Resources

The Fed may raise rates again — but that doesn't mean your mortgage rate moves the same way. Here's exactly what a hike means for buyers and homeowners right now.

Cash to close is the total amount you need to bring to closing day — not just your down payment. Here's exactly what it includes and how to calculate it.

Today's mortgage rates, what's driving them, and what buyers and homeowners need to know right now. Updated daily by Better.

A 2-1 buydown temporarily lowers your mortgage rate for the first two years of your loan. Here's how the math works, who pays for it, and when it beats negotiating...

Rapid Rescore can update a credit score faster than usual, helping home buyers who just paid off debt improve their credit score sooner.

Nonconforming loans can offer outside-the-box financing for some buyers, but most first-time homebuyers need the safety and stability of conventional and government-backed loans.

Congress just passed a sweeping housing bill. Here's what the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act actually means for buyers — FHA changes, the investor ban, and what's still uncertain.

See today's mortgage rates for May 22, 2026 — what's moving them, what a 30-year fixed costs right now, and what homebuyers should know before locking.

You can keep the house in a divorce without refinancing, but it will require more than removing your ex from the deed. Here are some of the best solutions.

Here are today's mortgage rates for May 21, 2026, including what rates look like right now, what's moving them, and what buyers and homeowners can do next.

Zillow and your lender's appraiser both look at comps — but they're not using the same process, the same data, or the same standards. Here's what actually drives each number.

What are mortgage rates today? See current 30-year, 15-year, and ARM rates for May 20, 2026 — and what's moving them right now.

What are mortgage rates today? Here's what 30-year, 15-year, and ARM rates look like on May 19, 2026 — and what's moving them right now.

More families are buying homes together to save money. Here's how pooling income, adding an ADU, and structuring your purchase correctly affects what you can qualify for.

A Zestimate won't get you a mortgage — a licensed appraisal will. Learn how accurate Zillow's estimates are, why lenders ignore them, and what actually determines your home's value.

A new first-time homebuyer tax credit bill was introduced in Congress in 2026. Here's what it is, who would qualify, and what buyers can use right now.

Home equity loan closing costs run 2%–5% of your loan amount. Here's every fee broken down, what's negotiable, and how to reduce or eliminate what you pay.

To afford a $500K mortgage in 2026, most buyers need $120,000–$165,000/year. See income requirements by down payment, loan type, and debt load — with scenarios at today's 6.57% rate.

Home prices have risen for 34 consecutive months through April 2026. Here's what the data says about whether prices will fall — and what waiting is actually costing buyers on...

Mortgage rates are at 6-week highs as of May 15, 2026. See today's 30-year, 15-year, and ARM averages — and what's driving rates higher this week.

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.