What Is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage and Why Is It Important?

There are various types of mortgages, and it’s crucial to take the time to find the one that fits your financial situation best. A mortgage lender can guide you through important decisions, such as understanding how interest rates impact your loan, deciding whether to buy down your rate with points

8 Steps to Boost Your Credit Score

There are many reasons you might want to improve your credit score. If you’re preparing to buy a home, a higher score can help you qualify for better mortgage rates. If you’re working your way back from financial challenges, boosting your credit is even more critical before applying for a home loan

How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?

When you check with a lender, you’ll see advertised mortgage rates. But will you qualify for those rates? It all comes down to risk—the higher the risk for the lender, the higher the interest rate you’ll pay. Lenders base your mortgage interest rate on several factors—some you can control, and othe

How Does a 1% Interest Rate Increase Impact Your Buying Power?

Even small changes in mortgage rates, like 1% or even 0.5%, can significantly impact how much you’ll pay over the life of your loan.   When you're considering buying a home, it's easy to focus solely on the price to determine whether it fits your budget. However, mortgage rates play an equally imp