Mortgage Guide & Blog

Expert articles on mortgages, home buying, refinancing, and personal finance.

101 articles found

Rates & Markets·2026-09-17·12 min read

Mortgage Rates in 2026: Trends & Expert Predictions

A full analysis of current mortgage rate trends in 2026. Learn what drives rates, expert predictions, and actionable strategies.

The State of Mortgage Rates in 2026

As we move through 2026, the mortgage landscape continues to evolve. Average 30-year fixed rates fluctuate between 6.5% and 7.2%.

Where Rates Stand Right Now

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in 2026 is approximately 6.625%. The 15-year fixed rate is around 5.875%.

Key Factors Driving Rates

1. Federal Reserve Monetary Policy

The Fed's decisions on the federal funds rate directly impact mortgage rates.

2. Inflation Data

CPI reports released each month directly impact market expectations and mortgage rates.

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First-Time Buyers·2026-09-17·15 min read

First-Time Home Buyer Guide 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Roadmap

The most full guide for first-time home buyers. From saving for a down payment to getting the keys.

Welcome to Homeownership

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting and significant financial decisions you'll ever make.

Step 1: Assess Your Financial Readiness

Before you start browsing listings, take an honest look at your finances.

Check Your Credit Score

740+: Excellent — qualifies for the best rates
700-739: Good — qualifies for competitive rates
660-699: Fair — may face higher rates
Below 620: Limited options

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Loan Types·2026-09-17·10 min read

Fixed vs. Variable Mortgage Rates in 2026

Understanding the real differences between fixed-rate and variable-rate mortgages with current 2026 rates.

The Most Important Mortgage Decision

Choosing between fixed and variable rates is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make.

How Fixed-Rate Mortgages Work

With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate is locked when you close and never changes.

How Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Work

An ARM has a fixed rate for an initial period, then adjusts periodically based on a market index.

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Money Saving Tips·2026-09-17·11 min read

12 Proven Strategies to Reduce Your Mortgage Interest

Save tens of thousands in interest with these 12 proven strategies including extra payments and refinancing.

Why Reducing Interest Matters

On a $350,000 mortgage at 6.75%, you'll pay approximately $467,000 in interest over 30 years.

Strategy 1: Make One Extra Payment Per Year

Make one additional full payment each year applied directly to principal.

Strategy 2: Switch to Biweekly Payments

Instead of 12 monthly payments, make 26 half-payments per year.

Extra Payment Calculator

Mortgage Basics·2026-09-17·9 min read

Understanding Your Mortgage Payment: Complete PITI Breakdown

Your monthly mortgage payment is more than just principal and interest. Learn exactly what PITI means.

Beyond the Headline Number

Your actual monthly payment is known as PITI — Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance.

P: Principal

The principal portion goes directly toward reducing your loan balance.

I: Interest

Interest is the fee you pay the lender for borrowing money.

T: Property Taxes

Property taxes vary by location. SC has one of the lowest rates at 0.57%.

I: Insurance

Homeowners insurance is required by all lenders.

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All Mortgage Guides

Browse the complete library of TruePITI mortgage guides.

