The Newsdesk, contributor

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.

Is a better to buy a condo or a single-family, detached home? Recently, condos have held value better. Analysis of the condo market, plus live condo mortgage rates.

Paying $100 extra per month can shave five years off your mortgage. But paying off, or paying down, your mortgage is not the best choice for everyone.

Freddie Mac reports 30-year mortgage rates dropping again, and hiding beneath 3.5%. Mortgage rates are down close to 60 basis points (0.60%) from the New Year.

Save for a home by paying rent each month. Rent-to-own homes can benefit both buyer and seller, but make sure there's a water-tight agreement in place.

Closing costs should not keep you from pursuing a refinance. The benefits of a refi often outweigh the fees -- especially when you go "zero-closing cost".

Mortgage closing costs have climbed by a small amount from 2016, according to a Bankrate.com survey. See where costs are highest, lowest.

You can estimate the additional costs of owning a home and budget accordingly to ensure an enjoyable homeownership experience.