For a lower mortgage rate, knowledge is power. Here's how to get the information you need from lenders, and how to use it to get your best deal.

First-time home buyers tend to have lower credit scores than the general population. That's okay. There are plenty of "first-time" loan programs to help.

The HARP refinance program, which allows homeowners to refinance with no equity or even negative equity, will expire at the end of 2018. If you have not yet refinanced through this plan, you have another year.

What's better if you're 62 or over and need to cash in your home equity? A reverse mortgage, or a home equity loan or line of credit? It depends, and here's what you need to know.

Does a low down payment affect a home seller's perception? Can a low down payment make it harder for your offers to be taken seriously?

A refinance mortgage, if you rent your property with Airbnb or another agency, may be harder to get or more costly. Here's why.

Fewer than 25% of mortgage consumers apply with more than one lender. Know these time-proven strategies to find the best loan and rate for you.

It may seem pretty old school, but lenders will still send a mortgage offer through snail mail to connect with a targeted customer. Is it worth considering, or should you just put it in the "circular file?"

Will buying a new car affect your mortgage application if you do it before your home loan closes? Only if you don't pay cash for the car.

House values have risen at a nice clip, providing an excellent return for recent buyers. But there is still money on the table for tomorrow's buyers.

What should a couple do with a home when they divorce? Advice and guidance.

Buying a home should not intimidate you, if you prepare for the experience. Here's what you need to know about preparing for your mortgage and your purchase.

Lender credits are just one form of mortgage pricing. But do lender credits get you a fair deal on your home loan? Or is your loan officer fast-talking you?

FHA fees and mortgage insurance make it possible to buy homes with little down. But they are not cheap.

The FHA 203(k) mortgage has a lot of advantages if you are short on cash and want to buy a fixer-upper or get cash for improvements when you refinance.

If you're behind on your mortgage payments, and you have private or government-backed mortgage insurance, you may be able to get back in control with a claim advance. A claim advance is money from your mortgage insurer used to bring your account current.

Assumable FHA loans can make you money. If rates are higher when you sell your house, you'll be able to offer your buyers a better deal than your neighbors can -- an assumable loan at a lower-than-market rate. Advantage, you.

Your FHA down payment and closing costs can come to a significant chunk of change -- or nothing at all.

Qualifying for an FHA mortgage is not rocket science. Get your documentation together and complete your application carefully, using these tips, and take your shot at home loan approval.

The economy is heating up, and the Fed is on a firm rate-hike schedule. So why aren't consumer mortgage rates rising? Analysis and advice.