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.

• Jumbo loan basics
• Benefits of government-backed loans
• What you need to know about an interest-only mortgage before signing

Expert tips on down payments and private mortgage insurance.

• Home buyer tax credit can be used as down payment
• How much to put down on a home
• Piggyback loans let you tap your home equity when buying

Tips on finding the best mortgage for you.

• New tax credit for home buyers
• Home buyers nab low interest rates
• Ask an Expert: Negotiating a better mortgage interest rate

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

• Mortgage acronym cheat sheet
• What is PITI?
• Mortgage lock-ins

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