Peter Miller, contributor

Peter G. Miller, author of The Common Sense Mortgage, is a real estate writer syndicated in more than 50 newspapers nationwide. Peter has been featured on Oprah, the Today Show, Money Magazine, CNN and more.

Articles by Peter Miller

Mortgage RatesSeptember 19, 2025
Mortgage Rate History | Chart & Trends Over Time 2025
Current and historical mortgage rate charts showing average 30-year mortgage rates over time. See today's rates in context.
FHA RefinanceOctober 11, 2024
Is an FHA Streamline Refinance a Good Idea in 2025?
Explore the pros and cons of FHA Streamline Refinance and decide if it’s a good idea for lowering your mortgage payments. See how much you can save!
Cash Out RefinanceMay 2, 2024
How to Use a Cash-Out Refinance to Buy a Second Home | 2025
You can use a cash-out refinance to buy a second home or investment property using the equity in your current home. Here's how.
Buying a homeFebruary 27, 2024
Buy a Duplex With Less Than 5 Percent Down
Multi-unit property lets your tenants help pay your mortgage. And it's one way to become a landlord and still get a cheaper primary residence loan. Here's how to buy a duplex with less than 5 percent down.
About MortgagesJanuary 1, 2024
Investment property and second home mortgage rates in 2025
Investment property and second home mortgage rates are higher than standard mortgage rates. Here's what to expect.
Buying a homeSeptember 7, 2023
How the Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation loan works: 2025 guidelines
Is the Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation loan right for you? Here's how the CHOICERenovation loan is different to the HomeStyle and FHA 203 (k) loans.
Mortgage StrategyDecember 13, 2021
Can I switch mortgage lenders after locking my loan?
Is it okay to switch mortgage lenders once you have been pre-approved or does locking a rate commit you to a lender?
VA LoansOctober 21, 2021
No VA loan limits: Can I get a VA jumbo loan in 2025?
Mortgage NewsSeptember 15, 2021
HIRO Mortgage Program 2025: High LTV Refinance Option
The HIRO program (high-LTV refinance option) lets homeowners refinance into today's low mortgage rates with little or no equity and easier documentation.
Mortgage ProductsSeptember 15, 2021
FMERR 2025 guidelines and eligibility: The Freddie Mac Enhanced Relief Refinance Program
FMERR – the Enhanced Relief Refinance Program – allows homeowners to refinance into a lower rate with little or no home equity. Do you qualify?
Buying a homeJune 24, 2021
What happens after underwriting? Mortgage approval and closing
Final approval from the underwriter is a big step, but it's not the last step. Your lender will conduct a final review and some quality control.
Mortgage StrategyJanuary 21, 2021
Can I lock rates with multiple mortgage lenders?
If you're worried about home loan approval, or locking the best rate, here's when applying with multiple lenders is a good idea.
Mortgage NewsNovember 11, 2020
What Biden means for mortgage rates, housing policy, and real estate
Learn what Biden's presidency means for mortgage rates, housing policy, real estate, and renters in the coming years.
ForecastsNovember 3, 2020
Forecast: Will the 2020 election change mortgage rates?
Mortgage rates shot up after the 2016 election. But will they do the same in 2020? See our mortgage rate forecast and historical perspective here.
Mortgage ProductsNovember 2, 2020
Jumbo mortgage rates: Jumbo loan rates and requirements for 2025
Jumbo mortgage rates are low, good news for those who need larger loans. Here's why jumbo rates are low and how to get one.
Buying a homeOctober 13, 2020
U.S. home prices hit a record high in 2020. Is home buying still affordable?
The median U.S. home price hit a record high during coronavirus. But thanks to low rates, home buying is still affordable for many.
Mortgage NewsSeptember 18, 2020
Refinance soon to avoid the FHFA adverse market refinance fee
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's 0.5% refinance fee is delayed until December 1. But to avoid the fee and higher refinance rates, you need to apply sooner than that.
Mortgage NewsAugust 21, 2020
Refinancing just got more expensive, thanks to this new fee
A new fee will be added to conventional mortgage refinances on September 1. Will this mean higher refinance rates? For some, it's likely.
Mortgage NewsAugust 10, 2020
Cracks in COVID mortgage forbearance plans start to appear
As COVID mortgage forbearance plans end, issues are coming to light for some homeowners. Here are a few questions to ask now to avoid surprises later on.
Buying a homeAugust 3, 2020
Coronavirus has “die-hard urbanites” moving to the ‘burbs
Tons of people are moving during coronavirus. Home buying numbers are up 21% from last year. Considering a move? Here's what to know.

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