A home equity loan lets you borrow money using your home as collateral and repay it with fixed-rate interest over a term. Learn what a home equity loan is, how it works and how to compare rates and lenders.

Mortgage insurance protects the investor or noteholder if the borrower defaults on the loan. It lowers the investor’s risk when funding a home loan. In most cases, if you pay at least 20% down on your home, you’re not required to carry mortgage insurance.

What is an escrow account? An escrow account is where funds are held to pay property tax and insurance bills on your behalf. If your loan is escrowed, a part of your mortgage payment goes into your escrow account every month. Why did my monthly payment change?

A short sale allows you to sell your home for less than you owe on the mortgage, pending investor approval. Note: If you have equity in your home—meaning the home’s value is greater than the amount owed—you should pursue a traditional home sale instead.

A home equity loan lets you borrow money using your home as collateral and repay it with fixed-rate interest over a term. Learn what a home equity loan is, how it works and how to compare rates and lenders.

Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) allow homeowners to tap into the value of their home... Learn how a home equity loan works, how to compare it with a HELOC, and what factors affect the interest rate and tax deduction.

In the early years of your loan, the principal portion is small, but it increases with each payment and helps you build equity. This is the amount your lender charges for the money you borrowed. In the early years of your loan, the interest portion is larger, but it lessens with ea...

A home equity loan lets you borrow money using your home as collateral and repay it with fixed-rate interest over a term. Learn what a home equity loan is, how it works and how to compare rates and lenders.

A home equity loan lets you borrow money using your home as collateral and repay it with fixed-rate interest over a term. Learn what a home equity loan is, how it works and how to compare rates and lenders.

Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) allow homeowners to tap into the value of their home... Learn how a home equity loan works, how to compare it with a HELOC, and what factors affect the interest rate and tax deduction.