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Mortgage information, in plain language.

Short explanations for the decisions borrowers face, with links to the agencies responsible for the rules.

Start with the question you have.

How mortgage rates work

Separate the market, your scenario, and the price choices inside each offer.

30-year versus 15-year mortgage

Compare required payment, total interest, flexibility, and the time you expect to keep the loan.

How refinancing can save money

Measure the benefit after closing costs, not just the change in rate or payment.

Should I refinance right now?

Use your current loan, the new offer, closing costs, and your likely time horizon.

What starts an application

The information received matters more than the label on a form.

  1. 1Borrower name
  2. 2Income
  3. 3SSN to obtain credit
  4. 4Property address
  5. 5Estimated property value
  6. 6Loan amount sought

Loan Estimate timing

Once the creditor receives all six pieces, it generally must deliver or mail the Loan Estimate by the third business day. A Loan Estimate is not an approval, commitment to lend, or rate lock.

Read the CFPB explanation

Compare more than the headline rate.

Compare the same scenario on the same day, then review these numbers together.

Rate and APR

APR includes certain costs that the interest rate alone does not.

Points and lender credits

A lower rate can require more upfront cost, while a credit can increase the rate.

Payment and cash to close

Confirm taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, HOA dues, and final cash needs.

See current rates

Official sources

CFPB mortgage guidance

Independent guidance on shopping, applying, closing, and managing a mortgage.

Understand your Loan Estimate

A field-by-field guide to the form used to compare estimated loan terms and costs.

Find a HUD-approved counselor

Search for independent housing counseling near you, including pre-purchase guidance.

NMLS Consumer Access

Verify a mortgage company or individual originator before sharing financial information.

Fair housing rights

Learn about federal protections in mortgage lending and other housing transactions.

Privacy and legal information

Use the contact form only for general questions. Sensitive financial information belongs in the secure application flow.

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