Real estate agents share the questions worth asking any mortgage lender — on rates, fees, closing speed and hidden agent ties.

Most people stick with their bank for years and never consider the alternatives. Here’s a look at what all you could stand to gain by making the switch.

Finding the right mortgage lender can save you money and time. I got the inside scoop from a few trusted homebuying sources — Realtors.

Older homeowners often don't take full advantage of home equity. Here are four ways to use equity in retirement.

LA, Miami, NYC and D.C. are the worst large metros for mortgage overpayment, Bankrate’s research finds.

Big banks are dangling enticing mortgage deals. While they may make sense for some borrowers, you need to dive into the fine print.

Three homeowners share hard-earned lessons on refinancing timing, no-closing-cost loans and resetting your loan term to help you refinance smarter.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is an added expense for borrowers, required if you buy or refinance a home with a down payment under 20%.

You can't count on your lender to crunch the refinance numbers for you. But these three homeowners decided it was worth it.

With a no-closing-cost refinance, you don’t have to pay closing costs upfront. But it could be more expensive long term.

Crystin Liboma's savings were drained by unexpected costs after buying her first home. Here's how a refi helped her financially.

New jobs, new babies and school districts don't wait for the market. Here's why three homebuyers gave up their low rates to move.

"Marry the house, date the rate," seemed sage advice. But mortgage rates never fell, sticking some borrowers with home loans they don't love.

Bankrate's research shows most buyers make the exact same mistake before closing on a house: they don't shop for a mortgage.

Three homebuyers shopped around to find lower mortgage rates. See how comparing lenders saved them thousands — and how you can too.

When a lender offers a max mortgage, should you take it? Learn why one homebuyer rejected a $250k approval, spent half and built a portfolio.

Low-income homeowners have to work harder to realize the equity gains higher-income homeowners may take for granted. The math is stacked against them.

There’s no way around it: Getting a mortgage to buy a home is complex and time-consuming — about as enjoyable as doing your taxes. Lenders need to know seemingly everything about your finances before ...

32-year-old Benny To faced a nine-month probate court battle to secure his Los Angeles multifamily property.

Buying a new home can often mean getting more for your money, but buyers still need to be cautious to avoid overpaying.

The Lupos bought a multifamily property as their first home. Today, they have a real estate portfolio — here's how.

Chandra Hawkins was living out of her car and had credit card debt and a low credit score. Five years later, she bought a home.

When Ebony Martin tried to buy a house in Manchester, NH., she was outbid by investors and seasonal owners.

Home affordability needs to consider mortgage rates, home insurance, property taxes and more. These days, add utility costs to the list.

Redlining became illegal decades ago. Yet from building wealth to getting a mortgage, the discriminatory practice is still harming communities today.

Home sales were supposed to accelerate in 2026. Instead, transactions are in decline. Blame higher mortgage rates and rampant uncertainty.

Ryan Katherine used a buydown for her Salt Lake City home, but now her mortgage rate is above average. Should she refinance?

When Crystal and Jorge Javier agreed to be on the show "This First House," they had to buy a house fast — and with only $350,000.

A Bankrate survey finds that many U.S. adults still believe these three myths about home ownership.

As the median first-time buyer age hits 40, 28-year-old Asia Ore is taking a “wait and save” approach to homeownership

A Bankrate analysis of housing data shows a buyer's market is emerging in some surprising locations.

The housing boom in the Sun Belt has cooled, and that's changing how sellers need to think about selling their homes.

Mortgage rates are falling as the Iran ceasefire eases markets. You may be one of the millions of homeowners who could save right now.

Blake Johnson, 24, wants to buy a home in Seattle. But as a blue collar worker, he might have to build one outside the city instead.

Ready to become a first-time homebuyer? Know what to expect with this checklist to guide you through the homebuying journey.

A rising recession risk and an economy with homes and jobs not really moring. Economists share their thoughts.

More communities are saying "Yes, in my backyard" as local municipalities look to ease the housing shortage.

When Jessica Lee bought her townhome, she borrowed from her builder's preferred lender. It ended up being a headache.

Student debt and rising costs are delaying homeownership for young adults of color, widening the wealth gap and impacting long-term financial futures.

HOA fees are rising fast, cutting buying power and risking foreclosure. Here’s how these “shadow mortgage” costs are reshaping home affordability.

Marklyn Johnson drove to the grocery store in March 2025 with her boyfriend and 5-month-old son. They needed groceries, and welcomed a warm indoor diversion on a cold Connecticut winter day.  As they ...

This is a story about a predatory loan that can ensnare you in a matter of hours and lead to crushing debt — and perhaps wrecked credit — that can span years. It’s also a story about how it’s all perf...

What President Donald Trump’s latest consumer finance proposals could mean for your money and long-term affordability.