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 appraisals are typically required by mortgage lenders before the loan can be approved. The cost can run several hundred ...

It’s not up to us to determine a home’s worth — that’s what a licensed appraiser does. A home appraisal is an independent evaluation that provides an unbiased estimate of a property’s fair market ...

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms ...

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 ...

You can get a home appraised for free through government programs or if you’re in good financial standing. A house appraisal is a necessary, sometimes costly, part of homebuying or selling. These ...

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 ...