Discover what a first mortgage is, its importance as a primary lien, key requirements, and tax benefits. Learn how it compares with a second mortgage and explore real-life examples.

A first mortgage is the main loan used to buy a home, and it gives the lender the first claim on the property if the borrower fails to repay. Most homebuyers rely on a first mortgage since few people ...

Mortgage loan origination is the process your lender goes through to establish your loan after you apply for a mortgage. When you close on your loan, you’ll pay a mortgage origination fee, often equal ...

A second mortgage unlocks home equity at a low interest rate, but it also comes with a second payment and higher qualification standards Written By Written by Contributor, Buy Side Alene Laney is a ...

Mortgage brokers could help you secure better rates and terms on your loan, but they won’t be the best option for everyone. Written By Written by Contributor, Buy Side Jamie Johnson is a contributor ...

Homeowners spent much of 2025 watching borrowing costs finally ease after two years of elevated rates, and by the end of the year, home equity loan interest rates had followed mortgage rates lower as ...

The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) is a pivotal U.S. federal law enacted to ensure transparency in the mortgage lending industry. By mandating financial institutions to disclose detailed mortgage ...

Part of the Truth in Lending Act, Regulation Z helps consumers understand the true cost of borrowing money and protects them from misleading or harmful lending practices. Regulation Z applies to many ...

To get the refinance you want, you need to explain your goal in words that the lender understands. This is a guide to what to ...