Making Mortgages Make Sense
Mortgage qualification, loan programs, closing costs, and state lending data.
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Rate Update
Mortgage Rates: The Spread Begins to Give Some Back
June 4, 2026
The 30-year fixed averaged 6.48% for the week ending June 4, 2026, down from 6.53%. The spread that...
Rate Update
Mortgage Rates Rose as Treasury Yields Fell: The Spread Did It
May 29, 2026
The 30-year fixed survey rate rose 2 bps to 6.53% for the week ending May 28, 2026, even...
Market Analysis
Mortgage Delinquencies Q1 2026: Where the Stress Concentrates
May 27, 2026
Q1 2026 delinquencies broke a 19-quarter flat trend, but the move is concentrated in FHA (11.88%) and VA...
Mortgage Topics
Qualification & IncomeHow lenders evaluate your earnings, debts, DTI ratios, and assets to determine what you can borrow.
Credit & RiskWhat your credit score means for mortgage approval, pricing, and how to improve it.
Loan ProgramsCompare loan programs side by side: who qualifies, what each costs, and how they differ.
Mortgage ProcessStep by step from application through underwriting to closing day.
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Answer a few questions to find your pathPopular Topics
How Lenders Calculate Income
The foundation of mortgage qualification. Understand how lenders evaluate your earnings.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
One of the most important numbers in mortgage qualification. Learn how it's calculated.
Credit Score Requirements by Loan Type
Minimum scores for conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, and how your score affects pricing.
Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approval
Understand the difference and why it matters for your mortgage timeline.