Mortgage & Housing Articles
Complete guides for home buyers: understand mortgages, calculate affordability, and make smart housing decisions. Updated for 2025 rates and programs.
Latest Articles
How to Use a Mortgage Calculator: Complete 2025 Homebuyer Guide
Master mortgage calculations with our comprehensive guide. Learn about principal, interest, PMI, property taxes, insurance, and how to compare 15-year vs 30-year loans.
First-Time Homebuyer Guide 2025: From Pre-Approval to Closing
Complete guide for first-time homebuyers. Learn about down payments, credit requirements, mortgage types, closing costs, and hidden expenses of homeownership.
15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage: Which Saves You More Money?
Detailed comparison of 15-year and 30-year mortgages. Calculate total interest savings, monthly payment differences, and find the best option for your financial situation.
About Mortgage & Housing
Buying a home is likely the largest financial decision you'll ever make. Our mortgage and housing guides help you navigate this complex process with confidence—from understanding how much house you can afford to choosing between mortgage options and planning your homeownership journey. Whether you're a first-time buyer overwhelmed by the process or a seasoned homeowner considering refinancing, these articles break down the numbers and strategies you need to make smart housing decisions.
What You'll Learn
- 1How to calculate what you can truly afford: the 28/36 rule and debt-to-income ratios
- 215-year vs 30-year mortgages: total interest, monthly payments, and when each makes sense
- 3Understanding PMI: when it's required, how much it costs, and how to eliminate it
- 4First-time homebuyer programs: FHA, VA, USDA loans and down payment assistance
- 5Refinancing strategies: when to refinance, break-even analysis, and cash-out considerations
- 6Hidden costs of homeownership: property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and HOA fees
Related Calculators
Put your knowledge into practice with these free tools:
Mortgage Calculator
Calculate payments with taxes and PMI
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare renting vs buying costs
Down Payment Calculator
See how down payment affects your loan
Amortization Calculator
View your payment schedule
Refinance Calculator
Should you refinance?
Home Affordability
How much house can you afford?
Quick Tips
- Get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified) before house hunting—it shows sellers you're serious
- Budget for closing costs: typically 2-5% of the home price for inspections, appraisals, title insurance, and fees
- Shop multiple lenders—rates can vary significantly, and a 0.25% difference saves thousands over the loan
- Don't make major purchases or open new credit accounts between pre-approval and closing
- Factor in all ownership costs: property taxes, insurance, HOA, maintenance (budget 1% of home value annually)
- Consider buying less house than you're approved for to maintain financial flexibility
Frequently Asked Questions
How much house can I afford?
Most lenders use the 28/36 rule: housing costs (mortgage, taxes, insurance) shouldn't exceed 28% of gross income, and total debt payments shouldn't exceed 36%. For a $100K household income, that's roughly $2,333/month for housing. However, being approved for a loan and comfortably affording it are different—many financial advisors recommend keeping housing under 25% of take-home pay.
Should I get a 15-year or 30-year mortgage?
A 15-year mortgage has higher monthly payments but saves tens of thousands in interest and builds equity faster. A 30-year mortgage offers lower payments and more flexibility. On a $400K loan at 7%, you'd pay $3,595/month for 15 years ($647K total) vs $2,661/month for 30 years ($958K total)—a $311K difference. Choose 15-year if you can comfortably afford the higher payment; otherwise, take 30-year and make extra payments when possible.
How much should I put down on a house?
20% down avoids PMI and reduces your loan amount, but isn't always necessary. FHA loans require just 3.5% down, and some conventional loans allow 3%. A smaller down payment lets you buy sooner but means higher monthly payments and PMI costs. Balance your savings, market conditions, and comfort level. Never drain your emergency fund for a down payment.
What is PMI and how do I avoid it?
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) protects the lender if you default, required when you put less than 20% down. It typically costs 0.5-1.5% of the loan annually ($100-$300/month on a $300K loan). You can avoid PMI by putting 20% down, using a piggyback loan (80/10/10), or choosing lender-paid PMI (higher rate). PMI automatically drops when you reach 22% equity.
When should I refinance my mortgage?
Consider refinancing when rates drop 0.5-1% below your current rate, your credit score has improved significantly, or you want to switch from adjustable to fixed rate. Calculate your break-even point: divide closing costs by monthly savings. If you'll stay in the home longer than the break-even period, refinancing makes sense. Don't restart a 30-year clock if you're already years into your mortgage—consider a shorter term.