Every article we have published
279 posts on rates, refinancing, credit and the mechanics of buying a home — the full archive, newest first.
These articles were published on our previous site and are kept here at the addresses they have always had. For the guides we are writing now, start with the Mortgage Wayfinder.
Most recent
The nine newest articles in the archive.
-
Should I Buy a House Now or Wait?
Learn why 2026 may offer smart opportunities for homebuyers despite current mortgage rates, and why personal readiness often matters more than trying to perfectly time the market.
Read the article -
Why Homes Near a University Can Be a Smart Buy
Discover why homes near a university can be a smart choice for homebuyers. Learn how strong local employment, steady housing demand, and community amenities can support long term value while making an informed homebuying decision.
Read the article -
Should You Sell Your Current Home Before Buying a New One?
Should you sell your current home before buying your next one? Learn the pros, cons, financing options, and key factors that can help you make the best move for your financial situation.
Read the article -
Hazard Insurance vs Homeowners Insurance
Learn the difference between hazard insurance and homeowners insurance, what lenders require, what each policy covers, and how understanding both helps prevent closing day surprises.
Read the article -
Medical Debt Doesn't Kill Approval
Medical debt
Read the article -
Active Duty. VA Benefit. Use It Now
VA Benefits
Read the article -
Buying a Home Directly From the Seller? Read This First
Homebuying tips FSBO
Read the article -
Condos Reward the Prepared Buyer
Condos Reward the Prepared Buyer
Read the article -
Mortgage Approval Documents: Know Before You Apply
Mortgage Approval checklist
Read the article
Every article, by year
The complete list, newest first. Every one of these is the page it has always been.
2026
- Should I Buy a House Now or Wait?
- Why Homes Near a University Can Be a Smart Buy
- Should You Sell Your Current Home Before Buying a New One?
- Hazard Insurance vs Homeowners Insurance
- Medical Debt Doesn't Kill Approval
- Active Duty. VA Benefit. Use It Now
- Buying a Home Directly From the Seller? Read This First
- Condos Reward the Prepared Buyer
- Mortgage Approval Documents: Know Before You Apply
- The Wealth Ladder
- What If Rates Drop After You Lock?
- Mortgage Insurance Has More Than One Face
- Rate Shopping Mistakes
- One Score May No Longer Decide
- You’re Not Just Buying a Home—You’re Locking in a Financial Advantage
- HELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance: It’s Not About the Product—It’s About the Timing
- Your Equity Is Doing Nothing — Here’s How Smart Homeowners Use It
- Smart Buyers Can Benefit When Rates Rise
- Where an ARM (Adjustable-Rate Mortgage) May Be a Smarter Move
- Is Refinancing Your Mortgage the Right Move?
- Housing Affordability in 2026: Why Rates Are not the Only Factor
- Loyalty to Your Bank? Even With Your Home-Loan?
- Refinancing Isn’t Just About the Rate — It’s About Your Options
- BIG NEWS: Mortgage Rates Are at Their Lowest Level in Years—What That Means for You
- Lock-in Effect: Something big just happened in the U.S. Housing Market
2025
- Holiday Week Catch-Up: Mortgage Rates Hover Near 2-Month Lows
- Inflation Cools in November — What It Means for Mortgage Rates
- Fed Cuts Again, But Dot Plot Steers Mortgage Rate Outlook
- This Week in Mortgage Rates: Buyers Are Back as Rates Hover in the Low 6s
- Stronger Data Last Week Caused a Slight Rate Bump
- What Today’s Jobs Report Means for Mortgage Rates
- 50-Year Mortgages? Here’s What You Need to Know
- Fannie Mae’s Big Update: You May Qualify Even With a Credit Score Below 620
- What’s Going On With Mortgage Rates? (Explain-It-to-a-5th-Grader Version)
- Mortgage Rates Jump After the Fed’s Rate Cut — Here’s Why
- Mortgage Rates Hold Near Yearly Lows as Market Awaits Next Data
- Gen Z and the Dream of Homeownership: Adapting to a Challenging Market
- Mortgage Rates Tick Up Slightly as Bonds Weaken and MBS Underperform
- Mortgage Rates Holds Steady After Weak Jobs Report
- 3 Reasons Home Affordability Is Improving This Fall
- Mortgage Rates Hit Yearly Lows—Then Jump After the Fed Cut. Here’s What Happened (and Why Applications Just Surged)
- Mortgage Rates Near 11 Month Lows—What’s Next With the Fed?
