Mortgage Advice & Calculators

Learn about how the home loan process works.

• Step 1: Check your credit score
• Step 2: How much can you afford to borrow?
• Step 3: Finding the best mortgage for you

Make sure you qualify for the loan and interest rate you want.

• What interest rate will you pay on your loan?
• Getting preapproved takes on new importance
• 3 things to know before you apply for a loan

Learn the truth about different types of mortgages.

• FHA may raise 3.5% down payment
• 15-year loan can mean big savings
• Conforming Loans

Expert tips on down payments and private mortgage insurance.

• How much to put down on a home
• Piggyback loans let you tap your home equity when buying
• Borrowing your down payment

Tips on finding the best mortgage for you.

• Tax credit spurs home buyers
• 5 tips for first-time mortgage borrowers
• New tax credit for home buyers

Do you know PMI from PITI? Here's help interpreting common mortgage costs and loan terms.

• Home appraisals: What you should know
• Mortgage acronym cheat sheet
• What is PITI?

Advice on how to compare mortgage loan options.

• How to compare mortgage loans
• How to choose the right mortgage loan
• 12 questions to help you pick a loan officer

Tips and advice to ensure a smooth closing on your home loan.

• The home closing process
• Checklist: Steps to a smooth closing
• Closing-day nightmares: Don't let them happen to you