How Bad Is It to Miss a Mortgage Payment?
No one signs a mortgage contract thinking they won’t be able to keep up with the payments. And yet life sometimes throws us curveballs. The recent coronavirus crisis,…
Mortgage articles — page 7
Browse mortgage explanations by topic, or use the complete alphabetical article list.
How Can I Qualify for a Home Equity Loan?
Whether you are remodeling your kitchen, consolidating several big debts, or paying for your child’s college tuition, a home equity loan can be one of the most…
How Do I Get Rid of Private Mortgage Insurance?
Distinguish a PMI cancellation request from automatic termination. Check original-value milestones, loan scope, and the servicer evidence required.
How Does the Stock Market Affect Mortgage Rates?
When there are dramatic swings in the stock market, you may wonder how mortgage interest rates will be affected. What is the relationship between mortgage rates and…
How Long Does a Pre-Approval Letter Last?
Getting pre-approved before shopping for a new home is a smart idea, but what if you don’t find the right home quickly? How long does that pre-approval last?
How Long Should You Keep Your Mortgage Papers?
The time of year is often a time for decluttering and organizing the home for a fresh start. As you sort through your file cabinet and see how much room all your…
How Mortgages Are Affected by Property Use
A primary residence is a home where you plan to live for most, if not all of the year. This can be a condo, single-family residence, or even a houseboat. It just has…
How Much House Can I Afford?
Build a homebuying budget with principal, interest, taxes, insurance, upkeep, other expenses, and savings. Use your own monthly figures in the planner.
How Much of My Income Should Go to My Mortgage?
Back in the U.S. housing boom in the early 2000s, mortgage money flowed freely, with many borrowers being qualified for more loan than they could actually afford.…
How Often Can I Refinance?
You refinanced your home mortgage a few months ago, but interest rates have dropped dramatically since that time. Or perhaps you have had a financial emergency pop up…