- Why Mortgage Rates Move: What Every Homebuyer Should Know
- Mortgage Rates Holding Steady… For Now
- Lower Rates? Don’t Relax Just Yet
- Mortgage Rates at 10-Month Lows! Big Opportunity!
- Rates Just Hit a 10-Month Low!
- Housing Market Confusing? Here’s Why You’re Hearing Mixed Messages
- Could Removing Capital Gains Taxes on Home Sales Revive the Housing Market?
- Game-Changer: Credit Scores Just Got Rewritten
- Should You Buy a Home Before Your Divorce is Final? Here’s What to Know
- Why Homeownership Is Still Worth It—Even Beyond the Finances
- Mortgage Rates Aren’t Just About the Fed — Here’s What You Really Need to Know
- The Real Estate Rule That Just Got Repealed—And Why It’s a Big Win for Buyers
- Why Now Might Be the Best Time in Years to Buy a Home (Seriously)
- The Secret Every Successful Home Seller Knows (But Most Miss)
- April 2025 Housing Market Update: A Shift That Favors Buyers
- Why a Home Inspection Is a Must for Homebuyers
- Mortgage Rates Just Dropped—Here’s Why the Fed Had Nothing to Do With It
- March 2025 Housing Market Update: 5 Key Takeaways for Homebuyers and Sellers
- Why the Housing Market Isn't Crashing in 2025
- How Are Property Taxes Calculated? Here’s What Homebuyers Should Know
- Southern Housing Markets Offer New Opportunities for Homebuyers
- Townhomes: A Smart Solution for Today's First-Time Homebuyers
- Why Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost You
- Falling Mortgage Rates Could Revitalize the Housing Market – What It Means for Buyers & Sellers
- Selling Your Home? What You Need to Know About Capital Gains Taxes
- Why Now Is the Time to Apply for a Mortgage
- Mortgage Rates Hit 4-Month Lows: What This Means for You
- Buying vs. Renting in 2025: Why Homeownership Still Wins
- Home Prices Are Rising—But That’s a Good Thing!
- Thinking About Moving in 2025? Here’s How to Make It Happen!
- How the Latest Executive Order and Mortgage Rates Impact Homebuyers in 2025
- Celebrating American Resilience: A Look at Recent Mortgage Rate Trends
- What to Save for When Buying Your Home
- Expert Predictions for the 2025 Housing Market
2024
- How to Buy a Home with Low Income: Yes, It’s Possible!
- Affordable Homeownership: 6 Questions to Help Lower Costs
- Fall for Savings: Why the Holiday Season Might Be the Best Time to Buy a Home
- Why It Might Be Time to Trade Living with Your Parents for a Place of Your Own
- Mortgage Rates, Inflation, and a Buyer-Friendly Market: How to Navigate Your Next Home Purchase
- What the Fed’s Expected Rate Cut Means for You—and Four Key Questions to Watch
- Debunking Scary Myths About Buying a Home
- How Non-QM Loans Work: A Smart Alternative for Non-Traditional Borrowers
- Is Now the Right Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?
- The Surprising Factors That Could Make Your Home Worth More!
- How to Beat Inflation and Buy the Perfect Home: 6 Hacks for Savvy Buyers
- Your Home’s Hidden Value: How Much Equity Can You Borrow Today?
- Interest Rates Are Dropping: Here’s What It Means for Your Loans and Savings
- How to Dodge the Top 3 Mortgage Blunders in Today’s Market
- The Housing Market Shift You Didn't See Coming—Is Your Dream Home Finally Within Reach?
- 2025 Real Estate Forecast: The Surprising Truth About Buying Now!