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage 2026: The Full Math Amortization Schedule: How Your Payments Really Split ARM vs Fixed Rate Mortgage 2026: Which One Saves You Money?Best Time to Buy a House in 2026: Trends & Timing Biweekly Mortgage Payments: Worth It or a Marketing Trick?Bridge Loans 2026: Finance a New Home Before Selling Buying a Second Home: Mortgage Requirements 2026 Buying a Foreclosure in 2026: Auctions, REOs & the Real Costs No-Down-Payment Mortgages 2026: Can You Really Buy?Cash-Out Refinance 2026: How Much Equity You Can Actually Tap Average Closing Costs by State in 2026 (Full Breakdown)Closing Costs Guide 2026: Home Buying Fees Breakdown Closing Day: Documents, Funds & What to Expect Co-Borrower Mortgage: How It Works and When It Makes Sense Condo Mortgage Rules 2026: Project Approval & Down Payment Construction Loans 2026: Finance Your Build Conventional Loan Requirements 2026: Credit, DTI, Down Payment Conventional vs FHA Loan: Complete Comparison Guide for 2026 Cosigner vs Co-Borrower: What Changes on Your Loan Credit Score Needed for a Mortgage in 2026 by Loan Type Credit Score Needed for a Mortgage in 2026 Down Payment Assistance Programs 2026 by State Debt-to-Income Ratio: How Much Debt Is Too Much?Earnest Money: How Much, Who Holds It, When You Get It Back Extra Principal Payments: How Much You Save FHA 203(k) Renovation Loan: Buy and Fix in One Mortgage FHA Loan Guide 2026: Requirements, Rates & Limits FHA Loan Limits 2026: Complete State-by-State Guide Final Walkthrough Checklist: What to Check Before Closing First-Time Home Buyer Guide 2026 | TruePITI 7 First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid First-Time Home Buyer Programs 2026: Every Option That Saves Fixed vs Variable Mortgage Rates Compared HELOC Rates 2026: Current Pricing & How the Draw Period Works Home Affordability by City: How Much House?Home Appraisal: How It Works, Costs & How to Prepare Home Buying Contingencies: Financing, Inspection & Appraisal Home Equity Calculator: How Much Can You Borrow?Home Equity Loan vs HELOC in 2026: Which Is Right for You?Home Inspection Checklist: What Buyers Should Look For House Hacking: Buy a Multi-Unit and Live Free in 2026 How Much Down Payment Do I Need? 2026 by Loan Type How Much House Can I Afford on a $100K Salary?How Much House Can I Afford on a $120K Salary?How Much House Can I Afford on a $150K Salary?How Much House Can I Afford on a $60K Salary?How Much House Can I Afford on an $80K Salary?How to Buy a Home in South Carolina 2026 How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Buying How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early: 7 Strategies in 2026 How to Reduce Mortgage Interest: 7 Strategies How to Remove PMI: Cancel Mortgage Insurance How to Save for a Down Payment: Real Numbers for 2026 Mortgage Calculator Explained: Every Input and What It Does Interest-Only Mortgage: How It Works, Costs & Who It Fits Jumbo Loans 2026: Requirements, Rates & How to Qualify How to Lower Homeowners Insurance: 7 Strategies That Work Manufactured Home Mortgage: FHA, VA & USDA Options The 28/36 Rule: How Much House You Can Actually Afford Mortgage After Bankruptcy: Waiting Periods & Requirements Mortgage Application Process: 6 Steps to Closing Mortgage Broker vs Bank: Where to Get Your 2026 Loan Rental Property Calculator: Cash Flow Analysis Explained Mortgage Forbearance: How It Works and What Happens After Mortgage Insurance Types: PMI vs MIP vs VA vs USDA Mortgage Interest Deduction 2026: Limits & Who Qualifies Mortgage Lender vs Broker in 2026: Which One Saves You More?Mortgage Payment Breakdown: What You Pay Monthly Are Mortgage Points Worth It in 2026? Break-Even Math Mortgage Pre-Approval Checklist: Documents Needed Mortgage Rate Forecast 2026: What Experts Expect Mortgage Rate Lock 2026: How Long, How Much, and When to Lock Mortgage APR vs Interest Rate: What\Mortgage Rates 2026: Trends & Expert Predictions 8 Mortgage Shopping Mistakes That Cost Thousands Mortgage Underwriting: What Happens After You Apply How to Negotiate Closing Costs: What Lenders Won\New Construction Mortgage: How the Two-Phase Loan Works Non-QM Loans 2026: Bank Statement & Asset-Based Options Portfolio Loans: Bank-Held Mortgages for Hard-to-Fit Borrowers Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification: What\Property Tax Appeal: How to Lower Your 2026 Assessment Mortgage Rate Buydown: 3-2-1 and 2-1 Structures Explained Refinance Calculator Guide: Find Your Breakeven Point Should I Refinance Now or Wait? The 0.75% Rule | TruePITI 7 Costly Refinancing Mistakes to Avoid Refinance vs Home Equity Loan vs HELOC in 2026 Rent vs Buy 2026: The Real Cost Comparison Rental Property Mortgage Requirements 2026: Rates & Cash Flow Reverse Mortgage Guide 2026: HECM Rules, Costs & Who Qualifies Second Mortgage: How It Works, Costs & Risks Self-Employed Mortgage: Qualify With 1099 or Business Income South Carolina Mortgage Rates 2026 Title Insurance: What It Covers and What It Costs USDA Loan Requirements 2026: 0% Down Eligibility Explained VA Loan Guide 2026: Zero-Down Benefits VA Loan Requirements 2026: Eligibility, Funding Fee, Limits What Is Escrow? How It Works for Buyers & Homeowners What Is PMI? Private Mortgage Insurance Guide When Will Mortgage Rates Drop? 2026 Outlook & What to Do Now