Mortgage
US Mortgage Rate Forecast After the September 15-16 FOMC Meeting
What to expect for mortgage rates following the Federal Reserve's September 2026 policy meeting and how borrowers should respond.
Mark Stevenson
Author
Mortgage rate writer. Tracks Federal Reserve policy decisions, 10-year Treasury yields, and their downstream effect on 30-year fixed and adjustable mortgage rates for US buyers.
- mortgage
- mortgage-rates
- refinance
- home-buying
Published articles
Mortgage
VA Home Loans Explained for Veterans and Active Service Members in the US
Discover how VA home loans help veterans and active military buy homes with zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Mortgage
When Does It Make Sense to Refinance Your Mortgage in the US
Compare refinancing scenarios to determine whether rate-and-term, cash-out, or holding your current loan offers the best financial outcome for your situation.
Mortgage
Closing Costs Explained: How US Home Buyers Can Reduce Fees
Learn what closing costs include, how much to expect, and proven strategies to reduce fees when buying a home in the United States.
Mortgage
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage in the US
Compare the most effective strategies to raise your credit score before you apply for a home loan, from paying down debt to disputing errors.
Mortgage
How an Escrow Account Works on a US Mortgage: Complete Checklist
A step-by-step checklist explaining how mortgage escrow accounts work, what they cover, and what homeowners need to know about escrow payments.
Mortgage
Mortgage Forbearance in the US: What It Pauses and What It Does Not
Forbearance temporarily pauses your mortgage payments during financial hardship, but interest continues to accrue and other homeownership costs remain your responsibility.
Mortgage
Second Home vs. Investment Property in the US: How Lenders and Taxes Differ
Lenders and the IRS classify second homes and investment properties differently, and those distinctions affect your down payment, interest rate, and tax deductions.
Mortgage
Understanding Escrow Shortages in the US: Why Your Mortgage Payment Jumped and What to Do
Escrow shortages happen when property taxes or insurance premiums increase more than your lender anticipated, forcing your monthly mortgage payment higher.
Mortgage
When to Lock Versus Float Your Mortgage Rate Before the September FOMC Meeting in the US
Learn whether to lock your mortgage rate now or wait until after the Federal Reserve's September meeting, and how FOMC decisions impact your rate strategy.
Mortgage
How to Calculate Rental Yield on a US Investment Property
Learn the formulas for gross and net rental yield, understand what each number reveals about your investment property's performance, and see how to compare properties effectively.
Mortgage
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments in the US: How Much Interest You Actually Save
Switching from monthly to bi-weekly mortgage payments accelerates payoff and cuts total interest by making one extra full payment per year through the calendar math of 26 half-payments instead of 12 full ones.
Mortgage
Understanding Your Full Amortization Schedule in the US
See exactly how much of each mortgage payment goes to principal versus interest over the life of your loan.
Mortgage
HELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance: Which Is Better for Accessing Home Equity in the US (2026)
Compare HELOCs and cash-out refinancing to decide which option works best for tapping your home equity in today's market.
Mortgage
Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification: 7 Things Sellers Expect in the US
Understand the critical differences between mortgage pre-qualification and pre-approval, and learn what sellers prioritize when evaluating competing offers in today's US housing market.
Mortgage
USDA Home Loans: Zero-Down Mortgages for Rural and Suburban Buyers in the US
USDA loans offer zero-down financing for eligible rural and suburban homebuyers with competitive rates and flexible credit requirements.
Mortgage
Back-to-School Season and Home Buying: Timing the Market in August in the US
August presents unique opportunities and challenges for home buyers as families prioritize settling before school starts, often reducing competition and creating potential for better deals.
Mortgage
FHA Loan vs. Conventional Mortgage: Which Is Right for First-Time Buyers in the US
First-time buyers in the US typically choose between FHA loans (3.5% down, easier credit standards) and conventional mortgages (higher credit requirements, lower costs with 20% down). Your best option depends on your credit score, down payment savings, and how long you plan to stay in the home.
Mortgage
Summer Home Buying 2026: Mortgage Rates and What to Expect After the July FOMC in the US
Mortgage rates remain elevated following the July 2026 FOMC meeting, with the Federal Reserve holding rates steady as inflation persists above target.