- Locking In Your Mortgage Rate: Why and When to Lock it
- Understanding Inflation: What It Means for Homebuyers and Those Considering Refinancing
- Busting the Biggest Myths About Buying a Home in 2024
- Is a Second Mortgage Right for You? The Benefits and Pitfalls Explained
- New vs. Existing: Why a Newly Built Home Could Be the Better Deal
- Navigating Refinance Appraisals with Confidence
- Tax Deductibility of Home Equity Loans in 2024
- Is Your Dream Neighborhood in a Buyer's Market? Here's How to Find Out
- Understanding Your FICO Score: Key to Better Home Loan Rates
- The Biggest Mistakes Potential Homebuyers are Making Right Now
- Avoid These 5 Expensive Kitchen Mistakes When Buying Your First Home
- Understanding Hazard Insurance: What Homeowners Need to Know
- Tips for Buying a Home at a Lower Cost
- 9 Home Buying Myths Debunked – Don’t Fall for These Common Traps!
- Understanding the Differences Between Mortgage Insurance and Homeowners Insurance
- 5 Ways You Might Actually be Sabotaging Your Homebuying Efforts
- Why You Need a Real Estate Agent When Buying a Home
- Demystifying Home Loans: The Scoop on Conventional and Non-Conforming Loans
- Navigating the Mortgage Rate Dilemma: Should You Wait or Buy Now?
- Balancing Act: The Art of Compromise in Home Buying
- Navigating Home Buying with Elevated Mortgage Rates: 10 Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't Wait Another Minute: Here's Why NOW is the Perfect Time to Buy Your Dream Home!
- Second Time's the Charm: Navigating Your Next Home Purchase
- The Smart Path to Downsizing: Making the Most of Your Retirement
- "When Should I Consider a Cash-Out Refi?"
- Mortgage Partnership: The Power of Co-Signing on a Mortgage
- Navigating Home Inspections: A Buyer's Guide to Uncovering Hidden Issues
- Mastering Your Mortgage Journey: The Importance of FICO Score 8
- Navigating the New Norms: 4 Rules for Home Shopping in Today's Market
- How Declining Mortgage Rates Are Changing the Real Estate Landscape
- Navigating Closing Costs with Confidence: 4 Tips to Save on Your Home Purchase
- Navigating the Mortgage Maze: 10 Crucial Do's and Don'ts After Applying
- Joint Homeownership: The Essentials of Co-Borrowing on a Mortgage
- Smart Moves in New Builds: Your Guide to Successful Homebuying
2023
- Navigating the Renovation Maze: Mortgage Insights for Fixer-Upper Buyers
- The Homebuyer's Dilemma: To Wait or Act Fast in 2024?
- Mortgage Insights: Today's Fed Pause and What It Means for Homebuyers
- Don't Let Rates Ruin Your Home Dreams: 7 Sneaky Ways to Beat High Mortgage Numbers!
- VA Home Loans: The Path to Achieving Homeownership Dreams
- Autumn Home TLC: Fall Home Maintenance Made Easy!
- From Dreams to Reality: How Government Home Loans Make Homeownership Attainable
- Avoid These Common Mistakes When Buying a Home: Tips for Veterans
- Rebuilding Your Dream Home: Getting a Mortgage After Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- Six Sneaky (and Costly) Warning Signs to Watch for When House Hunting
- Embracing Affordability and Togetherness: The Benefits of Buying a Multi-Generational Home
- ARM Loans: Risk vs Reward - Making Smart Home Financing Choices
- Cash Flow Tips: Creative Ways to Monetize Your Home Beyond Equity!
- Here's Why Multi-Family Units Are the Real Estate Game Changer You Need!
- How Do You Know That Fixer-Upper is a Dream --Or a Money Pit!
- Exploring the World of Multifamily Homes: Your Path to Real Estate Wealth
- Student Loan Payments Resuming October: How Stay on Track to Your Homeownership
- From Bargain Hunting to Home Buying: 4 Savvy Tips to Smart Homebuyers
- Beware of Bad Mortgage Advice: Don't Get Duped by These Common Myths!
