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Mortgage Basics

Mortgages come with their own vocabulary and plenty of fine print. This hub demystifies the fundamentals — APR, property taxes and escrow, title, tax advantages, and the calculators that tie it all together — so you can make decisions from a place of understanding rather than guesswork.

All Mortgage Basics articles & guides

3 min read·Mortgage Basics

Can You Deduct Mortgage Interest in 2026? What Changed

The $750,000 mortgage interest deduction cap is now permanent under the 2025 tax law. PMI is deductible again for 2026. Rental interest goes on Schedule E, not C. Here is the plain-English version.

5 min read·Mortgage Basics

ARM vs Fixed: What Is a 5/6 ARM and When Does It Make Sense?

A 5/6 ARM carries an introductory rate for five years, then adjusts every six months. Learn how ARMs compare to fixed loans and when each makes sense.

5 min read·Mortgage Basics

Mortgage Broker vs Banker: Which Should You Use?

A mortgage broker shops many lenders for your best rate; a banker offers just one rate sheet. Learn the real difference and why combining both wins.

3 min read·Mortgage Basics

Escrow Explained: What It Is and How It Works

Escrow means two things in a mortgage: during your purchase it's a neutral third party holding funds and documents until closing; after you own the home it's an account that pays your taxes and insurance.

3 min read·Mortgage Basics

How to Get Rid of PMI: Equity, Reappraisal, and Refinancing

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) on a conventional loan cancels automatically once your balance reaches 78% of the home's original value, but you don't have to wait that long. You can request removal at 20% equity, and if your home has appreciated, a reappraisal or refinance can eliminate it even sooner.

2 min read·Mortgage Basics

What Is a Good Debt-to-Income Ratio for a Mortgage?

A good debt-to-income ratio for a mortgage is generally 36% or below, but most loan programs approve well above that, up to 50% through automated underwriting on conventional loans. "Good" depends on whether you mean comfortable or qualifying, and those are two different numbers.

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