Discover what a first mortgage is, its importance as a primary lien, key requirements, and tax benefits. Learn how it compares with a second mortgage and explore real-life examples.

Interest in mortgage loan refinancing has rocketed in recent weeks, making it clear that homeowners are paying attention to what's happening with the shifting rate environment. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage slipped to 6.13% in the week ...

A mortgage refinance swaps out your old mortgage with a new one, including a fresh set of terms and interest rate. It may or may not come with financial benefits, depending on your goals and how a new loan quote stacks up against your existing home loan.

Recent homebuyers were sold on "buy now, refi later," according to a U.S. News survey. But Fed rate cuts won't bring back record-low mortgage rates. Mortgage rates have been prohibitively high for some prospective homebuyers who gawk at their estimated ...

Caroline Basile is Forbes Advisor’s student loans and mortgages deputy editor. With experience in both the mortgage industry and as a journalist, she was previously an editor with HousingWire, where she produced daily news and feature stories. She ho..

A first mortgage is the main loan used to buy a home, and it gives the lender the first claim on the property if the borrower fails to repay. Most homebuyers rely on a first mortgage since few people can pay for a property outright. First mortgages ...