- Breaking Down Big Loans: How To Tell if it's Time for a Jumbo Loan
- Exploring Bridge Loans: A Close Look at This Home Financing Option
- Crucial Considerations: Key Questions to Ask Yourself About Home Prices and Mortgage Rates
- Essential Do's and Don'ts After Applying for a Home Loan
- Earnest Money vs. Down Payment: What's the Difference?
- A Guide to Buying a New Home: What You Need to Know
- Avoid the Money Pit: 5 Costly Home Features You Can Probably Do Without
- How Many Times Can You Use Your VA Loan Benefits? The Surprising Answer!
- The Remote Worker's Guide to Securing a Mortgage
- Building Credit for Your Dream Home: 5 Clever Tips (Minus the Credit Cards!)
- How Mortgage Points Can Lower Rates and Make Payments More Affordable
- House Hunting: Finding the Perfect Price Tag for Your Dream Home
- Does Pre-Approval Really Matter in Home Shopping? The Answer May Surprise You
- 7 Surprising Things You Can Negotiate With Home Sellers to Get the Home You Deserve
- Buying a Home Rather Than Renting Still Makes Sense and Here's Why
- Get the Best of Both Worlds: The Role of Mortgage Pros and Real Estate Agents in Buying a Home
- Thinking About Waiting to Buy? You May Want To Think Twice!
- Decoding Homeowners Insurance: How Much Coverage Do You Need?
- Waiting For Home Prices To Drop Dramatically? Here's Why You Shouldn't Wait
- Why Condos are a Great Homeownership Option this Spring
- 20% Down May Not Be The Right Move For You - Here's Why
- Navigating Home Buying and Budgeting During Inflation: Mastering It for Success
- Get Ready for the Spring Homebuying Season with These 5 Home Buying Tips
- How to Profit from Buying a Home Now Despite Rising Rates
- Homebuying Help: How Downpayment Assistance Programs Work
- What's the Max Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio for a Mortgage?
- Should You Close Credit Cards Before Applying for a Mortgage?
- Does Having a Student Loan Affect a Mortgage Pre-Approval?
- Your Mini-Guide To Buying A Condo
- What Most First-Time Homebuyers Wish They Knew Before Their Purchase
- Simple Budgeting Tips: Getting Ready To Own Your First Home
- Benefits of a New Construction vs Existing Home
2022
- What's Really Going On In the Market? Get Real Answers From Your Local Mortgage Advisor
- Get The Facts: Will Pre-Approval Hurt My Credit?
- How Working With A Mortgage Professional Can Save You Money
- Best Ways to Leverage Your Home Equity
- The Perks of Living in a Multigenerational Home
- Choosing the Best Mortgage Options for Unique Circumstances
- 10 Things to Check Before Buying in a New Neighborhood
- Add Instant Curb Appeal With These Ideas
- Thinking About Relocating? How to Choose Where to Live
- Top Ways to Raising Your Credit Score --Fast!
- Why Buying A Home Still Makes Better Financial Sense Than Renting
- Tips for Saving Thousands on Your Home Purchase
- Are We Entering a Buyer’s Market? Signs to Watch Out For
- Making Sense of the Current Housing Market
- Watch Out for these Red Flags When Buying a Home “As Is”
- Concessions You Can Get Even In A Seller’s Market
- What Does a Home Inspector Look For in a Home You Want to Buy?
- 2022 Real Estate Market Predictions
- How To Save For A Down Payment on a Tight Budget
- Here’s Why The Current Housing Market Isn’t Like 2008
- How To Buy and Sell Your Home As a Military Family
- Feds Hike Interest Rate: What This Means for Mortgages, Car Loans, and More
- Best Home Loan Options for Single Parents
- Who Qualifies for Down Payment Assistance?
- How Do Second Mortgages Work?
- Factors To Consider When Purchasing a Home as an Unmarried Couple
- What’s the difference between private mortgage insurance and mortgage insurance premium?
- Is It Possible to Buy a Condo with a VA Loan?
- Buying Mortgage Points: Is It Worth It?
