Mortgage Tips

This was the first category I created when this website was created in 2006.

And it’s really why I launched the site to begin with. To educate prospective home buyers and existing homeowners.

Simple guides and practical mortgage tips can help you better understand and prepare for the home loan process.

Same goes for answering mortgage questions and brushing up on the latest mortgage lingo.

Sometimes home buyers focus exclusively on the real estate piece while ignoring the home loan part.

This can result in some bad decisions when it comes to getting a mortgage. Or simply overpaying because of missteps (or a lack of shopping around!).

Learn how to get a mortgage, refinance an existing loan, and discover the many different loans programs available today.

You’re not financing a TV, or a car for that matter. It’s a big purchase and it deserves a lot more time and attention.

Arm yourself with knowledge early on and you’ll likely enjoy a better outcome.

Dude, Where’s My Low Mortgage Rate?

A Common Mortgage Rate Tale You’ve been shopping mortgage rates and finally found a lender you like. The loan officer asks if you want to… Read More »Dude, Where’s My Low Mortgage Rate?

When deciding between renting and buying, individuals often fret about missing out on home equity if they do the former. In other words, for all… Read More »It’s Okay to Rent Until You Find a House You Really Like

Nowadays, just about everyone looking to buy or sell real estate begins their search online. And a small handful of websites seem to be dominating… Read More »What the Names Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia Mean

Mortgage Q&A: “What is lender-paid mortgage insurance?” Several years back, a rule went into effect that made mortgage insurance permanent on most FHA loans for… Read More »What Is Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance? First Of All, You Still Pay For It

A while back, I cautioned readers to avoid swiping the credit card before applying for a mortgage. In short, the more you charge, the higher… Read More »Two Simple Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage

Over the past year, mortgage rates have been relatively steady near their all-time lows. This has continued to benefit existing homeowners who wish to refinance… Read More »6 Ways to Snag a Low Mortgage Rate Even If They Suddenly Jump Higher

If you’ve driven the 405 freeway lately, you may have seen a billboard from “ChangeFi,” a bank that’s looking to eliminate social and racial inequity… Read More »Change Home Mortgage Review: If Homeownership Feels Like a Long Shot, Give Them a Call

If you’re in need of a VA loan, one mortgage company that deals almost exclusively in them goes by the name “ClearPath Lending.” Roughly 99%… Read More »ClearPath Lending Review: They’re a Big Time VA Loan Lender

Conventional wisdom would lead us to believe that consumers go with the mortgage lender that offers the lowest interest rate. After all, who can resist… Read More »Borrowers Don’t Choose Mortgage Lenders for the Best Interest Rate

Time for more mortgage Q&A: “Are mortgage calculators accurate?” Just about anyone looking to buy real estate or apply for a mortgage refinance will rely… Read More »Are Mortgage Calculators Accurate? Why Some Totally Miss the Mark