Making Mortgages Make Sense
Mortgage qualification, loan programs, closing costs, and state lending data.
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Rate Update
Mortgage Rates Drop as the Spread Correction Begins
April 10, 2026
The 30-year fixed fell to 6.37% for the week ending April 9, 2026, the first decline after three...
Market Analysis
What Happens to Your Mortgage If You Lose Your Job?
April 10, 2026
Job loss before closing is an approval problem. Job loss after closing is a payment problem. The rules,...
Market Analysis
Can You Get a Mortgage With Defaulted Student Loans?
April 8, 2026
Defaulted federal student loans block FHA and VA mortgage eligibility through CAIVRS (Credit Alert Interactive Voice Response System)....
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.