Mortgage guides, with the actual numbers
Each guide explains one decision and shows what 2025 borrowers actually did, computed from the same official records as the rest of the site.
How to read a Loan Estimate, section by section
What sections A through J mean, which costs you can negotiate, and what borrowers actually paid in 2025.
Origination charges vs. total loan costs: what is negotiable
Section A is the lender's price; section D adds third-party services. How the two compare across 2025 loans.
Discount points: when buying down the rate pays off
51% of 2025 home buyers paid points. How to calculate your break-even.
Rate spread and APOR: how mortgage pricing is compared
Why this site compares lenders by APR minus the average prime offer rate, and what the numbers mean.
Why mortgage applications get denied (2025 data)
Denial rates by loan type and the reasons lenders gave, from 2025 HMDA records.
FHA vs. conventional loans: what 2025 borrowers paid
Rates, loan costs, down payments and denial rates side by side, from 2025 HMDA records.
2026 conforming loan limits explained
The 2026 baseline is $832,750. How the limit is set, high-cost areas and jumbo loans.
2026 FHA loan limits explained
FHA limits run from $541,287 to $1,249,125 in 2026. How HUD sets them.
How much do home buyers really put down?
The typical 2025 buyer put about 10% down. The full distribution, by state.
Debt-to-income ratio: what approved buyers had
The DTI ratios of 2025 home buyers, and why DTI is the top reason for denial.
How to compare mortgage lenders
A practical checklist using Loan Estimates, rate locks and the lender data on this site.
How much income do home buyers have? (2025)
The median 2025 home buyer reported $116,000 of income. By state and county.
What HMDA data is — and what it can't tell you
The federal mortgage record behind this site: coverage, privacy protections and limits.