The mortgage process is easier to understand when broken down into its various steps. Learn what each step entails and get closer to buying your dream home.

A spouse or surviving spouse can get a VA loan if they meet certain requirements. Take a look at the VA loan spouse requirements and see if you’re eligible.

PITI in real estate stands for principal, interest, taxes and insurance. Learn how to calculate your PITI payment and how it affects your mortgage in our guide.

USDA loans are available to moderate- and low-income wage earners planning to buy homes in rural areas. Learn about USDA eligibility and USDA loan requirements.

Getting a co-signer for a mortgage means asking them to take responsibility for the loan if you default. Discover what both parties need to know before signing.

Are you buying a home, but you’re unsure about choosing a USDA or FHA loan? Learn the differences between USDA loans and FHA loans, and whether you’re eligible. 

Are FHA 203(b) and 203(k) loans the same? Not quite. 203(b) loans are for move-in ready homes. 203(k) is for homes requiring essential repairs. Learn more here.

FHA multifamily loans can finance buildings with 5 units or more, but buyers may use a regular FHA loan for smaller rental properties. Let's take a closer look.

Which home loan is the best? Explore our in-depth guide on the different types of mortgages to help you decide which one is the best loan to buy a house with.

Selling mortgages allows banks and lenders to make a profit by selling the home loan to an investor. Learn more about why and how banks sell mortgages.

Mortgage principal and interest are the two primary components of your monthly mortgage payments. Learn about their differences and how they work together.

A mortgage note is a contract that contains all the financial terms between a lender and borrower. Learn more about mortgage notes and how to find yours.

Private mortgage insurance is a requirement for conventional loan borrowers with less than 20% down, but what about VA loans? Learn about VA loans and PMI here.

Lender credits can be used to pay for your closing costs in exchange for a higher interest rate. Learn more about what a lender credit is and if it’s worth it.

Biweekly mortgage payments can help you pay off your mortgage faster by making an extra loan payment each year. Learn more about biweekly mortgage payments.

A mortgage recast allows borrowers to reamortize and reduce their monthly payment. Check out our guide to see how and why homeowners are recasting their loans.

Bank statements are used to verify that borrowers have enough money to afford their loans. Use this guide to learn how bank statements can impact loan approval. 

The average monthly mortgage payment in the U.S. is dependent on a number of factors. Learn what makes up the average mortgage payment and why it’s important.