Smarter mortgage decisions

Weigh the benefits of a paid-off house in retirement against tapping equity. See when a HELOC or reverse mortgage line helps, and when to leave it alone.

October CPI rose 0.4%, above forecasts, and Fed Gov. Christopher Waller said a half-point December hike should be considered. What it means for fixed rates, ARMs and HELOCs.

A quitclaim deed transfers ownership without guaranteeing title, and it won't take you off the mortgage. See when to use one and how to file it.

Learn about grants and home loans for disabled individuals that can make it easier and more affordable to buy your own home.

Lenders in the 10 largest states advertised HELOC starting rates of about 6.00% to 7.25% APR in November 2026. See each lender, date and assumptions.

Income limits for each state's main first-time home buyer program, with the rule, an example limit and a link to the agency's own limits page, as of November 2026.

The 5-year ARM averaged 6.222% vs. 7.201% for a 30-year fixed on Nov. 10, 2026, a 0.979-point gap worth $259.83 a month on a $400,000 loan.

Estimated 30-year cash-out refinance rates by credit score band and loan-to-value, using Fannie Mae's cash-out LLPA grid and the Nov. 10, 2026 average refinance rate.