Payment Programs

It’s too hard to qualify for a home loan. Lenders are reluctant to give conventional mortgages to people without pristine credit.

Should I refinance into an interest-only mortgage?

Adjustable-rate mortgages, with their low introductory rates, can be good for borrowers who plan to move or pay off their mortgage a few years after buying a home.

Some homeowners are able to buy without the backing of the government. Are you?

An FHA-backed loan might be just what you need to get that remodeling project off the ground.

Credit scores are critical to the home buying process.

Learn how a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage keeps your interest rate the same for the life of the loan, with lower monthly payments than shorter-term options.

Conforming loans are backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and are typically below $636,150. Nonconforming or "jumbo" loans have higher values and interest rates.

FHA loans allow down payments of 10% — or even 3.5%, depending on your credit score. For buyers with higher credit scores, other low-down-payment loans are available, too.

An FHA loan allows a smaller down payment and has relaxed qualifications and often a lower rate. The downside: Mortgage interest premiums commonly last for the life of the loan.

Let’s be real: Rejection hurts. It’s particularly hard if you’re denied for a mortgage preapproval, which is one of the biggest hurdles in the home-buying process.

Online mortgage lenders, web marketplaces, new brokers and non-bank lenders are all trying to make it easier to get a mortgage.

Mortgages from the Department of Veterans Affairs are known for not requiring a down payment. So why in the world would you make one? Here are five good reasons to put some money down on a VA loan.

The misdeeds of a few rogue bankers in London are going to cause headaches for millions of American home buyers and homeowners.

It is often said that home ownership builds wealth. So, what is home equity, and how can it enhance your net worth?

Perhaps you feel more at home surrounded by pastures than pavement. If so, buying a home might be well within reach, thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture mortgage program. In fact, the USDA might have one of the government’s least-known mortgage assistance programs.

VA loans play an important role in putting our military-serving citizens into a home of their own.

A mortgage with no down payment seems a little bit like scoring a buy-a-home lottery ticket.

There may be more ways than you think to chip away at your monthly payment.

You can still have that piece of the American dream. You just may need to sign a few more forms.

First rule; don't panic. Second rule; call your mortgage provider.

A financial emergency doesn't have to break you. Or your bank

You've taken the hit. These lenders are here to help you recover as quickly as possible.

Learn from their example. It's possible to turn your credit around.

Spoiler alert: Any way you can.

Securing the best interest rates can maximize your financial success in the real estate market. Implement these strategies today!

You can refinance or recast your mortgage. Or you can create your own DIY mortgage restructuring plan. We compare so you can decide.

You’ll save yourself thousands if you know why people mess up.

Classic advice — with a few modern twists for today’s homeowners.

Mortgage recasting is one way to reduce your monthly mortgage payments. It’s less common than refinancing or modifying a loan, and it’s rarely advertised, but it decreases mortgage payments for those who can apply a lump sum toward their loan’s principal.

If your home's value exceeds your mortgage balance, you've built equity. Discover how to leverage that equity effectively and unlock spending power.

With some credit report errors not getting fixed by either the credit reporting bureau or credit card companies, at least you have the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in your corner.

The first day of school isn’t here yet, but it’s not too early to start budgeting for the upcoming semester — especially considering the amount you’ll probably spend before the first class even starts.

What are they? How can they help you? Read on...

Should you invest extra cash or use it to pay off your mortgage?

It sounds like a great idea, but is it? Really?

It sounds like a great idea, but will it work for you?

It's time to put away old fashioned notions of down payments. Home buying in the 21st century is a little different.

Government loan or bank mortgage? Bank mortgage or government loan? How do you know what to pick?

You don't have to be a lifelong renter. There's more help out there than you might think.

One of the biggest misconceptions of homebuying? The 20% down payment. Here’s how to buy with a lot less down.

It may be sooner than you think, depending on these factors...

Reverse Mortgages aren't for anyone. Find out if they're right for you!

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are a great benefit to first-time home buyers and others. Learn more about them here.

When a lender says you don’t qualify for a mortgage refinance, you may be able to fix what’s wrong or find another lender willing to step up.

That three-story mansion might be nice, but would your bank account prefer a ranch house in the country instead? Here's how to find out.

This refinance method can help in the short-term, but be careful how you take advantage of it.

The people you work with during your real estate transaction could have a big impact on the success or failure of that transaction.

Knowing where you want to be when your mortgage is paid off could be more important than the length of your term.

It's great being your own boss. Not so great being your own accountant, banker and mortgage advisor as well.

Specific rates can depend on specific circumstances. Yours could have an impact on your mortgage rate.

Spoiler alert: Find out at least a year before you buy to avoid any potential heartbreaks.

You could get a better mortgage rate with a little investigation.

Knowing may be half the battle, but knowing the right information is essential.

You can find a lot of help with your down payment. If you know where to look.

Discover how credit counseling can empower homebuyers. Learn about improving credit scores, managing debt, and enhancing your chances of mortgage approval.

Four basic steps can get you to your goal: Knowing how much you’ll need, socking the money away, tapping any available outside sources to seed your fund and gaining a small edge with interest.

You know there’s plenty to do before you get to the really serious house hunting, but it’s hard to resist. Hang on, you’re almost there. You’ve got to have one thing in hand before the fun begins: your preapproval letter.

It’s convenient. Immediate. We’re programmed to believe it. But are online mortgage lenders consistently offering the lowest mortgage rates?

The survey found that borrowers who start looking for a mortgage before they go house hunting and those who shop multiple mortgage lenders for their home loan tend to be more satisfied. It also named the most-favored and most-improved lenders for customer satisfaction.

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

Find the right mortgage broker with these essential questions to ensure you get the best guidance and mortgage options tailored to your needs.

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

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.

Discover everything you need to know about escrow in real estate. Understand the process, types, and costs for a smooth property transaction.

Discover the first major update to mortgage application forms in 20 years, designed to simplify the process and improve clarity for applicants. Learn what to expect.

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

Just because you WANT to refinance doesn't mean you CAN. Don't get caught unaware.

How to have your cake and eat it, too!

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

What you spend the money on matters as well. Here are five uses for home equity that can make sense.

Is this a good time for you to open a HELOC? Let’s consider the pros and cons.

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

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

Are you on track to retire well? You could be with a better credit score. Find out here.

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

It may be more than you think!

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

Don't lose hope. You can still dodge that foreclosure and save your finances.

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

Want to buy a bigger house? Follow these tips to make your credit score stand out.