Here’s how I look at it: 1. Figure out your *real* monthly comfort zone, not just what the lender says you can afford. 2. Add up every cost—taxes,...

I’ve actually had some luck getting a couple of those “processing” or “application” fees knocked down, but it wasn’t always straightforward. Here’s wh...

Honestly, this is why I’m always side-eyeing the whole mortgage process. It’s like, you do everything right—save up, get your credit spotless, land a ...

Definitely get where you’re coming from. That rate reset can sneak up on you, even if you plan for the worst. I always try to run numbers using a few ...

Totally agree with this part. I get the appeal of aggressively paying down principal—it's tempting to see that mortgage balance drop quicker—but hones...

Yeah, appraisals can be pretty hit or miss. When we bought our place, the appraisal came in lower than expected because the appraiser didn't factor in...

Yeah, banks can definitely surprise you sometimes. When my cousin faced foreclosure, she went straight to her lender first. They were pretty open to r...