The HomeTurf Blog
Guides on mortgages, refinancing, and how a reverse auction helps you get competing offers. Now in beta.
When Should You Refinance? How to Find Your Break-Even Point
Find out when refinancing makes sense, how to calculate your break even point, and why comparing several refinance offers can change the math in your favor.
Temporary Mortgage Buydowns: How 2-1 and 3-2-1 Buydowns Work
See how 2-1 and 3-2-1 buydowns temporarily lower your monthly payments, who typically funds them, and how they stack up against permanent discount points.
What Is PMI? Private Mortgage Insurance and How to Remove It
Understand what private mortgage insurance is, when lenders require it, what drives the premium, and how to cancel PMI as your equity grows. Now in beta.
Mortgage Closing Costs Explained: What You Pay and What Is Negotiable
See what goes into mortgage closing costs, which fees vary by lender, which you can negotiate, and how comparing several offers reveals charges to question.
How to Read a Loan Estimate and Compare Offers Line by Line
Learn what every section of a Loan Estimate means, which fees lenders control, and how to compare offers line by line with confidence. Now in beta.
FHA vs Conventional Loans: Which One Fits Your Finances?
Compare FHA and conventional loans on credit score, down payment, and mortgage insurance so you can choose the loan type that truly fits your finances.
Debt to Income Ratio: How Lenders Decide How Much House You Can Afford
Learn how lenders calculate your debt to income ratio, the DTI limits for common loan types, and practical ways to lower yours before you apply for a loan.
Cash-Out Refinance vs HELOC: Which Way to Tap Your Equity?
Compare a cash out refinance with a HELOC, see when each option fits, and learn why protecting a low first mortgage rate often shapes the smarter choice.
Assumable Mortgages: How Buyers Take Over a Seller's Low Rate
Learn how assumable mortgages let buyers take over a seller's existing rate, which loan types qualify, and how to weigh an assumption against a new loan.
15 vs 30 Year Mortgage: How to Pick the Right Loan Term
Weigh a 15 year mortgage against a 30 year on monthly payment, total interest, and flexibility, plus how lender competition affects rates for each term.
How to Shop for a Mortgage Without Hurting Your Credit
Worried that comparing lenders will hurt your score? Here is how the rate-shopping window works and how to gather offers with confidence. Now in beta.
Mortgage Rate Locks: When Should You Lock Your Rate?
A rate lock protects your quoted rate while you close. Learn how locks work, when to lock, and how to compare lock terms across offers with confidence. Now in beta.
Mortgage Discount Points: Should You Buy Down Your Rate?
Discount points let you pay upfront for a lower rate. Learn how points work, how they compare to lender credits, and when buying down makes sense. Now in beta.
How to Get the Best Mortgage Rate
Learn what the best mortgage rate really means and the practical levers you control to improve your offer, including getting lenders to compete. Now in beta.
How Many Mortgage Lenders Should You Compare?
Comparing several mortgage lenders helps you judge an offer on its real merits. Here is how many to weigh and what to look at when you do. Now in beta.
Fixed vs Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: Which Is Right for You?
Understand how fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages work, who each suits, and how to compare competing offers like-for-like with confidence. Now in beta.
What Credit Score Do You Need for a Good Mortgage Rate?
See how credit score tiers shape mortgage pricing, which ranges lenders look at, and how to strengthen yours before you apply with confidence. Now in beta.
APR vs Interest Rate: What Is the Difference?
See how APR and the interest rate differ, why APR folds in certain loan costs, and how to use each to compare mortgage offers with confidence. Now in beta.
What N.M.L.S. Verification Means for You as a Borrower
Every lender on HomeTurf is checked against the N.M.L.S. before they can bid. Here is what that verification is and why it protects you. Now in beta.
Purchase vs. Refinance Auctions: Which One Should You Run?
A plain guide to when a purchase auction makes sense versus a refinance auction, what each one asks for, and how to decide. Now in beta.
Pre-Approval vs. Beat My Rate: Which Auction Should You Run?
Two HomeTurf auction types for two different moments: getting ready to buy, and testing whether lenders can improve on an offer you already have. Now in beta.
How a Reverse Auction for Your Mortgage Actually Works
See how a reverse auction lets verified lenders compete for your loan while you stay anonymous, and how to start one in minutes. Now in beta.
How to Compare Lender Offers Beyond the Interest Rate
The interest rate is only part of a mortgage offer. Here is what else to weigh, from fees to timelines, so you can compare offers with confidence. Now in beta.