A couple and their two young children relax together on the couch in their new home.
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15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage Calculator

When considering a fixed-rate loan, nearly 90% of buyers choose a 30-year mortgage vs. a 15-year mortgage. But why?   It often comes down to affordability. When you choose a mortgage, you’re not just picking a loan term; you’re shaping your monthly budget and long-term wealth for years to come. A 30-year loan tends to have…

happy couple shakes hands with a realtor after using a home loan to buy an investment property

Types of Home Loans for an Investment Property

Buying an investment property is a different ballgame than purchasing a primary home. It comes with potentially higher stakes, stricter rules, and different loan options depending on your strategy.  Maybe you’re planning to rent it out long term. Maybe you’re eyeing a flip. Or maybe you’re planning to list it as a short-term rental. Whatever…

Person comparing mortgage lenders online
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How to Shop Around for a Mortgage Lender

Mortgage rates matter, but they’re just one part of the picture. The right mortgage lender does more than quote low rates. They move fast, communicate clearly, and help make one of life’s greatest purchases less stressful.  Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or seasoned homeowner, understanding how to choose a good mortgage lender is key….

An advisor talks with a couple about qualifying for a mortgage.
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Prequalified vs. Preapproved: What’s the Difference?

Whether you should get prequalified or preapproved for a mortgage depends on where you are in your home buying journey. A prequalification is great when you’re just starting out and want to get a jump on planning. A preapproval, on the other hand, is a much stronger way of knowing where you stand and what…

A woman with curly hair and glasses looking at her smartphone and adding up budget numbers on a calculator.
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How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a Home?

You’ve been picturing it — your own place, your rules, maybe even a dog in the backyard. But when talk about the down payment starts, that dream of homeownership might feel a few steps farther away.   You’ll typically need at least a little money down to buy a home, but it doesn’t always need to…

A smiling man and woman are at their kitchen table with an open laptop, looking at a mortgage payment estimate.
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How to Calculate a Mortgage Payment Step by Step

The math that goes into a monthly mortgage payment might seem complex — but knowing how it works gives you serious financial power. In fact, learning how to calculate a mortgage payment is a big step toward getting mortgage-ready. It helps you estimate how much home you can afford so you can make an informed…