Get guidance from trusted mortgage experts. Most homeowners refinance for financial reasons, such as to lock in a lower interest rate or switch from an adjustable- to a fixed-rate loan. Refinancing ...

Home equity is the portion of a house that the homeowner holds outright — the difference between the house's value and the total amount they owe on the home. As their equity increases, homeowners can ...

Increasing your home's value before an appraisal can make a difference in the appraised amount, potentially raising your equity or sale price. Here are five strategies to consider: Appraisers use a ...

Get guidance from trusted mortgage experts. A lower-than-expected home appraisal can be disappointing, whether you’re purchasing a home or applying for a refinance. A home appraisal that comes in low ...

Jenni is a personal finance editor and writer. Her favorite topics are investing, mortgages, real estate, budgeting and entrepreneurship. She also hosts the Mama’s Money Map podcast, which helps ...

Ceiling heights. Ideally, the ceiling height in your converted basement will match that of the rest of your home, but if that ...