- Things to Consider When Deciding to Rent or Buy Your First Home
- Getting Ready To Buy A Retirement Home: Things To Consider
- Better Alternatives To Withdrawing From Your Retirement
- Your Guide To Buying A Home When You Have Bad Credit
- Your Guide To Paying Down Credit Card Debt With A Home Equity Loan
- How Can I Get Approved for a Mortgage as a Contract Employee?
- Step By Step Guide To Getting Your Credit Ready For A Mortgage
- Learn The Difference Between A Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC
- 5 Mistakes Newbie Investors Make When Buying A House To Flip
- How Do You Get A Mortgage For A Rental Property?
- How Do Non-QM Loans Work?
- What Are The Closing Costs For A VA Loan?
- How Does A Mortgage Underwriter Verify Income?
- How To Spot A Reverse Mortgage Scam
- What’s The Minimum Credit Score For VA Home Loan Approval?
- How To Deduct Mortgage Interest From Your Taxes
- Guide To Qualifying For A Mortgage As A Non-U.S. Citizen
- "Can I Buy Land And Build A House With An FHA Loan?"
- “Can I Use My Equity To Buy Another House?”
- Closing Costs: What Are They and How Much Will You Pay?
- Is Buying a Foreclosure Smart for a First-Time Buyer?
- "How Do I Get a Mortgage Loan If I'm Self-Employed"
- Can I Be Turned Down A Home Loan After Pre-Approval?
2021
- Can You Get a Cashback on an FHA Loan?
- Is Title Insurance Necessary for a Home Purchase?
- Can You Buy A Home Without A Credit Score?
- How Do Mortgage Lenders Decide How Much You Can Borrow?
- How Does a Home Improvement Loan Work?
- Which One Is Better? An FHA Or Conventional Loan?
- "How Much Money Do I Need to Buy My First Home?"
- Should I Buy a Move-In Ready Home or Fixer-Upper?
- How Does APR Work In A Mortgage Payment
- Debunking 5 Myths About VA Home Loans
- Everything You Need to Know to Refinance Your Mortgage
- The Top 4 Reasons to Buy a Multi-Unit Property
- Is A No-Closing-Cost Refinance The Best Option For You?
- Who Qualifies For A Reverse Mortgage?
- Discover Your Home Equity Options
- What Does It Mean To Cosign On A Mortgage?
- How Much Down Payment Do You Need To Buy A Home?
- Thinking About Refinancing Your Investment Property? Read This
- What is DTI and How It Affects Your Mortgage Application
- Prequalified And Pre-approved: What's the Difference?
- Learn About Deducting Mortgage Interest From Your Taxes
- FHA or VA Loan: Which is Better For Veterans?
- Exploring The Pros and Cons Of An Interest-Only Mortgage Loan
- New Credit And How It Affects Your Credit Score
- All About Liens and Home Loans
- Is Buying A Home With Bad Credit A Smart Choice?
- Is Buying A Home Without Real Estate Agent A Good Idea?
- How Does A Home Equity Line Of Credit (HELOC) Work?
- Does Getting Preapproved For A Home Loan Matter?
- What Does A Title Company Do?
- What Is A Second Mortgage and Its Benefits?
- Get the Facts About Escrow Shortages
- The Basics of Buying A Foreclosed Home
- Your Guide to Refinancing Your Condo
- Home Inspection 101: A Homebuyer’s Guide
- How To Remove Mortgage Insurance From Your Home Loan
- 5 Best Renovations to Increase Your Home's Value (Plus 3 Worst)
- Secrets to Winning A Bidding War In Real Estate
- New FHA Loan Limits for 2021
- Does Buying A House Help Raise Your Credit Score?
- First-Time Home Buyers Must Avoid These Mistakes
- "How Long Does It Take To Purchase a Home?"
- "Is a Home Equity Loan Right For Me"
- What Do Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Actually Do?
- Earnest Money Deposit Versus Good Faith Deposit: What's The Difference?
- Helpful Hints For Buying A New Condo From A Developer
- What Are Origination Fees and Can They Be Avoided?
- What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know About Home Sale Contingencies