Shashank Shekhar, contributor

Compare pros and cons of USDA vs FHA loans as well as minimum requirements to qualify. Find out which loan is best for you.

VA home loans are among the safest mortgage types available. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs works with lenders to keep veterans in their homes.

The USDA mortgage provides zero-down financing to home buyers in rural and suburban communities. Learn the basics, and other advantages of this program.

If you have 5% or even 3% down, should you choose a conventional loan? You might get a cheaper payment -- and $0 down -- with USDA.

New guidelines make it easier for home buyers with student loan debt to qualify for FHA in 2016.

A mortgage downpayment doesn't need to be a hard stop for today's buyer. Follow these loan program and saving strategies.

U.S. homeowners get access to a multitude of tax breaks and deductions. Read about them here, and get access to complimentary mortgage rate quotes.

CalHFA makes homeownership possible in California with just 0.5% down. Read more about CHDAP. Program details and mortgage rates here.