man, woman, and their daughter laugh on the couch after refinancing a second mortgage
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Ultimate Guide to Refinancing a Second Mortgage

Your second mortgage likely felt like the right move at the time, whether it was a home equity loan to fund a major home renovation or pay off high-interest debt, or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to help cover education costs.  But now, with changing interest rates and shifting financial goals, you may…

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…

happy couple enjoying newly remodeled home kitchen financed by a second mortgage
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Ultimate Guide to Second Mortgages

If you need cash to help with big expenses like home repairs, college tuition, or paying off high-interest debts, a second mortgage could be your solution.  What is a second mortgage? It’s a loan that lets you borrow money against your home’s equity — the difference between its value and what you owe on your…

young man and woman play with their black dog in a sunny living room
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How to Get a Mortgage: Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a home can be a milestone moment in your life. But working through the process of buying a home — including how to get a mortgage — can feel overwhelming. This is especially true if you’re a first-time home buyer.  With so many steps in the process, from strengthening your credit score to locking…

happy man paying mortgage bill in his kitchen

Mortgage Interest Rate vs. APR Explained

Before you purchase a home, it’s important to know how much your mortgage will cost you — it’s more than what you borrow. If you’re buying a home with a high interest rate, you’ll want to shop around to find your best rate, and you should compare how much interest you’ll pay with each mortgage…

Young woman writing notes in a notebook, surrounded by home comfort.
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Ultimate Guide to the House Closing Process

If the home-buying process is a marathon, then closing is the marathon’s final mile — but with hurdles between you and the finish. The good news? The finish line is indeed within sight. And armed with a bit of knowledge, you’ll easily leap those final hurdles on the way to being a homeowner. How long…

AmeriSave Mortgage 5/1 ARM Loan
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5/1 ARM vs. 5/6 ARM: Key Differences

With home prices and interest rates remaining high, more home buyers are looking for ways to lower their monthly mortgage payments. That’s where adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) come in.   A 5/1 ARM and a 5/6 ARM both start with a fixed interest rate for the first five years, followed by periodic adjustments. But what happens after…

Happy family celebrating making a down payment on their new home
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Using Gift Money for a Down Payment on a Home

For many aspiring homeowners, especially those eager to become first-time buyers, the dream of owning a home can feel just out of reach. Until a generous gift changes everything, that is. Whether a family member wants to help you build your future or you’re considering asking for support, gift money for a down payment can…

Homeowner calculating home equity loan with papers and calculator
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Borrowing Home Equity: What’s Ideal for You?

Rising home values in 2022 and into 2023 have contributed to overall market volatility and made it more challenging to be a buyer. However, this real estate market has proven to be a boon to many homeowners who are content to stay put. That’s because higher home values mean they have more equity than ever….