Mortgage
Should You Lock Your Mortgage Rate Now? FOMC September 2026 Decision for US Borrowers
The Federal Reserve's September FOMC decision impacts mortgage rates. Here's what borrowers need to know about rate locks right now.
Daniel Wright
Author
Writes about US residential lending. Covers conventional, FHA, and VA loan options, helping first-time buyers navigate closing costs, PMI requirements, and the lender-comparison process.
- mortgage
- home-buying
- fha-loans
- va-loans
Published articles
Mortgage
How FHA Loans Work and Who Qualifies for an FHA Mortgage in the US
FHA loans are government-backed mortgages that allow buyers to qualify with lower down payments and credit scores than conventional loans require.
Mortgage
Understanding Mortgage Points and Whether to Buy Them Down in the US
Learn how mortgage discount points work, what they cost, and how to calculate whether buying down your rate saves money over the life of your loan.
Mortgage
ARM Reset Coming Up: Should You Refinance Now in the US?
Your adjustable-rate mortgage is about to reset. Here's how to decide whether refinancing to a fixed rate makes financial sense for your situation.
Mortgage
Cash-Out Refinance vs. Home Equity Loan: Which Is Better in the US
Compare cash-out refinancing and home equity loans to decide which option works best for accessing your home equity in the United States.
Mortgage
HELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance in the US: Which Fits Your Needs
Compare a HELOC to a cash-out refinance to decide which home equity option works best for your financial goals, timeline, and borrowing needs.
Mortgage
Assumable Mortgages in the US: Should You Take Over an Existing Low Rate?
Compare assumable mortgage options - FHA, VA, and USDA loans - versus getting a new conventional loan, and learn when taking over a seller's low rate makes financial sense.
Mortgage
Prepayment Penalties on US Mortgages: Where They Still Exist and What They Cost
Understand where prepayment penalties still appear on US home loans, how much they cost, and how federal rules protect most borrowers from unexpected fees when paying off a mortgage early.
Mortgage
Mortgage Recasting vs Refinancing in the US: Which Option Lowers Your Payment?
Compare mortgage recasting and refinancing to find the most cost-effective way to reduce your monthly payment without starting a new 30-year term.
Mortgage
Understanding HELOC Draw and Repayment Period Costs in the US
Learn how interest accrues during a HELOC's draw and repayment periods and what you'll pay over the life of the loan.
Mortgage
Closing Costs Breakdown: What You Actually Pay at a US Home Closing
Understand the real costs you'll pay when buying or refinancing a home in the United States, from lender fees to title insurance.
Mortgage
How to Compare Two Mortgages Side by Side in the US
Learn how to compare mortgage offers side by side to find the lower true cost, including rates, fees, and total interest paid.
Mortgage
How to Read Your US Mortgage Amortization Table and Spot the Real Cost of Interest
Learn to decode your amortization schedule, understand how each payment splits between principal and interest, and see exactly how much interest you'll pay over the life of your loan.
Mortgage
How to Calculate Your HELOC Borrowing Capacity in the US
Learn how home equity lines of credit work and use the combined loan-to-value formula to estimate how much you can borrow against your home equity.
Mortgage
How to Calculate Your New ARM Payment When Rates Reset in the US
When your adjustable-rate mortgage hits its reset date, your monthly payment can change significantly. Understanding how lenders recalculate your payment helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises.
Mortgage
15-Year Versus 30-Year Mortgage: Which Saves More Money Over Time in the US
A comparison of 15-year and 30-year mortgages, showing how term length affects total interest paid and monthly payments.
Mortgage
Cash-Out Refinance vs. Home Equity Loan in the US: Which Is Right for Your Situation
Compare cash-out refinancing and home equity loans to decide which option best fits your financial goals and current mortgage situation.
Mortgage
FHA Loan vs. Conventional Mortgage: Which Is Better for Your Credit Score and Down Payment in the US
Compare FHA and conventional mortgages to see which loan type fits your credit score, down payment, and long-term costs.
