Mortgage
Closing Costs Explained and How to Reduce Them for US Buyers
Compare proven strategies to lower your mortgage closing costs in the US, from lender credits to seller concessions, and find the approach that fits your situation.
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 VA Home Loans Work in the US: A Guide for Veterans and Active Service Members
VA loans offer eligible veterans and service members a path to homeownership with no down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Mortgage
First-Time Home Buyer's Guide to Mortgage Affordability in the US
Learn how lenders calculate how much house you can afford and use our mortgage affordability calculator to find your price range.
Mortgage
Mortgage Points Checklist: Should You Buy Down Your Rate in the US?
A practical checklist to help you decide whether buying mortgage discount points makes financial sense for your situation.
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.