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Learn mortgages the plain-English way
Straight answers about mortgages, from a licensed loan officer who explains the why behind every number. Browse by topic below — home buying, loan types, refinancing, home equity, rates, and the fundamentals — or scroll for the latest guides and articles.
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Home Buying
Pre-approval, down payment help, offers, and closing — the full buyer journey.
Explore Home BuyingLoan Types
FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, jumbo, DSCR and more — compared plainly.
Explore Loan TypesRefinancing
When to refinance, closing-cost math, and traps to avoid.
Explore RefinancingHome Equity
Home equity loans and HELOCs — how to put your equity to work.
Explore Home EquityRates & Market
What really drives rates, plus timely market news.
Explore Rates & MarketMortgage Basics
APR, taxes, escrow, title, and the tools that tie it together.
Explore Mortgage BasicsLatest guides & articles
How to Afford a $500k House
To afford a $500,000 home you generally need about $82,000 to $114,000 in household income, plus a down payment that can still be well under 20%.
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Mortgage Payment on a $600k House
The monthly payment on a $600,000 house at 6.25% is about $3,630 with 20% down. To afford it you generally need about $97,000 to $134,000 in household income.
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How to Afford a $750k House
To afford a $750,000 home you generally need about $119,000 to $165,000 in household income, plus a down payment strategy that keeps your loan on the right side of the conforming limit.
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How to Afford a Million Dollar House
To comfortably afford a $1 million home you generally need household income between roughly $155,000 and $220,000, a down payment of $100,000 to $200,000, and enough reserves for closing costs and a few months of payments.
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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.
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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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