Trending
How to Refinance a Mortgage: A Beginner’s Guide
Refinancing has upfront costs, but you can save over time — especially if you time it right (like when rates drop).
Learn About
Mortgages
Your one-stop shop for NerdWallet's mortgage expertise: Calculate what you can afford, learn about loan types, and get started if you're ready to buy or sell a home.
Browse Articles
EXPLORE BY:
How Much Does It Cost To Refinance a Mortgage?
Most refinances cost 2% to 6% of the new loan amount — and even a “no closing costs” refinance doesn’t come free.
Mortgage Refinance to Pay Off Debt
Can I Refinance My Mortgage With Bad Credit?
You may be able to refinance a mortgage with a lower credit score. Credit requirements vary by lender and the type of loan.
How to Get the Best Mortgage Rate
You can get the best mortgage rate by knowing what lenders are looking for, shopping around and paying aggressively upfront.
Mortgage Rate Lock: When Do I Lock In My Interest Rate?
A mortgage rate lock freezes your interest rate until loan closing to protect your homebuying power from rate hikes.
Mortgage Rates Slightly Lower This Week While Jobs Data Portends a Rise
A strong labor market is great news for the U.S. economy, but it could mean mortgage rates are less likely to drop.
What Is a Construction Loan and How Does it Work?
Construction loans pay for home building or renovations and are paid in full or converted to permanent mortgages when the work is completed.
Conventional Loan Requirements for 2026
Conventional loan requirements are generally stricter than government-backed mortgages.
What Are Non-QM Loans?
For creditworthy borrowers who don’t meet traditional lending requirements, a non-QM loan can provide a (more expensive) path to homeownership.
Author insights
With 250+ articles and 80+ years of combined expertise, our team helps you make confident financial choices. Discover more from NerdWallet's writers and strategists.
Authors Published In
Explore more on Shopping for a Mortgage
Latest articles
How to Buy Land to Build a House
You can choose between raw, unimproved or improved land, each with its own level of development.
Mortgage Rates Today, Tuesday, August 11: Kind of a Big Jump
TL;DR: Mortgage rates rose enough today that you might be feeling some sticker shock.
Mortgage Rates Today, Monday, August 10: A Little Higher
TL;DR: Mortgage rates went up today, but not enough to bust your homebuying budget.
Mortgage Rates Today, Friday, August 7: Higher for Now
TL;DR: Mortgage rates were up this morning, but today's weak hiring numbers could bring rates down a bit.
Mortgage Rates Flatten, but They’re Already Higher Than July’s Average
Mortgage rates were mostly the same this week, as markets juggle jobs data and news from Iran.
Mortgage Rates Today, Thursday, August 6: Lower
TL;DR: Mortgage rates slid enough today to get home buyers' attention.
Mortgage Rates Today, Wednesday, August 5: Noticeably Lower
TL;DR: Mortgage rates slid enough today to get home buyers' attention.
August Mortgage Outlook: Rates Heading Higher
Renewed fighting in Iran and a lack of clarity from the Federal Reserve are likely to push up mortgage rates.
Fed Didn’t Raise Rates After All — Will Mortgage Rates Fall?
Mortgage rates rose this week as the Federal Reserve voted to leave overnight borrowing rates unchanged.
Weekly Mortgage Rates Tick Up, But Seasoned Shoppers Shrug
Whether today's mortgage rates feel discouraging or encouraging depends on when your home search began.
Mortgage Rates Today, Friday, July 17: A Little Higher
TL;DR: Mortgage rates went up again today.
As Mortgage Rates Hit 10-Month Peak, Here’s What It Means for Home Buyers
This week, mortgage interest rates reached their highest point since September.
Mortgage Rates Rise as Iran Ceasefire Crumbles
Renewed conflict rekindles inflation fears, pushing up mortgage interest rates.
Weekly Mortgage Rates Dip; Fed Rate Hike Unlikely After Jobs Data
Here are the numbers for home buyers — and what you can do to make them manageable.
July Mortgage Outlook: Rates Are Stuck, and We’ll Explain Why
With a Fed rate cut out of the question, mortgage interest rates are likely to remain near their current levels.
Weekly Mortgage Rates Edge Higher, Inflation Remains Hot
Today's Personal Consumption Expenditures index suggests that the Fed may be in no hurry to cut interest rates.
Fed Holds Funds Rate Steady as Mortgage Rates Ease
Today's decision is likely less consequential than our first glimpses of a Warsh-led Federal Reserve.
Weekly Mortgage Rates Climb as Inflation Hits Three-Year High
The latest Consumer Price Index seemingly confirms the fate of next week's Fed meeting: A rate cut is definitely not in order.
Mortgage Rates Slightly Lower This Week While Jobs Data Portends a Rise
A strong labor market is great news for the U.S. economy, but it could mean mortgage rates are less likely to drop.
Want to Use a HELOC to Pay Off Debt? Read This First
You could get a lower interest rate, but there are risks to consider before taking on a second mortgage.