Picking up a fixer upper -- OK, you're going to buy that handyman special. Now where are you going to get the money to repair it?

Mortgages in a minute
Mortgages: The basics -- Confused about the whole mortgage process? We'll unconfuse you in a hurry with our step-by-step explanations.

Mortgage glossary -- Just need a quick lookup of a term you don't understand? No problem.

Cutting costs
6 ways to slash mortgage costs -- Before slicing off your piece of the American pie, make sure your mortgage financing is low fat.

When good faith estimates go bad -- Don't get hit with "settlement sticker shock" at your mortgage closing.

Important mortgage details
Extended rate locks for construction loans -- It's tough to lock in today's low rates if your house that won't be finished for a few months.

Your mortgage broker to-do list -- Sizing up a mortgage broker? Closely check for referrals, rate locks, regulatory sanctions and more before you sign a contract.

Make your mortgage match your home
Financing tips for buying a new home -- Not much room for negoitiating price, but you can score with a low rate if your credit is shiny.

Saving strategies for buying a used home -- Buying a pre-owned home opens up opportunities for alternative financing such as lease option or seller financing.

Buying a fixer-upper -- Strategies for buying the worst house on a great street.

Want a condo? -- Don't forget to check out the monthly maintenance fees before making the deal.

Financing a co-op -- It's not exactly real estate, but you live there.

Calculators
How much house can you afford?

Calculate your payment

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Mortgage calculator with an opinion