Mortgage
VA Loan Eligibility Requirements for Veterans in the US
Learn the service, credit, and property requirements to qualify for a VA home loan in 2026.
Mortgage
5 Situations When Refinancing Your Mortgage Makes Sense in the US
Refinancing your mortgage can save you thousands, but timing matters. Learn the five key scenarios when refinancing makes financial sense for US homeowners.
Mortgage
VA Loan Eligibility Requirements for Veterans in the US (2026 Guide)
Learn who qualifies for a VA home loan in 2026, from service requirements to credit standards and how to get your Certificate of Eligibility.
Mortgage
HELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance in a High-Rate Environment: A US Comparison
When mortgage rates are elevated, choosing between a HELOC and a cash-out refinance requires careful analysis of rate structures, costs, and your existing mortgage terms.
Mortgage
Conforming Loan Limits 2026: How They Affect Your Mortgage Options in the US
Understanding the 2026 conforming loan limits helps you choose between conventional and jumbo financing and potentially save thousands on your mortgage.
Mortgage
Home Equity Line of Credit Explained: How a HELOC Works in the US
A HELOC lets you borrow against your home equity with a revolving credit line, offering flexible access to funds for major expenses.
Mortgage
How to Compare Fixed-Rate and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages in the US
Choosing between a stable interest rate and a fluctuating one is a critical housing decision. Learn how fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages work in the US to make an informed choice.
Mortgage
First-Time Home Buyer Guide to Getting a Mortgage in the United States
Learn how first-time home buyers can navigate the mortgage process in the US, from pre-approval through closing, with clear explanations of loan types, qualification requirements, and available programs.
Mortgage
VA Loan Eligibility Guide for Veterans Buying a Home in the US in Summer 2026
VA loan eligibility starts with your service history, but approval also depends on the property, occupancy, credit, income, and lender underwriting. Here is the summer 2026 checklist veterans can use before shopping for a home.
Mortgage
Mortgage and Refinance Interest Rates Today in the US: June 28, 2026
Mortgage and refinance rates were slightly lower than earlier in the week, but affordability remains tight. Borrowers should compare APRs, points, and closing costs before locking.
Mortgage
Fed Rate Cuts and Mortgage Rates in the US: What Buyers Can Expect in 2026
Fed rate cuts do not automatically make mortgage rates fall. In 2026, buyers should watch Treasury yields, inflation, and lender quotes more closely than headlines alone.
Mortgage
Mortgage and Refinance Interest Rates Rise in the US: June 3, 2026 Update
US mortgage rates reversed recent declines today, with 30-year fixed rates climbing back above recent lows as bond markets react to stronger-than-expected economic data.
Mortgage
US Mortgage and Refinance Interest Rates Today, June 20, 2026: Fixed Rates Continue to Fall
Fixed-rate mortgage rates in the United States have declined for the third consecutive week as of June 20, 2026, creating opportunities for both homebuyers and refinance candidates.
Mortgage
Mortgage and Refinance Interest Rates Today, Sunday, May 31, 2026: Fixed Rates Edge Lower, ARMs Remain Volatile
Fixed-rate mortgages decline modestly while adjustable-rate mortgages show continued volatility as markets digest recent Federal Reserve signals and economic data.
Mortgage
Fixed vs Variable Rate Mortgage: Which Option Suits Your Situation
Learn how to choose between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage by evaluating your budget, timeline, and risk tolerance.
Mortgage
How to Qualify for an FHA Loan with a Lower Credit Score
FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 500. Learn the exact qualification requirements, down payment rules, and steps to get approved even with challenged credit.
Mortgage
How to Refinance Your Mortgage: A Step-by-Step Guide to Lower Your Rate or Tap Home Equity
Learn how to refinance your mortgage with this complete guide covering credit checks, break-even calculations, rate shopping, and closing the deal.
Mortgage
Tax Planning for Real Estate Investors Before Filing Your Return
Essential tax deductions and planning steps every property investor should review before filing to maximize savings and stay compliant with IRS rules.