How Do I -- Mortgages

Keep it simple! Bankrate’s How Do I series offers simple, step-by-step guidance for life’s money moves. Here’s what you need to know about mortgages.

Mortgages archive

How do I: Decide if a lower rate is worth more points?

Article: Follow these tips to determine if it's worth paying points to get a lower rate.

How do I: Decide if I should rent or buy a home?

Article: Owning a home is not the right choice for every person.

How do I: Understand my mortgage?

Article: Here's a guide to finding out what type of mortgage you have, and its terms and conditions.

How do I: Find the best mortgage rate?

Article: Follow these tips to get the best mortgage rate, whether you're buying your first home or refinancing.

Chapter 5: Underwriting

Article: A lot of steps have to be taken between the application and the closing. Here's how you can help the process.

List of all archives

About this index

Overnight Averages

Product	Rate	+/-	Last week
30 yr fixed mtg	3.67%		3.62%
15 yr fixed mtg	2.80%		2.76%
5/1 ARM	2.60%		2.58%

View rates in your area:

Product	Rate	+/-	Last week
$30K HELOC	4.99%		5.00%
$30K home equity loan	6.17%		6.19%
$50K HELOC	4.56%		4.56%

View rates in your area:

Product	Rate	+/-	Last week
48 month used car loan	2.93%		2.97%
48 month new car loan	2.44%		2.45%
36 month used car loan	2.87%		2.93%

View rates in your area:

Product	Yield	+/-	Last week
6 month CD	0.45%		0.43%
1 yr CD	0.67%		0.63%
5 yr CD	1.24%		1.24%

Compare rates:

Product	Rate
Balance Transfer Cards	15.92%
Cash Back Cards	16.34%
Low Interest Cards	11.01%

Compare rates:

Bloggers »

Mortgages

New heights in home prices

By Judy Martel

Banking

CUNA launches anti-tax campaign

By Marcie Geffner

Credit Cards

Late payments fall in Q1

By Janna Herron

Your Money This Week: Financial stability, political volatility
Cars: Credit OKs rise for car leases
Retirement: African Americans face financial challenges

Video

View more Video »

Listen to money saving tips

Insurance

Life insurance needs

Do you have a life insurance policy for your dependents? Is it enough?

Partner Center

Frugal Contest!»

Smart Spending

Share your frugal tip & win $100!

Are you a champ at cutting costs? Enter your tip in our Frugal $ense contest to be eligible to win $100. There’s a new winner every month.

Top 20 frugal tips »


	Bankrate is now on Facebook^® Get alerted when rates change Subscribe: RSS Feeds Daily newsletters full of $$ tips

Advertising Disclosure: Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Bankrate may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.