Mortgages & Refinancing

A look at tips from a few of our personal finance bloggers on getting and paying off home loans.

Investors have been scooping up homes to rent or flip. Sound familiar?

"I don't have enough savings for a down payment on a house. Should I borrow from my 401(k) plan?"

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Expert tips on how to get funding for first-time home flippers.

When you’re competing with a lot of other buyers, your bid needs to stand out.

Expert tips on high- and low-risk ways to cash-in on investing in real estate.

In a down market, Justin Pierce was able to buy homes for cheap, fix them up and sell them for a huge profit.

Do the math, and then decide how much debt you can stomach.

Gains among states will be uneven, but progress will continue through 2014

Mortgages won't be harder to get, but they could cost more.

You probably won't owe more than the value of the house when the loan is due.

It can be worth while if your current rate is 5% or higher.

Two government programs can help homeowners who qualify get lower rates.

You may be paying hundreds of dollars more than you need to for closing costs.

We're seeing state and federal foreclosure relief that looks unfair to taxpayers and arbitrary in its benefits.

Can a trio of new policies ease foreclosures and get the market back on track?

A little bit of financial relief is coming for some mortgage borrowers caught in the downdraft of the housing bust and foreclosure-processing mess.

Despite the uptick in homeowners choosing shorter-term loans, longer-term mortgages at today's low rates provide more flexibility.

Admit it: Whether you're 35 or 65, the prospect of retiring without a mortgage is an attractive one. No more monthly checks to your lender means extra ...

The Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) targeting homeowners with underwater mortgages may be able to provide some relief.

For a lot of borrowers, it makes sense to refinance.

Until Americans see owning a home as a good investment again, housing will continue to be a drag on the economy.

The federal government is making it easier for homeowners who owe more on their house than it's worth to qualify for its refinancing program.

Lenders say these borrowing blunders are common.

With mortgage rates so low, lots of homeowners are looking to get new loans. But be prepared to jump through a lot of hoops and weigh all the costs.

Having renters for a house you can't sell might not help you qualify for a new loan.

There may be a better way to tap your home equity.

Everyone -- even those with the best credit scores -- will be hit with higher fees.

Sometimes it makes sense to add cash or shorten the term when you refinance.

If you comparison shop for everything else, don't be afraid to put those skills to use when looking for a home loan.

Closing on your mortgage or refinancing an existing loan by December 31 could earn you a big deduction on your 2010 return.

Kimberly Lankford gives advice on claiming the dependent-care tax credit, converting to a Roth, choosing to pay off a mortgage or invest in stocks, and more.

Some homeowners who can afford to pay their loans are choosing not to.

Default is ethical only for people who can no longer afford their home because of circumstances beyond their control, such as job loss.

Refinancing now -- if you can -- may help you save a bundle.

Rates are still low, but you'll have to jump through a few hoops to qualify.

Lenders are always cooking up new variations, but most ARMs feature these common attributes.

Finding the right mortgage involves some digging. Interest rates, points, processing costs and adjustment features all affect how well a mortgage suits your needs.

Job losses and declining prices, though moderating, are still contributing to mortgage defaults and delinquencies.

Low interest rates are tantalizing, but consider the impact on your retirement plans.

Having trouble making mortgage payments? You can save your home without refinancing.

Rates may be tantalizing, but be prepared to jump through many hoops.

A homeowner looks for ways to stay afloat.

Lenders want a plumper cushion against the risk of defaults.

Paying off the mortgage may feel good, but it's not always a financially wise thing to do.

The short answer is yes. But you need a sterling credit history to get the best rate.

Putting undue pressure on a loved one is unethical, regardless of the merits of the case.

Fixed-rate mortgages are at record lows, but not everyone qualifies to reap the rewards.