Resources

Loan to value ratio (LTV) compares your mortgage balance to your home's value. It affects your interest rate, whether you need PMI, and how much equity you can borrow against....

An ARM loan starts with a fixed interest rate for a set number of years, then adjusts periodically based on a market index. Learn how ARM rates work, what the...

A down payment is the portion of a home's purchase price you pay upfront out of pocket. It reduces your loan amount, affects your interest rate, and determines whether you...

What are mortgage rates today? The 30-year fixed is 6.29%, the 15-year fixed is 5.91%, and the ARM is ~6.07% on April 21, 2026. See what is moving rates and...

The government is moving to ban large institutional investors from buying single-family homes. Here's what the data actually says about whether that will lower prices — and what will.

Mortgage rates are near their lowest levels in over a month as Middle East tensions ease and bond markets strengthen. Here's what rates look like today and what it means...

Cash to close is the total amount you need to bring to closing when you refinance. Here's what's included, how much to expect, and how to reduce it.

Refinancing from an FHA loan to a conventional loan can eliminate lifetime mortgage insurance and lower your monthly payment. Here's how it works and whether it makes sense for you.

The credit score you need to refinance depends on your loan type. Conventional refinances start at 620. FHA and VA refinances start at 580. Here's how your score affects your...

A prepayment penalty is a fee some lenders charge when you pay off your mortgage early. Here's how it works, what triggers it, and how to avoid it.

NYC just proposed a first-of-its-kind annual surcharge on second homes worth $5 million or more. Here's what a pied-à-terre tax is, who it affects, and what it could mean for...

Mortgage rates are holding near four-week lows on April 16, 2026. See today's rates across loan types, what's driving them, and what borrowers should do right now.

Learn how homeowners can use a home equity loan, HELOC, or cash-out refinance to consolidate debt — and how to avoid debt relief scams. Compare costs, risks, and which option...

What are mortgage rates today? See current 30-year, 15-year, and ARM rates for April 15, 2026 — plus what's moving them and whether now is a good time to lock.

Looking for the best cities to buy your first home in 2026? See where affordability, job markets, and quality of life actually add up — and how the math compares...

Thinking about buying a home with your parents? Learn how multigenerational mortgages work, who qualifies, how to split ownership, and what to watch out for.

See today's mortgage rates for April 14, 2026. The average 30-year fixed rate is 6.40% — here's what's moving rates and what it means for your home purchase or refinance.

Today's mortgage rates, what's moving them, and what homebuyers and refinancers should know right now. Updated daily by Better Mortgage.

Millions of homeowners with sub-3% mortgages are frozen in place by today's 6.37% rates. Here's the actual math for deciding whether to stay put or move — and when it...

Gen Z is rewriting the homebuying playbook — skipping starter homes, buying with friends, and renting out rooms to cover the mortgage. Here's how the new approach actually works.

Learn what manual underwriting is: how it works, when it’s used, how it compares to automated underwriting, and what to expect across different loan types.

How to write a compelling letter to the seller of a home, what to include or avoid, plus tips and examples to help your offer stand out in a competitive...

Learn what a floating interest rate is, how it works, and how it compares to fixed rates. Explore pros, cons, and calculation tips to make informed decisions.

Learn how a tri-merge credit report combines Equifax, Experian & TransUnion data to help lenders assess risk, streamline approvals, and guide your loan choices.

Learn how to flip a house profitably. Discover the steps, pros and cons, common mistakes, and expert tips to succeed in your first house flipping project.

Learn what mortgage curtailment is, how it works, its benefits, types, and key considerations to help you pay off your home faster and save on interest.

Wondering how much house I can afford with a 70k salary? Learn budgeting tips, loan options, and key factors that impact home affordability on a $70K income.

Learn what ownership interest in a property means, the types, your rights, and how it can impact mortgage transactions, titles, and real estate ownership.

Discover what an escrow shortage is, what causes it, how it can raise your mortgage payments, and the most effective steps to handle, reduce, or avoid it.