Mortgage Basics
How to get the best mortgage rate
Ready to buy a house? With rates near historic lows, this may be a great time to take the plunge.
6 questions homebuyers should ask
Grooming your credit score and researching the housing market are on your to-do list.
First-time homebuyer loans
Assistance for new buyers can make homeownership more affordable and accessible.
5 mortgage loans for homebuyers
These days, homebuyers have fewer home loan options. We explain what they are and how they work.
Editor's Picks
Some 13 million homeowners can still cut their mortgage payments with refinancing
Mortgages
2 min read
Latest Articles
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5 things to know before you tackle an expensive backyard makeover
You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a great outdoor space.
5 min read Apr 21, 2021
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Home equity loan or HELOC vs. cash-out mortgage refinance
Knowing the differences among equity loans will help you make the right choice.
9 min read Apr 21, 2021
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Mortgage rates drop across the board: Third straight week of lower rates
Rates moved down in Bankrate’s weekly survey, making a refinance more attractive.
3 min read Apr 21, 2021
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15-year mortgage rates slip, keeping refi prospects strong
The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage was 2.48 percent this week.
1 min read Apr 21, 2021
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Today’s refinance rates slide | April 21, 2021
The average 30-year fixed-refinance rate is 3.17 percent, down 8 basis points from a week ago. The 15-year fixed refi average rate is now 2.48 percent, unchanged from a week ago. The average rate for a [...]
4 min read Apr 21, 2021
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Did you lose a house to an all-cash offer? Here’s a little secret homebuyers need to know
An all-cash offer on a house doesn’t mean you can’t still get a mortgage. It just means changing the underwriting timeline.
4 min read Apr 21, 2021
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First-time homebuyer programs by state
Most states offer first-time homebuyer loan programs.
4 min read Apr 21, 2021
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Home equity lender reviews: Top 5 for debt consolidation
Understand the perks and drawbacks of using home equity to consolidate your debt.
7 min read Apr 20, 2021
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Today’s mortgage refinance rates drop | April 20, 2021
The average 30-year fixed-refinance rate is 3.17 percent, down 8 basis points over the last seven days. The average rate for a 15-year fixed refi is 2.48 percent, down 1 basis point over the last week. [...]
5 min read Apr 20, 2021
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As mortgage rates rise, points become more popular
Want an even lower mortgage rate? Get out your checkbook and buy some points.
3 min read Apr 20, 2021