Mortgage
How Federal Reserve Rate Changes Affect Mortgage Rates in the US
Learn how Federal Reserve rate decisions influence mortgage interest rates and what borrowers should watch for when planning to buy or refinance.
Mortgage
Private Mortgage Insurance in the US: How to Avoid or Remove It
Compare strategies to avoid paying PMI or cancel it once you build enough equity in your home.
Mortgage
Should I Refinance My Mortgage Now or Wait for Rates to Drop Further in the US?
Whether to refinance now or wait depends on your break-even timeline, how long you plan to stay in the home, and the real cost of waiting versus the potential savings from a future rate drop.
Mortgage
How Debt-to-Income Ratio Affects Mortgage Approval in the US
Your debt-to-income ratio is one of the most critical factors lenders evaluate when deciding whether to approve your mortgage application and at what terms.
Mortgage
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Risks When the Fed Holds Rates Steady in the US
When the Federal Reserve holds rates steady, ARM borrowers may assume their payments will stay flat too, but that is not how adjustable-rate mortgages work.
Mortgage
How Mortgage Points Work in the United States
Learn how mortgage points can reduce your interest rate, when buying points makes financial sense, and how to calculate your break-even timeline.
Mortgage
How FHA Loans Work and Who Qualifies in the US
A comprehensive guide comparing FHA and conventional loans to help you understand qualification requirements, costs, and the best option for your home purchase in the United States.
Mortgage
VA Home Loans Explained for Veterans and Active Service Members in the US
Learn how VA home loans work, who qualifies, and how to use this zero-down-payment benefit to buy a home.
Mortgage
US Mortgage Rates Today: Minimal Week-Over-Week Movement (July 7, 2026)
Mortgage and refinance rates in the United States remain largely unchanged from last week, with 30-year fixed rates hovering near recent levels and economic signals pointing to continued stability.
Mortgage
HELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance in the US: Which Fits a High-Rate Environment?
A HELOC can preserve a low first-mortgage rate, while a cash-out refinance replaces the whole loan. The better choice depends on how much equity you need, how long you will borrow, and whether your current mortgage rate is worth keeping.
Mortgage
Summer Home Buying in the US: Mortgage Rates to Expect After the July 2026 FOMC
Mortgage rates are lower than they were a year ago, but buyers should not expect the July Fed meeting to instantly reset home loan pricing. Watch Treasury yields, lender spreads, and rate-lock terms before making an offer.
Mortgage
Mortgage and Refinance Rates in the US Today, May 16, 2026
Mortgage rates moved higher in mid-May 2026 as Treasury yields rose. Buyers and refinancers should compare APRs, points, and total closing costs before locking.
Mortgage
Mortgage and Refinance Interest Rates in the US on May 4, 2026: Will Rates Rise Again This Week?
Mortgage and refinance rates moved higher on May 4, 2026. The risk of another increase this week depends mainly on inflation data, Treasury yields, and Federal Reserve signals.
Mortgage
Mortgage Rates Today in the US: June 4, 2026 Update
Mortgage rates were still near 6.5% on June 4, 2026. Here is what buyers and refinancers should know before locking a rate.
Mortgage
Mortgage and Refinance Rates Today in the US, June 23, 2026
US mortgage and refinance rates were mixed on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Borrowers should compare APR, points, and closing costs before locking.
Mortgage
How Rising Interest Rates Impact Mortgage Borrowing in the US
Higher interest rates increase monthly mortgage payments, reducing the maximum loan amount lenders will approve based on debt-to-income limits and potentially disqualifying borrowers who previously met affordability thresholds.
Mortgage
The Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady: Impact on the US Housing Market
The Federal Reserve's decision to hold rates steady creates ripple effects for mortgage borrowers and homebuyers across the United States.
Mortgage
What the Fed Rate Pause May Mean for Mortgage Interest Rates in the US
Understanding how Federal Reserve rate decisions influence mortgage rates and what a pause could mean for homebuyers and refinancers.