The Newsdesk, contributor

Shopping for a home that fits your needs and budget can be an exciting and stressful experience -- especially for first time home buyers. Planning ahead will help settle your nerves.

Generation Z, unlike previous generations, has to Recession-era baggage when it comes to real estate. These people are ready to own a home. If you're one of them, here's what you need to know.

Dogs now play a key role in Millennials' decision about home buying, outweighing getting married or even having kids. What it means for buyers and sellers.

if you're buying a home in the (expensive) Seattle area, this new program by Loftium and Umpqua Bank might help. It provides down payments to those willing to participate in the program.

This guide for first-timehome buyers covers choosing the mortgage loan which best fits your financial and emotional needs.

The Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) expires at the end of 2018, and the government wants you to know that you may be eligible to refinance today.

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

First-time home buyers have access to wide number of low- and no-downpayment mortgage loans. The 100% USDA loan is among the most aggressive programs available.

A Federal Reserve survey shows mortgage lenders making it drastically easier to get mortgage-approved. Been denied for a mortgage in the past? It's time to re-apply.

Home builders are trying to keep up with buyer demand. Prices are on the rise, but mortgage rates remain historically low. Time to start home shopping?

For the 31st straight month, the Pending Home Sales Index bested its benchmark reading of 100. It's no wonder home prices continue to rise nationwide.

There are tens of mortgage rate surveys online, and they all show different interest rates. Which are the best, and which should you ignore?

The typical first-time home buyer overpays with the 30-year fixed rate mortgage. For most, the better choice is the 5-year ARM. Read more and discover why.

Home builders are trying to keep up with fierce buyer demand. Prices are on the rise, but mortgage rates remain historically low. Is it time to start your home search?

The VA Loan Guaranty Program from the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans offer below-market rates, and 100% loans with no mortgage insurance required.

Mortgage rates shift quickly on important news. There is perhaps no bigger news in 2016 than the presidential election. How the results could affect mortgage rates today.

The VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), also known as the VA Streamline Refinance, waives verifications and credit scores. Get more information, plus access to live VA rates, here.

Home buyers are putting less money down at the time of purchase. Some of the programs they're using to get this done, and why being "house-poor" is no good.

Be proactive as a home buyer. Put strategies in place to speed the home buying process, and meet your agreed-upon closing date.

When you're shopping for a mortgage rate, the economy sets the baseline interest rate. Everything else is based on you. Here's how to get your lowest rate possible.