Don't despair if your bank says no to your mortgage request. There's still hope!

Reverse mortgages could help or hurt you in the long run. Know where you stand.

It may be more than you think!

Of all the factors that affect your home loan interest rate, most are out of your control — but there are two you can influence to tilt the best-rate odds in your favor.

A little lender shopping can’t hurt; after all, you’ve already got that first preapproval in your back pocket.

These people could be your very best friends. Or your worst nightmare.

It all depends on your decisions before you head to the Big Real Estate Market In The Sky.

If you are a borrower considering an interest-only mortgage, whether for a refinance or an initial loan, it’s critically important to weigh the significant risks and drawbacks against possible benefits for your situation.

But what if you’re close to retirement — does refinancing carry any special risks? We asked financial advisor Laura Scharr-Bykowsky, a member of NerdWallet’s Ask an Advisor network, about the pros and cons of this strategy.

We asked Forrest Baumhover — a financial planner in Tampa, Florida, and a member of NerdWallet’s Ask an Advisor network — about the key factors homeowners should consider when deciding whether they should refinance.

Is it a good idea to pay off your house as soon as possible — or should you refinance your mortgage to take advantage of lower interest rates, reduce your monthly payment and use the extra money for other needs, such as contributing to retirement accounts?

A refinance could save you thousands. Just make sure you're doing it the right way.

How to have your cake and eat it, too!

You can be your own worst enemy when it comes to getting that preapproval. Don't make these mistakes.

The first homebuying document you may see — in what will ultimately be a high pile of paperwork — is typically an official loan application form. Even if you complete the loan application process online, the required information and presentation are essentially the same.

Like a learner's permit, a pre-qual letter will get you on the road to homeownership, but there are going to be some limitations on how you can get from Point A to Point B. With a preapproval letter, you’re in the fast lane.

Some settlement agents have adopted paperless closings, but the industry has been slow to change. More than likely, a printer will be spitting out a pile of warm paper on your behalf.

Debt isn't necessarily a bad thing. Not paying off that debt, however....

Choosing a mortgage broker might seem like a no-brainer if you go with whoever quotes you the lowest rates and fees. On the surface, that seems like a win-win strategy. But the lowest rates and fees can’t make up for poor service or a lack of transparency.

Federal loan insurer provides steady source of mortgage financing for families in all markets across the country.