Choosing between a fixed and adjustable rate mortgage is one of the most consequential financial decisions a homebuyer makes. Get it right and you save tens of thousands of dollars. Get it wrong and your monthly payment can become unaffordable. Here’s how each works and which makes more sense in the current rate environment. How … Read more

The idea that you need 20% down to buy a house is one of the most persistent myths in personal finance. In reality, several loan programs allow you to buy a home with 3%, 3.5%, or even 0% down. Here’s what’s actually available and who qualifies. Why the 20% myth persists Putting 20% down eliminates … Read more

Mistake 1: Not getting pre-approved before house hunting There’s a difference between pre-qualification (a rough estimate based on self-reported info) and pre-approval (an actual lender decision based on verified financials). Shopping for homes without pre-approval means you’ll fall in love with properties you can’t get a mortgage on — and you won’t be taken seriously … Read more