Learning Center
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
What is a home equity loan?
A home equity loan is a second mortgage that lets you borrow a lump sum against your equity at a fixed rate over a set term, while your first mortgage stays exactly as it is.
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Down Payment Reality Check: How Much You Actually Need
You don't need 20% down to buy a house.
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Refinance Requirements Explained
Refinance requirements vary by loan type, but most lenders look at four things: your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, home equity, and payment history.
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How do I calculate the equity in my home?
Your home equity is your home's current market value minus everything you still owe against it. Here is the formula, a worked example, and why usable equity is smaller than the equity you own.
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How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a Conventional Loan?
The 20% rule is a myth. On a conventional loan you can put down as little as 3% as a first-time buyer or 5% otherwise, with 5% required on high-balance loans. Here is how to find your real down payment number.
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Can I Use Income From Two Jobs to Qualify for a Mortgage?
Yes, lenders can count income from a second job, as long as it has a two-year history or a documented pattern that shows it's likely to continue.
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